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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 9, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 21 of 24 12. #15-3787 DAVID AND LISA WIPSON, 2264 SHADYWOOD ROAD, VARIANCE – RESOLUTION NO. 6560 City Planner Curtis stated the applicants are requesting approval of a structural coverage variance to allow construction of a two-level detached garage with a 289 square foot footprint resulting in 16.9 percent structural coverage on the property. The home does not have a basement and the applicant has expressed a need for a storm shelter in addition to the added storage. Additionally, as part of this application, the applicants are requesting approval of a second driveway curb cut accessing to the rear of the property. At its October meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and reviewed the application. There were no comments from the public at that time. The Commission voted 4-0 on a motion in favor of approval of the variance requested. An amendment recommending the applicant be required to provide evidence that the detached garage meets structural requirements for a storm shelter was included in the motion. In discussing the recommendation with the building official, Staff has learned there are no City requirements for single-family homes to provide storm shelters. The Code says if an area is designated as a storm shelter, it must comply with the wind load requirements of the International Building Code. Staff does not recommend the proposed garage conform to the storm shelter construction requirements as the garage will be required to meet the wind loads in the Residential Building Code. Curtis noted the applicants’ request does not exceed the total square footage of the 2014 application. Therefore, Staff’s recommendation is for approval. The Council should consider the request for a second driveway approach and structural overage variance. An approval resolution has been provided for Council review. Levang asked what the difference is between this application and the prior application that was approved. Curtis stated the current owner of the home is taking the total footprint and cumulative overhang and putting it into one building rather than two structures, which is the main difference and is more functional for the applicant. Levang stated she does not have a problem with the application. Walsh stated he also does not have a problem with the application and that it appears to be more about functionality than a storm shelter. Wipson stated under the previous application, they were proposing to add six feet on to the side of the garage. Due to the utility easement and a 12 x 12 structure, it just was not functional. Wipson stated having the garage with a basement where there is concrete on top also means a lot to them as a safe haven. McMillan asked if part of that road is on their property. Wipson indicated it is.