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' MINUTES OF THE ' <br /> � ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> � Monday,Apri116,2007 � <br /> � 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#07-3262 James and Corrine Beck, Continued) , _ <br /> If the Planning Commission feels that there is hardship with respect to the location of the existing home <br /> and it is a reasonable request of the applicants to preserve the personal historical value of the existing <br /> home, Staff will support some level of hardcover and setback variances to allow the additions. <br /> Additionally, Staff continues to not support a height variance. Further, Staff would recommend the <br /> applicants submit revised plans reflecting the third level as a half-story as allowed: <br /> Curtis noted John Smythe,Bonestroo,is recommending a 16-foot wetland buffer,but that it is not <br /> required. � <br /> Alexander stated they have reduced the mass and the height of the structure.�Alexander stated she <br /> .would like to address the issue of the third story. The existing lowest level is garage and unfinished <br /> . basement and measures 6' 10.5' to 6' 11.5". According to the code,habitable space is defined as seven , <br /> feet and this would be uninhabitable space. <br /> Curtis requested the Planning Commission address that issue and that she did speak with the City's <br /> building inspector,Lyle Oman,that specific requirement for habitable space and that he would not <br /> disallow someone to�nish their basement because of that low height. In new construction that would <br /> not be allowed. <br /> Alexander stated it would be undesirable space once it was sheetrocked and a ceiling was added because <br /> the height would be reduced even further. Alexander pointed out the Becks currently own a three-story <br /> house and they are looking to remodel the existing structure. . <br /> Kempf stated this appears to be another situation where it is being called a remodel in order to preserve <br /> the current location of the structure and there is the expansion of a nonconformity in close proximity to <br /> . . the lake. Kempf noted this is a small lot and there is little room for expansion but that in his opinion the <br /> whole house should be pulled back and constructed on a suitable foundation. <br /> Alexander stated their structural�ngineer has submitted a letter to the City indicating that the foundation <br /> is.very sound. . . , <br /> Kernpf noted the foundation is only seven feet height. <br /> Alexander pointed out there is a very small buildable area on the lot and that they could run into the . <br /> � need for pilings if the house were relocated. . <br /> Berg commented she has a concern regarding the height of the structure and maximizing the lot. <br /> Alexander stated it is within three feet of the existing structure. <br /> Berg indicated she is not supportive of the amount of inassing on the lot. . . . <br /> Kroeger stated it appears to be a three-story structure. <br /> PAGE 8 <br />