05-20-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 20,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#02-2769 MARK AND PAMELA PALM,Continued) Rahn noted that if the garage is turned it still barely fits the setback requirements. He suggested building a similar garage of no more than 750 s.f. which then could be granted 5' setback variances. He maintained that many design options seem to be available. Again,Rahn stated that he could support five- foot setbacks if the mass of the building was not enlarged. Hawn indicated she would not approve the requested setback variance and suggested Mr. Palm design something that meets the standards of the Commission as put forth, and returns with that for approval. She asked him if the matter should be tabled at this time. Palm pointed out that several suggestions are simply too expensive and what the Commission has suggested is no larger than the current 24'x30' structure. He indicated he would work with reducing the proposed garage to 750 s.f. and move to at least 5 feet from the property line. Hawn moved, Smith seconded,to table Application#02-2769,Mark and Pamela Palm, 1447 Park Drive,at the applicants request in order to allow them time to redesign the garage plan. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. (#7) #02-2786 JOHN R.JONES,3490 NORTH SHORE DRIVE,VARIANCES 7:41 -8:28 p.m. John R. Jones and Charlotte Lipa, Applicants,were present. Weinberger explained that the applicant had submitted the application on April 17, 2002, for variances to permit redevelopment of the property. Since that time,the applicant has worked towards reducing the number of variances and setback encroachments. Weinberger pointed out that revised plans submitted to the City of Orono on May 16th still do require variances,but have gone a long way towards reducing variances. The revised plans have proposed a single house with a 1st level tuck under style garage with access to Birch Lane. Weinberger stated that the layout is consistent with the development of the neighborhood and the required variances now include: Lot Area, Lot Width,Hardcover, and Building Height. While Weinberger stated that staff recommends approval of the first three variances,the building height permit to permit a full three story on the house is inconsistent to the zoning code. Weinberger stated that the zoning code allows a maximum building height of 30' or 2 1/2 stories, whichever is less, and not three stories. The 2 1/2 story height restriction allows for a typical 2 story house with an attic above,not typically used for living space. PAGE 7