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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 18,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3079 Nicole and Peter Thomas, Continued) <br /> Gundlach stated the structural coverage ordinance says that if any portion of the deck exceeds six feet in <br /> height, it is considered as structural coverage,but that she is unsure at this time whether any part of the <br /> deck will exceed six feet. <br /> Rahn stated he does not have a problem with the material being proposed to construct the deck but that he <br /> does not like to swap hardcover for structural coverage. <br /> Gundlach pointed out the air conditioning equipment would remain in that area,which requires the <br /> wrought iron. <br /> Winkey inquired whether the driveway was originally included in the hardcover calculation for the 0-75' <br /> zone or whether that only included the retaining walls that were approved in 2001. <br /> Gundlach stated the driveway was allowed included in the 2001 request and was approved based on the <br /> level of hardship that the Planning Commission found at that time. Gundlach stated the Planning <br /> Commission could recommend denial of the application if they find that there is no hardship. Gundlach <br /> noted a majority of the house is located within 75' feet of the lake and was at one point restored. <br /> Thomas pointed out the driveway as it currently exists is exactly as it was when they purchased the <br /> property in 2001. Thomas indicated the property was built in the 1920s, with the retaining walls also <br /> being constructed at that time. Thomas stated they repaired the retaining walls due to their deteriorating <br /> condition in 2001. <br /> Fritzler stated he can understand the desire to add a door to improve the safety but that he does not see <br /> how adding a deck would add to the safety or security any more than the existing window. Fritzler stated <br /> he would not have an issue with adding a door and a step down but that he is not in favor of adding a <br /> deck. <br /> Leslie stated normally the Planning Commission does not like to exchange structural improvements with <br /> hardcover,but that in this case he does not feel it is likely that this wrought iron deck would be replaced <br /> with another material over time due to the air conditioning equipment being located in that area. Leslie <br /> stated although the deck still counts as hardcover, it is not the same type of hardcover as the driveway and <br /> that he would look more favorably upon approving the deck in exchange for removal of the driveway. <br /> Rahn inquired whether the Planning Commission would like to have the size of the deck reduced from <br /> eight feet to four feet. <br /> Leslie inquired whether the amount of driveway to be reduced would then decrease if the size of the deck <br /> were to decrease. <br /> Rahn stated he would prefer to see 100 square feet of driveway removed even with a reduction in the size <br /> of the deck. <br /> PAGE 3 <br />