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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 17, 2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2786 JOHN R.JONES,Continued) <br /> to, staff report Exhibit A, the bold face print which describes the general measurement for height and <br /> encouraged Mr. Jones to scale back his application to meet the description therein. <br /> Mr. Jones asked what the height would need to be scaled back to. <br /> Weinberger reminded the applicant that any added windows would be deemed a full third story and if the <br /> living space can be contained within the half-story with a typical roof style it will likely meet the 30' <br /> height requirement.. It is how the top story is used which changes the definition. <br /> Assuming the applicants want windows,Bremer asked Weinberger to clarify for Mr. Jones whether <br /> windows can be used at all. <br /> Weinberger stated that in this case,the use of windows at all designates a third story.By allowing people <br /> who typically just have attic space the opportunity to add windows to create additional living space for <br /> themselves,allows the third story scenario that we want to discourage. <br /> Mr. Jones asked Weinberger to explain why some of the current new construction in Orono on Crystal <br /> Bay have windows on the half-story. <br /> Gaffron indicated that many of the homes Mr. Jones refers to under construction are walkouts and will <br /> appear to be three stories from the lake. He did point out that some 20-30 year old homes like those on <br /> the end of Casco Point are classic examples of three levels plus windows up into the roof space, which <br /> look like castles towering out there. Today, Gaffron noted,he could not recall any homes constructed <br /> recently that reflect this four story effect. <br /> Bellows pointed out to the applicant that in some of those instances he may be referring to,the site may <br /> simply offer more elbow room for that bulk than is at this location. She stated that Mr. Jones was simply <br /> asking for too much house for his lot. Bellows continued that it was irrelevant for him to cite other <br /> houses unless there was one or more in particular that had the same kinds of constraints that his offered. <br /> Mr. Jones indicated that while his situation and piece of real estate might be unique, once again,he asked <br /> the Commission to define for him the parameters,which will allow him to get as much house as he can <br /> get. <br /> Bellows stated that the Commission was attempting to work with Mr. Jones and, in fact,they had <br /> indicated that the lot area and width variances were acceptable. She did state however that the <br /> Commission was not satisfied with the height variance requested and had some concern over hardcover. <br /> Bellows continued that the Commission will not be satisfied until the applicant meets the definition as <br /> was outlined in Weinberger's recent memo. <br /> Mr. Jones took issue with and reiterated his need to understand what would be acceptable with regard to <br /> height. He repeated that up until this evening he had never heard anything about window restrictions and <br /> fully believed that he had met the definition as discussed in the last meeting. He felt that precedent had <br /> already been established all over the lake with windows on a half story and noted that during the last <br /> meeting,he specifically asked the Commission if he followed the 60%requirement as defined for a half <br /> PAGE 5 OF 29 <br />