01/20/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 20, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#04-2972 ROBERT KNUTH AND MARY THOMPSON,2700 WHITE OAK CIRCLE,VARIANCE—Continued) Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the 5' front yard setback variance and the 15' street side setback variance due to the location of the existing house with relation to the front lot line with the stipulation that the covered porch shall not be enclosed. Knuth stated that they wished to open up the house to the neighborhood and add a front entry feel to the currently blank wall. He pointed out that they began speaking to neighbors about their intent a year ago and gained much support for the action. There were no public comments. Acting Chair Mabusth acknowledged that many neighbors had indicated their support for the improvement. Rahn asked if the stoop would be considered a legal encroachment. Gaffron stated that the stoop is not an encroachment as long as it is at grade level and not covered. He believed the applicant should be allowed some leeway for a covered entryway. While the stoop itself was allowed, Rahn was hesitant to make it nonconforming and urged the applicant to accept the 6' to the setback for a covered stop. Hawn did not feel this was an obtrusive addition and noted that most of the affected property owners had voiced their support. Acting Chair Mabusth concurred. Bremer moved,Acting Chair Mabusth seconded,to recommend approval of Application#04-2972,Robert Knuth and Mary Thompson,2700 Willow Oak Circle, granting approval of the 5' front yard setback variance and the 15' street side setback variance due to the location of the existing house with relation to the front lot line with the stipulation that the covered porch not be enclosed. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. Commissioner Hawn left at 8:53 P.M. (Recess taken from 8:53-9:04 P.M.) PAGE 26 of 53