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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 18,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3102 J. Sven Gustafson, Continued) <br /> these homes is reduced to 70 feet. The applicants have indicated that the zoning when applied to this <br /> property makes it unbuildable for a home that would be proportionate with other homes in the <br /> neighborhood and in character with the style of home that is currently being built as Orono's rural area re- <br /> develops. The width of the remaining buildable envelope is 50 feet when the 30-foot side setbacks are <br /> met. Gaffron noted many substantial homes no wider than 50 feet are being built today on smaller lots in <br /> Orono and that the side setbacks could be resolved through creative design rather than variances. <br /> Gaffron stated the proposed site grading plan have the existing driveway remaining. The existing <br /> driveway is less than the required five feet from the side lot line,but its relocation slightly northward to <br /> meet the five-foot requirement would result in the removal of two mature aspen trees abutting the north <br /> side of the driveway. The topography of the site also limits the driveway relocation. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the lot area and width variances and denial of the side setback variances. <br /> Alexander stated Exhibit H illustrates the size of the lot compared to the surrounding lots and that the <br /> hardship is the size of the lot. Alexander stated normally lots consisting of one acre have ten-foot side <br /> yard setbacks and requested some leniency be given due to the size of the lot. <br /> Alexander stated the terrain and the approach to the house makes it difficult to access the residence and <br /> have a turnaround. Alexander indicated there is not sufficient room to construct a side-loading garage. <br /> Gustafson indicated they are attempting to construct a house that fits in with the character of the <br /> neighborhood and that the size of the proposed house fits in with the rest of the residences that have been <br /> constructed in this area. Gustafson stated other 55-foot houses have been constructed on small lots along <br /> the lakeshore. <br /> Alexander noted the allowed structural coverage is 15 percent and that they are only using 7.5 percent. <br /> Rahn inquired whether there were any public comments regarding this application. <br /> David Skeie, 860 South Brown, stated the existing house is 24.5 feet from the side lot line and that he <br /> would prefer it not be reduced further. <br /> Gustafson stated the neighbor to the south has indicated he is in favor of the proposal. <br /> Fritzler questioned whether the connection of the sewer line to tie in with Weber Hills could be <br /> accomplished. <br /> Gaffron stated he is unaware if the Public Works Department has approached the County regarding this <br /> request,but that it would be a simple extension to the sewer system and would more than likely be <br /> approved by the county. <br /> PAGE 19 <br />