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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 20,2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3048 Steven Persian,Continued) <br /> Kempf inquired whether there is any plan to construct a trail in that area. <br /> Gaffron stated he is not aware of any plans to construct a trail in this area by either the City or the <br /> homeowners association. <br /> Leslie stated in his opinion it is a dangerous precedent to judge properties based on how something <br /> looks when the code is very specific on what is allowed and what is not allowed. Leslie commented <br /> several options have been discussed that would allow the applicant to have the storage he is requesting. <br /> Bremer stated she is not opposed to the location of the structure,but that the size of the building is <br /> excessive. Bremer stated what the code is trying to prevent in part is to have a property that appears to <br /> have two houses on it. Bremer indicated the intent of the code is to maintain the rural integrity of the <br /> property, and that there may be other residents that would like to construct a similar size structure on <br /> lots that do not have the significant number of trees on it as this lot does. Bremer commented the <br /> proposed location makes the most sense for this lot but that the size should be reduced. <br /> Leslie stated two buildings would accommodate what the applicant is proposing to store in the shed and <br /> that a hardship has not been demonstrated. Leslie stated in his view the building can be reduced, which <br /> would reduce the setbacks and comply with the code. <br /> Bremer stated it might be better if the tests on the alternate septic site were available before a final <br /> decision is made on this application. <br /> Jeff Gori,Morton Buildings,noted that there is a vegetation buffer on three sides of the building and <br /> that it would be more aesthetically pleasing to have one building rather than multiple buildings. <br /> Rahn inquired what the purpose is for having 12-foot sidewalls. <br /> Gori stated with 12-foot sidewalls,the overhead door would be 10 feet,noting that on a residential <br /> home the overhead door is seven or eight feet. Gori indicated the taller sidewalls would accommodate a <br /> larger item. <br /> Rahn stated he still has a concern regarding the size of the structure, and that if two buildings were <br /> constructed,the need for the variances would be eliminated. <br /> Leslie stated in his view two smaller buildings would be more attractive rather than one large industrial <br /> looking structure. Leslie noted that the appearance of something also tends to be in the eye of the <br /> beholder and can vary from person to person. <br /> Rahn stated the Planning Commission has to grant variances based on a hardship,which has not been <br /> demonstrated. <br /> Leslie stated even if the alternate septic site cannot be swapped with the structure, a number of the <br /> Planning Commission members have a concern regarding the size of the building. Leslie stated the <br /> viability of the alternate septic site should be determined before a final decision is made. <br /> PAGE 12 <br />