10-27-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 27, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. 15. 03 -2957 JOSEPH THIES, 1180 WILLOW DRIVE NORTH, VARIANCE — RESOLUTIONNO. 5070, Continued Approve the rear yard setback variance to allow an attached garage and house addition to be setback 32 feet when 50 feet is required due to limited alternate locations available for expansions, that the lot is substandard in size, and that the variance will not negatively impact the adjacent neighbors. 2. Deny the rear yard setback variance to allow a deck to be setback 24 feet from the rear property line when 50 feet is required due to it not being a necessary component of the addition and that it could be relocated. 3. Deny the rear yard setback variance to allow a detached garage to be setback 5 feet from the rear property line when 10 feet is required because the garage can be shifted to meet the setback. Furthermore, Waataja stated that, although the applicant requested a stairway access be allowed along the east side yard where an encroachment already exists, staff did not believe this was appropriate. • Mr. Thies stated that the purpose of this proposed open staircase would be to provide him access from his three season porch over the garage to the ground where his children would is be playing. He stated that, currently, he must walk through the entire home before reaching the ground level. He felt that, in case of an emergency, he wished to gain access to his children on the ground easier via the stairway. White stated that he would agree, the applicant should have access to the ground as an emergency measure to reach his kids outside rather than having to run through the whole house first. Murphy stated that the home does not exceed hardcover or structural coverage requirements, and while access is an inconvenience, it does not constitute a hardship. He asked if the applicant had held any discussions with the neighbor of the strip of land behind him. Thies stated that they have a handshake agreement that he wishes to buy the parcel. While McMillan concurred with the Planning and staff recommendation, she did not have a problem allowing the open staircase to the ground to infringe on the side setback. Sansevere concurred. McMillan moved, White seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 5070 for Joseph Thies, 1180 Willow Drive North, approving the rear yard setback variance to allow an • attached garage and house addition to be setback 32 feet when 50 feet is required, PAGE 10 of 16