07/18/2005 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July 18,2005 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#05-3124 William and Rhonda Omlie, Continued) Curtis stated the applicants are proposing to change the pitch of the roof of their existing detached garage from a 4/12 roof to a 10/12 roof to match the home and for additional storage. The increase in roof volume within the substandard setback requires a variance review. The existing garage is located three feet from the property line. The applicants are requesting, one, a 75'-250' hardcover variance for 29.5 percent where 26 percent was approved in a 1993 variance approval; two, a hardcover variance within the 250'-500' zone to allow 37.2 percent hardcover where 30 percent is normally allowed and 37.2 percent currently exists; and three, a rear yard street setback of 3.0 feet where 10 feet is normally required and 3.0 feet currently exists. Staff recommends approval of the rear yard setback variance for the garage roof subject to the removal of excess hardcover to achieve the levels approved in 1993. Omlie stated the garage has existed in this location since they purchased the house in the 1970s and that the roof on the existing garage needs to be replaced due to its sagging, deteriorating condition. Omlie stated they are attempting to match the house that they remodeled back in 1993. Omlie indicated they were unable to improve the garage back in 1993 due to finances. Rahn inquired whether the hardcover could be reduced to what was approved back in 1993. Toenges indicated there is a small retaining wall around the garage, which probably accounts for the difference. Bremer noted there is a big percentage increase in the hardcover and that the retaining wall probably does not account for the entire increase. Bremer stated she is speaking about the 75'-250' area and that the hardcover at 29 percent in this area is higher than the 26 percent that was approved in 1993. Omlie stated he is unsure where the difference comes from and that they followed the plans that were approved. Curtis stated the difference amounts to 834 square feet. Bremer pointed out the retaining walls are not located within the 75'-250' zone. Omlie stated the overhang on the garage would be reduced with the change in the pitch of the roof. Omlie stated the driveway was proposed to be slightly different in 1993 but was disapproved by the Council. Kempf inquired whether the sidewalk around the lakeside of the house or the deck have appeared since 1993. Curtis stated the sidewalk and deck could account for some of the difference. PAGE 14