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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, November 17, 2003 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#12) #03-2962 ROBERT AND JOANNE SWITZ, 1740 SHADYWOOD ROAD, <br /> VARIANCE, Continued <br /> 3. Denial of the hardcover variance to allow 44%hardcover in the 75-250' zone when <br /> 38.8% currently exists and 25% is normally allowed. <br /> Switz maintained that she was unaware until recently that the 15% structural coverage <br /> requirement was a steadfast rule. She pointed out that the lot is extremely wide but shallow <br /> which is the root of their hardship. Switz noted that the hardcover presently on the site far <br /> exceeds code parameters and indicated that they would be removing all of the hardcover in <br /> the 0-75' zone and reduce the overall hardcover by 11%. She maintained that reducing the <br /> design further would be difficult for them to accommodate her elderly parents. While she <br /> would be willing to reduce the structural cover to a certain degree, she stated that overages <br /> in hardcover would be necessary to make up for the need to have a 1300 s.f circular <br /> driveway accessing County Road 19. <br /> Acting Chair Mabusth recognized the hardships of depth and access to County Road 19; <br /> however, felt the City needed to tow the line on structural coverage for new construction. <br /> She asked about potential decks. <br /> Switz stated that they would be willing to sacrifice decks to obtain more living space. <br /> Hawn stated that she could not support the variance requests for new construction, since <br /> they would be setting a precedent. <br /> Switz asked whether she could be allowed 44%hardcover if the structural cover could <br /> meet 15%. <br /> Waataja stated that the home is currently at 38% hardcover in the 75-250' zone and 22% in <br /> the 0-75' zone. <br /> Rahn stated that oftentimes once the home meets 15% structural cover, applicants can <br /> evaluate where the hardcover numbers fall and can base their minimums of what's <br /> absolutely necessary. He acknowledged that he would be willing to consider a small <br /> hardcover excess taking into consideration the need for the circular driveway. <br /> Acting Chair Mabusth indicated that the Commission could vote on the application as <br /> proposed or table it to allow her to meet with staff and strive to achieve the 15% structural <br /> cover figure and hardcover allowance. <br /> Switz stated that she had Waataja supply her with revised calculations based on 15% <br /> structural cover and found that the home would still exceed the hardcover allowance, and <br /> hardly be under 44%. <br /> PAGE 32 of 41 <br />