03-18-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,March 18,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#02-2752 Jerry and Cindy Gray, Continued) Mabusth noted she did not give any direction on the hardcover,but suggested the hardcover be reduced to the 38.8 percent. (#8) #02-2757 TERRANCE C.JOHNSON, 1045 LINDEN LANE,RENEWAL VARIANCE, 7:26 p.m.—7:52 p.m. Terrance Johnson,Applicant, was present. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. Weinberger stated the Applicant is requesting a renewal of variances approved in 1992. The original approvals were to permit additions to the existing residence and adding three to four courses of block under the existing house to raise the ceiling height of the walkout level of the house. The addition to the residence also included an addition of a second story over the house,the addition of an attached garage and second story rec room, addition to the east side of the existing house,replacement of existing decks, addition of a deck adjacent to the rec room and master suite, and construction of an open porch/portico over existing deck on the lakeside, and extend the existing deck along the house ten feet. In order to reduce hardcover on the property,the Applicant is agreeable to removing the existing detached garage and gravel parking area. Weinberger stated the property owner did not renew the variances on a yearly basis, stating that it was his understanding from the City that the renewal would not be necessary until they were ready to complete the project. Weinberger stated the primary issues in 1992,were potential drainage problems that may occur due to the increased hardcover in the 75-250' setback. Since 1992, the house on the adjacent lot has been removed and is currently vacant,being owned in common with another lot further down Linden Lane. Secondly, the increased length and steepness of the driveway could create some runoff and access problems for the property. The plan depicts a driveway that would average a 12 percent slope. Staff generally recommends a driveway slope of 10 percent or less. Weinberger noted the Planning Commission back in 1992, voted 4 to 3 to approve this application,with the primary concerns being the length and slope of the driveway, drainage concerns, and the amount of hardcover being proposed. The resolution adopted by the Council included language that allows the City Engineer to monitor the drainage situation on the property. Weinberger stated the Planning Commission can approve the renewal of the variances if it finds that sufficient justification exists to recommend approval of this site plan. Weinberger stated the same hardships exist today as they did back in 1992. Weinberger indicated the Applicant is proposing to do this project in stages,with the first phase of the project being to lifting the house and adding three to four course of block, followed by building the addition to the house. Johnson noted the house on the adjacent lot was gone at the time they purchased the house. Johnson PAGE 8