03-10-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2003 • 5. #02 -2859 Blake and Mary Bichanich, 332 Westlake Street — Variances— Continued The applicants agreed with the recommendations except that they requested the side yard setbacks be reduced to 15' on each side. Blake Bichanich and David Allers, potential buyer of the property, were present. Bichanich stated that he bought the two lots and then connected the two houses, adding about 70% of the current foundation at the time of the remodel. The combined area of the two homes was less than 1,500 s.f. before the remodel, and is now about 3,500 s.f. The existing garage extends 2' into the neighbor's property. He would move the garage back onto their property with the rebuild. Bichanich showed elevations of the proposed house. He stated his goal was to spread the house out, and keep the massing down to a 1 % story cottage feel, so that it would fit in well with the neighborhood. Bichanich had a letter signed from his neighbors, who had attended the meeting, in support of his plans. He stated that with the 30' side yard setbacks, he would have to construct a 2 %Z -story house to get the same square footage. The house would be required to be a long, narrow, box that would not fit the neighborhood. Bichanich stated they were willing to bring the garage 15' inside the lot line. The new • house had bump -outs for architectural interest that brought one point 17' from the lot line on the south side, and most of the house would be behind that point. On the north side, the great room was angled to bump out into the side yard setback. Gaffron stated that staff did not support any side yard setback variance because the house would be new construction without any hardship. Mayor Peterson asked if staff had any issue with the lot width or area variances. Gaffron stated they did not. Bichanich stated that they have the neighbors' support. The area was rezoned in 1975 and the requirements don't apply to the neighborhood. He stated that not a single property could comply with the zoning codes. Nygard stated that the applicant would receive variances on the lot width and area, but with the length of the lot, he should be able to design a house that meets setbacks. Bichanich stated that the new house would be the same width as the old, so he expected to receive the variances that were granted in 1993. He stated the neighbors had banded together to support him because they realized that the issue affects them. With current codes, there is no incentive for people to combine lots because it produces a narrow house. • Murphy asked Bichanich why he couldn't shift the house plan to fit the 20' setback 5