10-15-2007 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ' ORONO PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING Monday,September 17,2007 6:00 o'clock p.m. 7. #07-3318 ANDERS HOLM ON BEHALF OF STEPHEN OTTO,2185 WATERTOWN ROAD,VARIANCE,8:28 P.M.—8:50 P.M. Anders Holm,Architect, and Stephen Otto,Applicant, were present. Turner stated the applicant is requesting a setback variance to construct an addition to the house as close as 20 feet from the south property line when a 50-foot setback is required. The original house was -. constructed in approximately 1920. In 1997, a section of the house was removed and replaced by an attached garage and mudroom, a three-season porch,and a two-story area containing two bedrooms upstairs and a kitchen/dining room,entry and den downstairs. The remaining section of the house was converted to a great room and master bedroom with a craft room in the half-story above. The proposed two-story addition has a 20-foot setback and would contain a family room on the first floor and a master suite on the second level. The existing master bedroom would be converted to a library. The existing house sits at an angle to the rear property line. The southeast corner of the house is about 70 feet from this properly line,with the southwest corner being 35.4 feet. The northwest corner is approximately 53 feet from the property line. The proposed addition would be 18 feet wide and 38 feet long. Turner requested the Planning Commission discuss the following issues: . . 1. Would not having the larger master suite and family room be an undue hardship and is it required to make reasonable use of the property. 2. Is the addition the appropriate size or should it be smaller. 3. Could the addition be placed in a conforming location or a more conforming location. The minimum setback to the septic. If the Commission determines the addition is appropriate and necessary,Planning Staff recommends approval of a setback variance to allow the addition with a 3.5 foot offset conditioned on maintenance of the wooded area along the south property line through a conservation easement. Holm indicated they did look at a number of options for adding on to the house,with their options being limited due to the impact on the view from the house,the location of an old septic site, and the setbacks to the south and east. There is some question regarding which side is the front side of the property and that the survey shows the south side of the property as the back. Holm stated it is debatable whether a 50-foot setback is required for the south side. The property owner is requesting an eight-foot offset for the addition,which has to do with access to walkways and the ability to have a view. Berg inquired what the size of the addition is. � Holm stated it is 18' x 30' and would consist of 1,938 square feet. Holm commented the addition would help bring the house up to the standards of the neighborhood. PAGE 16