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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, June 13, 2005 <br />• 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />• <br />• <br />( #05 -3111 Water Street Homes, Continued) <br />buffer as a condition of approval. Carlson noted the <br />underground. <br />Gaffron inquired whether the driveway could be <br />Carlson stated the property owners would prefer not <br />of square footage of the lower level................ <br />Murphy inquired whether all variances are <br />Barrett indicated they are. <br />that falls within the 26 -foot setback is located <br />slightly. <br />relocate the driveway but rather reduce the amount <br />on a hardship. <br />Gaffron stated the variance language in part reads as follows: `Before granting a variance, the council <br />shall hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of this chapter in instances where their strict <br />enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property <br />under consideration, and to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in <br />keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter." Gaffron stated a hardship needs to be demonstrated <br />and a showing that they are keeping with the spirit of the code. Gaffron indicated a number of variances <br />have been granted throughout the city and that the type and degree of hardship varies from application to <br />application. <br />Murphy stated one solution is to construct two structures above ground, which may not be the best <br />solution. <br />White commented that the proposed plan looks aesthetically pleasing and makes sense for this lot. <br />McMillan inquired whether the City has other two -story accessory structures where the below grade level <br />has different footprints. <br />Gaffron indicated this type of design is unusual for the City and that Staff has not determined how much <br />fill depth is necessary for an area not to be determined as hardcover. <br />White stated he prefers this proposal rather than two <br />McMillan stated the issue then becomes what the <br />Carlson stated the configuration of the lot is a <br />the ordinance. <br />McMillan noted there is a fair amount of wetlands <br />buildable land. <br />Murphy inquired how the current footprint is calcula <br />buildings. <br />footage should be of the one structure. <br />and that the design meets the spirit and intent of <br />this property that reduces the amount of dry <br />PAGE 7 <br />