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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2000 <br /> II/ (#2559 Gilbert Gehle, Continued) <br /> Weinberger noted this property has appeared before the Planning Commission on a number of times <br /> for various variances over the years. In August of 1998, the City Council approved hardcover in the <br /> amount of 5,725 square feet in the south 0-75' setback and the 75-250'setback due to the fact the <br /> property is located on a peninsula and has two 0-75'setbacks. In April of 1999, the City Council <br /> approved 5,606 square feet of hardcover in the south 0-75'setback and the 75-250' setback, which <br /> is 119 square feet less than the first approval the previous year. <br /> Weinberger stated the property presently contains an existing residence and detached garage. The <br /> garage and driveway will be removed but will continue to utilize essentially the same access point <br /> that currently exists. Weinberger noted any change in access to the property would require <br /> variances due to the access to the property being located within the southerly 0-75' zone. Staff <br /> would agree that this limited access does place an undue hardship on the property. The proposed <br /> development meets all setback requirements. <br /> Weinberger stated the hardcover variances are related to the size of the proposed house, with the <br /> need for a variance being minimized in the 75-250'setback by a reduction in the size of the house. <br /> The southerly 0-75' hardcover variance as proposed is the minimum necessary to permit a <br /> driveway, and this is a factor unique to the property. Staff is recommending that no mature trees <br /> be removed within 75'feet of the lakeshore. Weinberger noted the proposed driveway location may <br /> require some loss of natural vegetation. City Staff is willing to work with the Applicant on the <br /> alignment of the driveway to help prevent any loss of mature trees. <br /> Gehle indicated he would like to have a walkout in the front, noting that the vast majority of the <br /> houses on the lake have a walkout. <br /> Weinberger stated Exhibit D shows a two story building with the lowest story being part of a <br /> walkout. The Applicant is not proposing to do any grading within 75' of the north lakeshore. The <br /> City's Comprehensive Plan discourages any changes to the natural grade along the lakeshore, which <br /> would occur if any grading should take place within 75' of the north lakeshore. <br /> Weinberger stated the proposed hardcover on the property is 5,738 square feet, which is 4.3 square <br /> feet short of the allowable 25 percent. <br /> Gehle stated he is willing to raise the elevation of the house if necessary, but would like to avoid <br /> that due to aesthetic appearances and creating a pedestal type look. Gehle pointed out a large <br /> amount of grading has occurred in the past in the middle of the lot, with a knoll existing by the <br /> trees. Gehle stated he would ike to retain the trees and reduce the knoll if possible. Gehle stated <br /> it will be necessary to remove one to two trees in order for the proposed driveway to be constructed. <br /> Gehle stated he would like to construct a front loading garage. <br /> Hawn inquired whether the Applicant was proposing to construct a path to the back side of the <br /> garage. <br /> Gehle stated the existing garage and driveway will be removed and replaced with vegetation. <br /> Weinberger stated he has a concern with the areas that are proposed to be redone, noting Staff was <br /> not informed they would be driving across the lawn. <br /> Hawn inquired whether there was any public comment regarding this application. <br /> A resident on Baldur Road expressed some concerns regarding potential drainage issues that may <br /> • be created as a result of this project. <br /> Page 11 <br />