03-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 9. #16-3803 STONEWOOD, LLC, ON BEHALF OF TASHITAA TUFAA, 1830 SHORELINE DRIVE, VARIANCES AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (continued) Walsh stated from the standpoint that there is other construction going on in this neighborhood, this site has to stand on its own, as all sites do, and that he cannot compare it to a house that was built 30 years ago. Walsh commented he could come up with properties that have 50 percent hardcover but that does not mean this lot should have that much, especially when it is a vacant lot. Walsh stated he understands that when they talked about this the last time, the applicant elected to table it rather than have the Council vote on it and likely deny it. Walsh stated nothing has changed really from the original plan except for the three feet in the side setback from Heritage but that it was not a variance issue. Walsh stated he does not see a lot of direction that got changed. Klint noted they originally started with four or five variances and that they have eliminated the fence variance. Klint stated they have reduced the setback encroachment and that there are nonconforming lot issues in addition to the conditional use permit. Klint indicated he is not sure which ones they did not address and that he takes offense when Council Member Walsh says that they did not much change. Klint noted they are unable to change two of the variances due to the nonconforming lot. Walsh noted the Mayor said those variances were a given at the last meeting and that they were not an issue. Walsh stated it was likely the fence was not going to get approved. Klint stated the fence variance has been eliminated but that the conditional use permit is necessary to move a lot of dirt to get a house built on the lot. Klint noted they have reduced the side yard setback. Walsh stated the curb cut also requires Council approval. Gustafson stated after the last Council meeting, they consulted with their client and worked through the issues as best they could. Gustafson stated the design incorporates the elements that are important to their client and the driveway addresses the safety issue of having someone back out onto the road and is consistent with the neighborhood. Gustafson stated in their view the design makes sense. Gustafson noted the conditional use permit was not a major issue at the last meeting and that they have attempted to make the best effort to understand what might be acceptable. Gustafson indicated they looked at the other homes in the neighborhood and attempted to couple that with how much the house could be compressed without completely redesigning it. Gustafson indicated they also attempted to address the location of the garage doors, which did not make the side yard setback any better or worse, and is why the design is the way it is. Gustafson stated he is not sure if they can do anything about the size of the lot, which is what Mr. Winston was probably referring to when he said that the lot compels variances. Gustafson stated building a house that is long and narrow would not be very attractive and that they have attempted to work within the bounds of the setback as much as possible in order to design a house that would be compatible with the other homes in the neighborhood. Council Member Printup asked if the Heritage Lane curb cut is their preference. Page 10 of 37