11-18-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 18, 2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#7) #02-2850 JOHN AND PATRICIA WALKER, 1318 SPRUCE PLACE, VARIANCES 7:21- 7:37 P.M. Ron Anderson, General Contractor for the Applicants, was present. Bottenberg reported that the applicants had requested rear yard and hardcover in the 75- 250' setback variances to construct a 258 s.f. deck/steps to the existing residence. The proposed deck would be 258 s.f., and located 17' from the rear property line, where 30' is required. The rear property line is Grant Street, an unimproved right-of-way,which the City has no plans on improving. There have not been any variances granted for this property. Bottenberg noted that the property is located within the 75-250' hardcover zone. The addition of the steps and deck increase the hardcover from 34%to 36%. While the lot coverage by structure is currently 13.4%, the addition of the steps/deck would result in an increase in the structural coverage, which meets the 15% allowed. Mr. Anderson had nothing to add. There were no public comments. Although she was at a loss to make a suggestion, Mabusth asked if the applicant had considered the removal of any hardcover to maintain the 34%. She believed removal of blacktop might be difficult. Anderson noted that they had removed rock and plastic, however, could not remove the existing retaining walls. Chair Smith questioned the potential for removal of the patio block on the side of the residence. Mabusth indicated that there was a rear door located at that spot. Bremer stated that little would be gained with its removal. Rahn stated that he believed more work could be done with regard to the driveway to further reduce hardcover. He pointed out that the Commission, typically, requires removal of hardcover when adding hardcover in order to maintain and not increase hardcover amounts, which are already in excess of 25%. PAGE 7 of 29