05/19/03 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 19, 2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#10 #03-2898 MIKE AND JULIE WHITTINGTON, Continued) Mabusth presented the property's history, stating that in 1984, applications were filed for an after-the-fact conditional use permit and variances to construct stairs, retaining walls and planters within 75' of the lake; and for excessive hardcover in the 0-75' and 75'-250' setback zones. The resolution permitted 250 s.f. of hardcover in the westerly 0-75'; 5,500 s.f. in the 75-250'; and 1,500 s.f. in the easterly 0-75' (not including roadway). The resolution also stated that, "...any future improvements to this property involving an increase in hardcover must be matched with the removal of existing hardcover". While the applicants have stated that they have removed a significant amount of hardcover over the last few years, Mabusth indicated that staff cannot support increasing hardcover in the 75'-250' hardcover zone by 86 s.f. when the existing hardcover already exceeds the 25%permitted. Mabusth pointed out that staff could support construction of the deck above the existing concrete patio, not exceeding the existing 5, 510 s.f. (40.9%)hardcover in the 75'-250' setback zone. Mrs. Whittington stated that they removed 1,000 s.f. of plastic over the past several years. Mabusth explained to the applicant that they would not get a credit for the removals of plastic. Whittington indicated that there was little to remove other than the house. She acknowledged that 79 s.f. of boulders and a pathway were all that could be removed. Chair Smith insisted that the applicant find 86 s.f. of removals to hold them to their existing hardcover calculations before reaching City Council. There were no public comments. Hawn moved,Bremer seconded,to recommend approval of Application #03-2898, Julie and Mike Whittington, 1981 Fagerness Point Road, permitting construction of a deck and stairs over an existing patio 5' in height onto the existing home as long as the total amount of hardcover per staff recommendations does not exceed that which is already present on the property, and before the application appears before the City Council the calculations and removals will have been made. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#11) #03-2901 DENALI CUSTOM HOMES, INC. ON BEHALF OF MELINDA LEE AND THOMAS DEVEAU, 680 TONKAWA ROAD,VARIANCES, 12:20— 12:51 A.M. David Bieker, of Denali Custom Homes, and Thomas DeVeau, the applicant, were present. PAGE 33 of 39