08/18/03 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 18, 2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#13) #03-2936 BRUCE MEESE AND MAUREEN MURPHY, 3135 CASCO CIRCLE,VARIANCE, 8:23—8:59 P.M. Bruce Meese and Maureen Murphy, the Applicants, and Carrigan Curtis from Stonehouse Designs,were present. Waataja reported that the applicants request the following variances to construct a new home: 1. Lot area variance to allow reconstruction of a home on a .49 acre lot when .5 acres is required. 2. Lot width variance to allow reconstruction of a home where the width at the shoreline and 75' setback is 60' when 100' is normally required. 3. Hardcover variance to allow 6%hardcover in the 0-75' zone when 0% is allowed and to allow 37%hardcover in the 250-500' zone when 30% is allowed Originally, Waataj a stated that the applicants applied for a variance to remodel the existing home and allow an existing,non-conforming 8' setback in the southwestern corner of the home to remain to try and save an existing large maple tree. After reviewing the plans and conversations with the architect it became apparent that the majority of the existing home was to be demolished to accommodate the renovations, and if the true intention was to save the tree the home should be shifted north. Because of this staff directed the applicant that the project would be reviewed as a rebuild and that the home should be shifted to meet the 10' setback requirement. The applicant agreed to this and submitted new plans applying for a lot area and lot width variance. Waataja explained that upon further examination of the plans it was discovered that the new home would meet the hardcover requirements in the 75-250' zone but the 0-75'and 250-500' zones, as they currently exist, are over on hardcover. Due to the rebuild, the whole lot is reviewed for hardcover compliance and has required the applicant to now apply for hardcover variances. Because the house is being rebuilt and not renovated a lot area and lot width variance must be reviewed as a formality. The lot is approximately 21,392 s.f. or .49 acres in area,just short of the 22,000 s.f(.50 acre) requirement. The property measures 60' in width at the shoreline as well as at the 75' setback line, 40' short of the 100' width requirement. This is generally the characteristics of lots in this neighborhood. Waataja explained that the applicants bought the property this past winter. The new plans meet the hardcover requirements for the 75-250' zone. Because the house is being rebuilt the entire lot is reviewed for hardcover compliance. Both the 0-75' and 250-500' zones are non-compliant as they currently exist. In the 0-75'zone there is approximately 14% of hardcover. This includes a circular concrete patio, fire-pit, stairway,boulder retaining walls, and deck. The applicants have agreed to remove the circular concrete patio and fire-pit which results in 355 s.f. or 7.4% PAGE 23 of 30