05/19/2008 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 19,2008 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#08-3351 BARRY TANNER ON BEHALF OF BROOK INVESTMENT GROUP, CONTINUED) Turner noted Staff's report and the recommendation of the Planning Commission would become part of the public record. There were no public comments regarding this application. Kroeger moved,Rice seconded,to authorize the chair of the Planning Commission to sign the Planning Staff inemorandum and forward the recommendations to the City Council. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 3. #08-3357 ALONZO &RENEE SERAN,4099 ffiGHWOOD,VARIANCE,6:17 P.M. — 7:02 P.M. Alonzo and Renee Seran,Applicants,were present. Turner stated the applicants are requesting approval of a revision to the previously approved structural coverage variance to allow the existing garage/shed to be replaced by an attached garage/entry of the same size; a revision of the previously approved hardcover variance to have 49.1 percent hardcover in the 75-250 foot zone when 49.3 percent was allowed and the normal maximum is 25 percent; and a side setback variance to place the garage nine feet from the northwesterly property line when a 10-foot setback is required. A variance to allow the proposed garage to have defined height of three stories(a basement with garage and living space above)is also requested. A structural coverage variance was granted in 1995 to allow construction of a replacement residence while retaining the existing garage. The applicants are not proposing to increase the structural coverage with this project. The house is located 6.4 feet from the side property line when 10 feet is required. There is no formal storm drain for Highwood Road. Runoff from the west flows across this property to the lake. One of the owners' goals is to channel this runoff along the southwesterly property line without causing water problems for the adjacent house. The City Engineer feels the overall concept to correct the drainage is workable but that there should be additional space along the west lot line to handle the drainage. It appears the adjacent property does not have the swale that was part of its approved grading plan. There was an 8-inch and a 4-inch drain tile under the swale. These drain tile have been plugged or removed so the applicants'property receives all the road drainage. Staff is attempting to deternune the status of the drain tile. In addition, Staff recommends the Planning Commission discuss whether the variance for the number of stories being proposed can be eliminated. In order for the garage basement to not be considered a story, the garage floor would have to be lowered about three feet. To stop water from running down the driveway into the garage,there would need to be a low point in the driveway lower than the garage floor,making the grade of the driveway exceed the usual maximum of 10 percent. Removing either the basement or the level above the garage would eliminate the variance. PAGE 2