07-14-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE • ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 14, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. #03 -2909 Plekkenpol Builders Inc. on behalf of Tom McGlynn, Continued) conforming location. He stated that discussions to this effect have occurred at the Planning Commission level in an effort to eliminate nonconforming structures. White agreed with Murphy, that the distinction between lifting up and lifting sideways seemed silly, and did not seem sensible distinction to base the ordinance upon. If the Council felt the distinction was not warranted, Gaffron encouraged Council to clarify the policy further. Although he agreed that, on instinct, the distinction of movement is weak, Barrett questioned whether the structure was moved and work done that might not be considered permitted. Murphy maintained that, to him, restoration or remodeling by improving the foundation to set the building back on top would be considered part of the restoration process; whereas, structural change means something that alters the structure altogether. Barrett explained that nonconforming structural changes to the foundation have always meant a • Y major change requiring a variance application or it would not be permitted. He maintained that, to allow the applicant to change the foundation, would be somewhat inconsistent with efforts of the past. Murphy indicated that he had difficulty with the nonconforming language, since it was the boathouse that had remained in the same location for 50 years, and similar to his barn and shed, only became nonconforming as the language changed over the years. Barrett stated that the boathouse is nonconforming, since it is located in the 0 -75' setback zone. He suggested the applicants be encouraged to find a conforming location to place the boathouse, or cautioned the City that it might be faced with similar scenarios in the future, if they do not find a hardship for this application. Murphy questioned what Oman considered the structure would be when finished, based on an estimated $20,000 in repairs. Gaffron stated that Oman expected new siding, windows, and roof; however, he questioned if Oman expected the structure would be moved from its foundation. Gaffron stated that he could not determine how Oman expected the applicant to do the insulation and plywood work to the underside if it were not moved. Clearly, Gaffron stated, replacing foundation, joists, and/or adding to the PAGE 12 OF 21