05-21-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,May 21,2001 (#2636 GARY AND SUSAN CABLE,CONTINUED) Weinberger stated the issues for discussion by the Planning Commission this evening are related to the variances which would allow the ice house to remain on the property and the lack of a driveway to the third garage stall and the lack of a sidewalk to the front door of the house. Weinberger stated if those items were to be added in the future,they would cause the existing hardcover to be in excess of the 25 percent allowed. Weinberger requested the Planning Commission give some direction on where additional future hardcover might be allowed on this property to accommodate an expanded driveway and/or a sidewalk to the front door. Cable indicated they have removed a fireplace in order to reduce the hardcover somewhat. Weinberger noted the removal of the fireplace would amount to approximately 10 to 12 square feet of hardcover. Smith inquired what the Applicants' plans are relating to the ice house, the lack of a sidewalk, and the lack of a paved access to third garage stall. Smith stated she would like to know how it is the Applicants chose to use this particular design for their house and garage. Cable indicated they have changed their plan three times during this process. Cable stated if they had located the house closer to the road, it would have required the removal of some trees,which they elected not to do. Smith inquired what the Applicants intended to use the third stall of the garage for. Cable stated he would like to use it for storage. Smith inquired whether the Applicants would be driving over the grassy area in order to gain access to that third stall. Cable commented they probably would someday. Smith indicated once the Applicants drive on the grassy area,the soil then begins to act as hardcover in that it does not allow for permeation and in essence becomes hardcover much like a paved surface. Smith inquired about the lack of a sidewalk to the front door of the residence and the Applicants plans in the future regarding that access route. Cable stated it is their intention to leave it as it presently is. Mrs. Cable commented that nine times out of ten visitors to their residence would enter through the garage. Smith stated it is not the function of the Planning Commission to design the Applicants' home, but in her view the lack of a sidewalk to the front of the house and the lack of a paved driveway in front of the third stall of the garage are issues that need to be considered and would eventually result in those areas becoming hardcover. Smith encouraged the Applicants to consider the addition of a sidewalk to the front of the house. Smith stated in her opinion this is a situation where additional hardcover is likely to be added in the future, which would make the property in excess of the allowable hardcover. PAGE 2