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, Continued Gaffron stated that the slab is 8'X8'. Hawn stated that she could not identify a hardship, other than the odd shape and size, which don't necessarily constitute a hardship. Anderson maintained that the driveway eats up a good portion of the allowable hardcover and is difficult to maneuver in and out of, other than backing straight out into the roadway. Chair Smith reasoned whether the driveway constitutes adequate hardship. Mabusth agreed, stating that the driveway contains more hardcover than the house itself. Rahn asked if the small turnaround portion of the driveway were usable, and if not, suggested it be removed to reduce hardcover. Gaffron indicated that it abuts the drop off and would give the 150 s.f. or more of hardcover to work with. Since the owners own the two lots next to one another, Hawn suggested they consider a lot line rearrangement to create a better driveway situation. Anderson stated that the applicants had attempted to do just that several years ago and had been denied. He added that rearranging the lots could be difficult. Gaffron agreed that it could be difficult to rearrange the lot lines so as not to adversely affect the property closer to the lake. He cautioned the rearrangement could merely succeed in making both lots more nonconforming. Anderson indicated that they had looked into the potential of Grant Street being vacated. Gaffron noted that it would be unlikely Grant Street would be vacated. Chair Smith stated that the Planning Commission would prefer the hardcover be maintained at the current level, 34%, without an increase. Anderson stated that he would speak to the Walkers about the removal of portions of the driveway and patio. PAGE 8 of 29