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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 16,2000 <br /> • (#2622 Gina Kosek,Continued) <br /> have chosen not to build closer to Shadywood Road than the 30 foot setback since Shadywood <br /> is an arterial street and carries much more traffic than most residential streets in the City. <br /> Weinberger stated the point at which the deck is proposed to be located is at one of the more <br /> narrower points of the building pad on the property. Weinberger stated if the house had been <br /> moved further to the north it would have been possible to locate the deck and house within the <br /> required setbacks because the lot is wider to the north,but since the structural conditions within <br /> the old house were only discovered following completion of the building plans and within one <br /> week of beginning construction,the Applicant has decided to build the house in the proposed <br /> location. It is the opinion of Staff that the hardship may be self-imposed due to the location of <br /> the new house on the property and not inherent in the land. <br /> Kosek stated she is aware of the position of City Staff regarding the hardship,but in her opinion <br /> removal of a newly constructed house does constitute a hardship and should be considered. <br /> Kosek stated since the structural limitations were not found until one week prior to construction <br /> beginning,they were limited in their options. Kosek indicated she did review her options with <br /> an architect for relocation of the house and deck,which were not very feasible due to the <br /> narrowness of the lot. <br /> Kosek commented they have taken steps to reduce the amount of hardcover that existed in the <br /> 0-75' setback by approximately 1,000 square feet,and would like to construct a 190 square foot <br /> deck. Kosek noted the old deck would have been allowed to remain on the property had the <br /> residence remained,but would have needed to be replaced due to the deteriorating <br /> Sold <br /> condition of the deck. <br /> Hawn concurred that tearing down of a house would constitute a hardship,but in order to approve <br /> a variance,the hardship must be inherent in the land. Hawn indicated it is the policy of the <br /> Planning Commission to attempt to avoid variances on new construction,especially in the <br /> 0-75' setback. <br /> Kosek distributed pictures of what the old residence and lot looked like prior to the removal of <br /> the house. <br /> Kluth commented the Planning Commission is not in a position design houses,and inquired <br /> whether the Applicant has looked at relocating the deck outside the 0-75' setback. <br /> Kosek stated she did look at that option but were limited in their choices due to the narrowness <br /> of the lot. Kosek stated they have taken steps already to reduce the size of the house as much as <br /> possible. <br /> Kluth stated if the Planning Commission would allow a new deck within the 0-75' setback, it <br /> could set a precedent. <br /> Lindquist stated he is in agreement with the recommendation of City Staff. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> • <br /> PAGE 8 <br />