08/18/2008 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION 1VIEETING Monday,August 18,2008 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#08-3367 TOM AND PAT KUBALAK,2623 CASCO POINT ROAD, CONTINUED) 1. A lot area of 0.29 acre when the minimum is 0.5 acre; 2. A lot width of 60 feet when the minimum is 100 feet; 3. 33.64 percent hardcover in the 75-250 foot zone when the maximum allowed is 25 percent. The hardcover proposed by the applicant includes the house,sidewalk,the landing at a lakeside door, and driveway. The proposed hardcover is 678 square feet more than the maximum allowed. The Planning Staff recommends approval of the lot area and lot width variances. Staff would also recommend approval of some level of hardcover variance to allow at least 29 percent hardcover in the 75-250 foot zone subject to a revised site/grading plan being approved by the City Engineer prior to Council approval. Patty Kubalak stated at the previous Planning Commission meeting their request for approval was denied based on the overage in hardcover. The hardships they have encountered are the overall size of the lot and the location of the garage as it relates to safety going in and out of the driveway. In 1959, the City of Orono approved the division of their lot into two lots. Given the current restrictions on hardcover,it is difficult to construct a residence that meets the hardcover limits. Kubalak stated the overall amount of the structural coverage has been reduced to 15 percent and have eliminated the side yard setback variance. They have also reduced the proposed hardcover by approximately 10 percent but are still faced with the safety concerns relating to the current garage and nonconformities with the garage setbacks. Kubalak commented they feel they have done their best to meet the direction of the Planning Commission and the requirements of the City. Kempf opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Kempf closed the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. Schoenzeit stated the house from the street now meets the 30-foot setback and asked if it could be located closer to the lake. � Turner stated the house is currently proposed to be 67 feet from the street,which is 37 feet more than what it would have to be. Schoenzeit noted the structural coverage has been reduced to 15 percent. Kempf commented the applicants have made great progress,unless the Commission thinks the maximum structural coverage should be allowed,but noted that Staff is recommending the hardcover be further reduced to 29 percent. Kempf noted the City's ordinances state that new construction should be at 25 percent,but that due to some limited hardships of the lot, Staff is recommending hardcover at 29 percent. Kempf stated he would like to see the hardcover reduced to the 29 percent and recommended the applicants consider tabling their application to make further reductions in hardcover. Schoenzeit asked if this house is closer to the lake than their neighbors. PAGE 2