03/21/2005 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,March 21,2005 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#04-3010 Theodore Capra,Continued) Alexander stated they could piece in a foot and a half on top of the first floor rather than tearing down the first floor walls,which would help preserve more of the original house. Alexander stated that type of construction is more expensive. Jurgens stated he would like to see the hardcover reduced to 30 percent. Winkey noted they were denied at 30 percent on the rebuild proposal and that the Planning Commission may not be achieving their ultimate goal of 25 percent hardcover by allowing the remodel at 32 percent. Winkey stated in his view this is a rebuild and that the objective should be to reduce the amount of hardcover to less than 30 percent. Capra stated the cost to do a remodel project is thousands of dollars more and that it would make more sense to construct new on this lot but at 30 percent hardcover. Berg stated in her opinion this is a rebuild and not a remodel. Berg inquired why the proposal on the new residence was denied. Rahn stated the Council denied the previous proposal and directed the applicant to reduce the hardcover to 25 percent strictly because it was a rebuild. Bremer inquired whether the additional removals of hardcover outlined on Exhibit F would bring the hardcover below 30 percent. Gundlach stated the additional removals would bring it down to 29 percent. Gundlach stated the applicant would like to retain the existing driveway. Gundlach indicated if a portion of the driveway is not removed under the current proposal in Exhibit F, it would reduce the hardcover to 31.5 percent. Capra stated he would rather do without the patio than reducing the driveway any further. Gundlach noted she is not suggesting the entire patio be removed but rather reducing it by approximately 200 square feet. Capra stated he would be willing to reduce the size of the patio in exchange for keeping more driveway. Bremer moved,Jurgens seconded,to recommend approval of Application#04-3010,3534 Ivy Place,granting of a hardcover variance to permit 30 percent hardcover in the 75'-250', a hardcover variance to permit only so much hardcover in the 0-75' as required to permit access to the lake,subject to the reductions in the hardcover to 30 percent, and further subject to the recommendations of the City Engineer. AYES: 4,Nays 2,Berg and Rahn opposed. Rahn stated he is opposed to the motion since it does not meet the intent of what the City hopes to achieve by remodeling existing buildings. Rahn stated if 30 percent is to be allowed,he would prefer a new residence be constructed. Berg concurred with Rahn. PAGE 5