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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 /> Bellows directed Mr. Jones to lower his house so the highest point half way between the ceiling height <br /> and the ridge is no higher than the 30' height requirement and story definitions. <br /> Mr. Jones asked if he could simply lower the roof line. <br /> Smith stated that his suggestion still constitutes a third story. She indicated that once Mr. Jones complies <br /> with a two story structure and a half story storage space, in her mind,that will qualify as a 2 '/z story <br /> home. It would function as a three story if there is livable space on that third story. <br /> Bremer stated that, as discussed last month,there can be living space and still constitute a half story, and <br /> she hoped that they were not going to go back to regale that point once again. <br /> Ms. Lipa, applicant, stated that there seems to be some confusion now whether living space is allowed in <br /> the half story at all and asked the Commission to tell them one way or the other in order to avoid any <br /> future miscommunication. She indicated that it seemed to her the focus had shifted from a height <br /> condition to the issue over their usage of the house. Ms. Lipa maintained that if usage has become the <br /> issue, the Commission needs to tell them that they do not want to have living space in the half story on <br /> this lot. <br /> Berg stated that this is a ground level home,not a walkout, and she did not want to set the precedent of <br /> allowing three stories by allowing a half story with windows that people can occupy as living space. <br /> Mr. Jones questioned then if he researched the permits granted over the past year whether he would find <br /> any with living space on a half story. <br /> Bellows acknowledged once again that each property is unique, and stated that Mr. Jones property will <br /> not support this much bulk. <br /> Mr. Jones maintained that he has reduced the bulk and asked how much bulk could be supported by his <br /> property. <br /> Bellows stated merely two stories and an attic. <br /> Bremer indicated that the home still reads as a three story. She stated that even though she was present <br /> last month when the initial discussions took place, and empathizes with Mr. Jones' frustration,this is a <br /> more constructive discussion,which will give him the direction he desires. She explained that in her <br /> estimation the measurement of the story has been misunderstood as Mr. Jones has reviewed the half <br /> story. Bremer reiterated that the height is measured as the average from the ceiling of the third story to <br /> the peak,which in this case indicates they are higher than 30'. <br /> Weinberger asked, since there seemed to be general agreement on the other variances the applicant had <br /> requested, if there were parameters set by which they have to meet could they have a recommendation for <br /> approval provided they meet those. <br /> PAGE 7 OF 29 <br />