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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 /> (#05-3103 Jack and Kari Olson, Continued) <br /> Mrs. Olson stated she is unable to park her Jetta in the current garage. <br /> Mischke stated the existing garage could not have been any deeper than it currently is given the <br /> load-bearing wall that exists. <br /> Rahn stated he would not be in favor of exceeding the permitted structural coverage on this lot. <br /> Rahn inquired whether there are any additional public comments on this application. <br /> Mischke stated if the goal is to reduce runoff into the lake, it would be environmentally safer to store the <br /> vehicles in a garage,which would prevent the salt and oil from draining down to the lake. <br /> Rahn questioned whether the garage could be redesigned and that he would only approve something with <br /> 1500 square feet or less. Rahn stated by locating the garage five feet from the existing house,the garage <br /> would appear to be larger than the house. <br /> Mrs. Olson stated it is impossible to construct a garage less than 1500 square feet and that they would be <br /> forced to remove part of their house in order to construct a garage. <br /> Jurgens commented the applicants were aware of the limitations of the lot at the time they purchased it <br /> and that the Planning Commission needs to comply with the rules as much as possible. Jurgens stated he <br /> does not see a hardship. <br /> Mrs. Olson stated a garage would also be more aesthetically pleasing since they would be able to store <br /> their vehicles and other items inside. <br /> Rahn stated in his view it is possible to construct an attached garage on this lot and still remain below the <br /> 15 percent structural coverage. Rahn stated the Planning Commission to his recollection has never <br /> granted a variance to structural coverage. <br /> Winkey stated it would be easier to construct a detached garage but that it is possible to construct a garage <br /> on this lot without exceeding the structural coverage. <br /> Mr. Olson stated they are financially unable to do the type of project that was proposed by <br /> Commissioner Rahn. <br /> Mrs. Olson questioned whether an attached garage with living space above it would look just as massive <br /> as a detached garage. <br /> Jurgens noted property owners are allowed to construct up but that they are required to stay within a <br /> certain footprint. Jurgens inquired whether the applicants would like to table their application to explore <br /> their options. <br /> PAGE 23 <br />