07/17/03 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July 21, 2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#8 #03-2907 JEFF AND CARA ZIEBARTH, Continued) application for redesign. Ziebarth stated that he had looked at other designs and believed that hardcover was more important than setback; therefore, they chose this layout. He stated that being given the 0-75' setback zone grace was insignificant, since the average lakeshore setback protrudes further than their home. Chair Smith indicated that the Commission had allowed limited side yard setbacks in the past. Gaffron stated that the Commission has gone so far as to approve 5' side yard setbacks, but no less on both sides of a tiny lot. Ziebarth maintained that he could rebuild a new 720 s.f. footprint home meeting all of the setbacks and questioned why he could not do this which was a smaller design. Hawn reiterated that the home would be too close to the side yard setbacks and too close to the neighbors. Fritzler commented, small lot, small house. Rahn agreed with staff recommendations. Mabusth suggested the applicant reconsider the detached garage in order to allow them additional living space. Ziebarth repeated that he felt the detached garage would have a negative impact on the design and increase their hardcover. Chair Smith asked the applicant whether the Commission should table or vote on the application. Ziebarth asked what other options there might be. Hawn stated that they had given the applicants direction. The Commission would consider something less than a 10' side yard setback, but no less than 5', more like 7.5' and encouraged him to consider this. In addition, Gaffron stated that, if the applicant chose new construction, he would be required to meet 25% hardcover, versus the rebuild design which allows him 45%. In reality, Gaffron indicated that new construction would most likely be identical to the hardcover of the rebuild. Ziebarth asked for further second story suggestions. PAGE 11 of 37