04/19/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#5. 04-2993 CHRIS VALERIUS, 2377 SHADYWOOD ROAD,VARIANCE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT—Continued) Gundlach referred to the following Issues for Consideration: 1. Can the site support a drive-through? 2. Should variances be granted merely to serve a drive-through? 3. Is the addition acceptable? Is the roof-line? 4. Are the exterior finishes acceptable? 5. Is the Planning Commission comfortable with the on-site parking stalls exiting into traffic? 6. Are there any other issues associated with this application? In conclusion, Gundlach advised staff is recommending denial of the drive-through proposal. Staff does support approval of the plan without the drive-through feature, which includes approval of a conditional use permit, building setback variance and rear yard parking setback variance, if the screened porch is eliminated in an effort to decrease the non-conforming side street building setback on the site. Chair Mabusth asked the applicants if they had any comments to add to the staff report. Christine Valerius stated they want to keep the three-season porch with the plan with no drive- through as they are already giving up the shed. They intend to update the porch and make it as nice as the rest of the house. She asked when she should explain why they think they have a hardship with the drive-through plan. Chair Mabusth responded that she thought the Planning Commission had unanimously given the applicant direction that the Planning Commission was not in favor of a drive-through. Ms. Valerius replied there was a third plan that needed to have City Engineer review and comment and following his review, she believes the drive-through plan works, referring to the staff report and plan illustrations. Mr. Fisk agreed that they wished to focus on the drive-through plan with the horseshoe, as it does not hinder traffic at all. He stated a hardcover variance is required and referred to hardcover at adjacent properties, including the building next door(Dagmars) and across the street (Snyders Drug), and in the Navarre commercial neighborhood as a whole, which push the limit on hardcover. Mr. Fisk indicated that even with the proposed hardcover they are proposing greenspace extensions to the rear property line and are trying to make the most amount of grassed space around the horseshoe design. He stated the drive-through is vital to the success of their proposed business. Chair Mabusth inquired of the applicants to explain the removal of the three-season porch and if there are no parking spaces to be added, where on the plan are the grassed areas proposed. Ms. Valerius explained two parking spots and pointed out they also have access to the city-owned parking lot that is behind the property. She indicated that this is enough parking for the business. Mr. Fisk and Ms. Valerius illustrated their parking and greenspace plans for the site without the drive-through feature. Ms. Valerius pointed out the plan with the drive-through and the two parking spaces and a one-space turn-around lane allows vehicles to not have to back into the parking lot. She Page 24 of 49