07-28-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 28, 2003 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (GARY GERMUNDSEN, 4101 HIGHWOOD ROAD, Continued) Gaffron stated that the building code does not require access for exiting the home there and suggested the applicant look into a rope ladder exit. Mayor Peterson stated that she was unwilling to allow the additional hardcover over the existing 1,528 s.f., noting small lot — small house. White recognized the applicant's dilemma, with no hardship or hardcover to remove, he found it difficult to support the request. Gaffron pointed out that the existing home differs than the original plan, including egress and bump -out windows, as well as, retaining walls. He noted that the driveway is gravel and still to be paved sided by green space. While he acknowledged that staff could accept the changes that occurred during construction, they could not support the addition of a deck. Sansevere moved, Murphy seconded, to deny Application #03 -2895, Gary Germundsen, 4101 Highwood Road, a request for variances to construct a 121X12' deck on the lake side of the new residence. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. • 5. #03 -2904 RICHARD S. BROWN, 1300 SHORELINE DRIVE — AFTER -THE -FACT VARIANCE • Gaffron explained that the applicant requested an after- the -fact variance for certain retaining wall setbacks on the property, and a hardcover variance for excessive hardcover in the 500 -1000' zone. This item was tabled at the June Planning Commission meeting to allow the applicant to explore ways to reduce the excess hardcover. Allowed = 35% = 6,785.6 s.f. Existing = 50.8% = 9,860 s.f. Initial Proposal = 45.9% = 8,908 s.f. Revised Proposal = 39.7% = 7,693 s.f. Gaffron indicated that the applicant has made a good faith effort to reduce hardcover by eliminating the circle driveway and replacing it with a walkway and stairs in the front yard, and establishing parking spaces near the lower driveway. After working with a landscape architect, the applicant determined that removal of the circular drive could result in a positive impact to the property and result in a hardcover reduction of 2,167 s.f., yielding a final 500 -1000' hardcover of 7,693 s.f. or 39.7 %. At its July 21, 2003 Planning Commission Meeting, the Commission reviewed the revised plans and on a vote of 5 -2 recommended approval of the revised plan for 39.7% hardcover subject to the following conditions: PAGE 5 of 18