08-20-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING August 20,2001 (#01-2700 Vincent and Virginia Anderson,Continued) Hawn stated the walkway is constructed out of slated wood, which does allow the water to enter the ground. Lindquist stated it still is considered hardcover. Smith stated typically the Planning Commission does require hardcover to be reduced as much as possible when the hardcover is in excess of the 25 percent limit. Smith stated she does not have a problem with the replacement. Hawn noted there has been a small reduction in hardcover already. Kluth inquired whether this is all replacement. Berg stated it is not. Mabusth inquired whether the deck that is being added onto the northwest corner goes out to the retaining wall. Anderson stated it would. Mabusth stated a side setback variance is also required. Hawn stated she does not see the hardship for a side setback variance. Welsh stated in his opinion when a request comes in on a new project for a variance,they need to stick to the ordinances as much as possible,but in this instance since this residence has been around for a long time and they are not increasing the hardcover, some leeway could be given. Smith stated the Planning Commission for the past number of years has attempted to get the hardcover reduced whenever possible. Hawn inquired whether the deck could be built without the need for a side yard setback variance. Anderson stated the deck is part of the stairway. Mabusth stated the applicant is allowed to replace his stairway,but the new deck does encroach into the setback. Anderson stated the deck already exists with everything basically being replaced. Mabusth stated the current garden area would be filled in with patio. Hawn stated that was her understanding as well, with the patio in the garden area being the only new section being added. Hawn inquired whether everything else is replacement. Anderson stated the rest is replacement. PAGE 29