07/17/2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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1VIIlVUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,July 17,2006 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#06-3221 Sean and Nicolie Wheeler Hendrickson,Continued) Staff finds hardships exist which warrant approval of some of the variances as requested. Staff is not recommending a lot coverage variance. Planning Staff recommends tabling the item to allow the applicants to provide a revised plan that eliminates the lot coverage variance. Jeffries stated in order to provide a modest new home given the constraints of the property,the house that is being proposed has 1,026 square feet as its livable footprint. In order to provide a couple of garage stalls, an additiona1480 square feet of structural coverage would need to be added. A covered stoop would add 35 square feet and a screened porch that may or may not be designed as a four-season room would add 135 square feet. Jeffries stated without a garage,the nonstructural hardcover would increase,and that they have designed a minimal two-car garage. Jeffries stated the intent of the layout is the increase the curb appeal. Jeffries pointed out the proposed . hardcover is a reduction from the current hardcover. Bremer opened the public hearing at 10:50 p.m. _ Stachia Fey, 1570 Long Lake Boulevard,indicated she and her husband,Michael Fey, are in favor of this . project. - Michael Fey, 1570 Long Lake Boulevard, stated if this project is denied,the Hendricksons would probably move and that this lot would not be improved for a long time. Fey stated the project would help to improve the neighborhood. Bremer closed the public hearing at 10:52 p.m. Bremer stated it is true that the City does hold itself rather strictly to the 15 percent siructural lot coverage requirement,but that there are some very unique lots that probably require greater structural coverage _ than 15 percent and that the applicants are not proposing a big house. Bremer stated the four-screen porch and the covered entry consist of 175 square feet,which is the amount the applicants are over on the structural coverage. Turner stated there is 75 feet of cantilevered area,which brings it to the 1742 square feet. Jeffries stated the cantilevered area would be difficult to remove and that it was his understanding the cantilevers would not be counted as structural coverage. Bremer commented in her view a cantilever is usually not integral to the footprint of the house and could be removed. PAGE 36