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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2004 <br />Moorse stated in the mid -90's they were happy to grant applications that brought an <br />improvement. The current philosophy is to only give variances on valid hardships. Staff • <br />couldn't find a hardship for coverage over 34% based on the irregular lot. Unless the <br />property is unique, they would set a precedent by allowing the 38.6% hardcover. <br />Gundlach stated that the difference between the 33.6% and 38.6% is 800 s.f. <br />Mr. Switz stated that if their application is denied, they risk the lot staying exactly as it is <br />for any number of years. <br />White asked if they could install porous paving material in the driveway. Mr. Switz stated <br />he was willing. Sansevere stated the material is too new to be tested for longevity, and <br />allowing that as a hardcover reduction would set a precedent. <br />Murphy moved, and White seconded, to approve the application. <br />Moorse stated that if Council approved the application, they should make the situation as <br />unique as possible to avoid precedent setting, and note the amount of hardcover removed <br />from the lot. <br />Mayor Peterson stated she would vote against the application because she felt they had to <br />require valid hardships for variances. She stated she did appreciate the improvements <br />proposed. <br />McMillan stated that she agreed with the Mayor and would vote against the application. • <br />Sansevere stated that if Council voted, Mr. Switz may not get approval. He asked if there <br />were any more hardcover reductions they could make. Mr. Switz replied there were not, <br />and they would choose to not buy the property. <br />Moorse stated that the Planning Commission really wanted to make the application work, <br />but there is no other hardship in the application. If there were, the Planning Commission <br />would have found it. <br />Sansevere asked Mr. Switz if he would like the application tabled. He stated he would <br />only allow him to discuss it with his wife. <br />Barrett recommended Council deny the resolution unless the applicant signs an extension <br />by February 18`h <br />8 0 <br />