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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, October 19,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis stated the applicants' home is newly constructed but does not have a basement. Last year the <br /> previous owners received variances in order to permit construction of a small addition to the home to <br /> allow far additional starage space and a two-level shed to provide additional storage as well as a severe <br /> weather shelter. The home addition and shed were not constructed. <br /> The current owners are proposing to construct a detached garage to meet their storage needs as well as to <br /> serve as a storm shelter. The applicants are requesting a structural coverage variance to permit <br /> construction of a two-story detached garage on the property to be served by a new driveway on the rear. <br /> The footprint of the proposed garage results in the same calculable level of structure as the 2014 <br /> approvals but includes a larger cantilevered floor on the top level. Due to the location of the proposed <br /> garage, a second driveway access would need to be approved by the City Council. <br /> The new garage is proposed to be 19.25 feet wide and 19 feet deep on the garage level with a 2.5 foot roof <br /> overhang. The lower level is 19 feet wide by 15 feet deep. The additional four feet of depth on the <br /> garage level is proposed to be achieved with a cantilevered floor. The definition of building footprint <br /> does not count the cantilevered floar area because it is greater than four feet above grade. Staff believes <br /> the additional4-foot cantilevered garage floor with a 2.5 foot roof overhang exacerbates the massing <br /> effect of the proposed garage. <br /> Staff finds that the location of the sewer easement, the lack of a basement, and the existing structural level <br /> create practical difficulties far expanding the home or constructing a detached garage. Staff recommends <br /> the Commission consider the current request against the previous approvals, which are still in effect. The <br /> applicant does not wish to add on to the home as was previously contemplated. Limiting current <br /> approvals for an enlarged shed/garage to the total square footage permitted in 2014 may be an appropriate <br /> consideration. Staff further suggests the Commission discuss the effects of the additional visible massing <br /> resulting from the 4-foot cantilever with 2.5 foot roof overhangs. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if the City or state would have any severe weather requirements for the building when <br /> someone constructs a slab on grade home in Orono. <br /> Curtis stated not to her knowledge. <br /> Page 17 of 44 <br />