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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 16, 2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3010 Theodore Capra, continued) <br /> Leslie stated it is difficult for the Planning Commission to recommend approval of an overage in the <br /> amount of hardcover unless a hardship can be demonstrated. <br /> Capra commented that the hardship in his case is having a conforming lot. Capra indicated he is <br /> reluctant to construct a new residence on the property given the hardcover limitations. <br /> Rahn stated in his opinion if the Planning Commission were to recommend approval of hardcover in <br /> excess of 25 percent on a conforming lot,that that would open the flood gates and the City would see <br /> a number of people wishing to increase the hardcover on their properties. <br /> Bremer commented that it appears the majority of the Planning Commission is against recommending <br /> approval,but noted the applicant does have the option to appear before the City Council and explain <br /> his situation. <br /> Leslie indicated there have been instances where the City Council has approved an application even <br /> though the Planning Commission had not recommended approval. <br /> Kempf stated it was his understanding that one of the proposed plans had a detached garage,which <br /> would move the garage closer to the road and eliminate some driveway. <br /> Capra stated he has looked at a number of options but would prefer an attached garage. <br /> Kempf stated the applicant does have some options to choose from and that he personally would pick <br /> the detached garage and reducing the size of the driveway in order to comply with the 25 percent. <br /> Capra inquired whether the City would consider raising the hardcover percentage in the near future. <br /> Leslie stated he is not aware of the City possibly changing its hardcover percentage. <br /> Jurgens noted the 25 percent hardcover restriction has been in place since 1975. Jurgens indicated that <br /> in order to qualify for a hardship,the applicant has to demonstrate three requirements. Jurgens stated <br /> one of the requirements is that the property cannot be put to a reasonable use,which basically means <br /> that you are unable to build on the lot. Jurgens stated in his opinion this application does not meet the <br /> hardship requirements. <br /> Capra inquired how much further the size of the house would need to be decreased in order to meet the <br /> hardcover limit. <br /> Gundlach stated the applicant would need to decrease the amount of hardcover by an additional <br /> 749 square feet. <br /> Bremer inquired whether the garage would have underground parking. <br /> Gundlach indicated the original plan called for an underground garage accessible from the lake side. <br /> PAGE 5 <br />