01-22-2008 Planning Commission Packet

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, �.. Description of Request(City of Orono Variance Application) Variance application to construct: • 1.5-story,63 square feet vestibule and a 5' entry porch on the north side of existing home.Addition will be over existing hardcover and located 14.3'from east side lot line, 22.5'from west-side lot line and within the average lakeshore set back approved in variance file# 1856, September 27, 1993. • 8 square foot 1S`-floor box bay addition for gas fireplace and adjoining cabinetry. Addition placed on east side of home,under existing roof over hang and within e�cisting side set back approved in variance file# 1856, September 27, 1993. Hardship documentation form: 1. The property in qneslion cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under the conditions allowed by official controls: . Reasonable use of property inhibited by non-functional home entryway,which creates safety and energy concerns: • The existing 20 square foot entryway,limits the entry into and exit from the home by multiple people. • This limited space creates a bottleneck during ordi.nary use, and posses a hazazd in the event immediate exist during an emergency. . • Eniryway access bottleneck also effects energy efficiency due to extended time for family and guest to enter home. • Risk of fall/injury due to potential ice bu.ild-up on existing entry deck surface Vestibule addition will create a functional entryway improving dwelling access,reducing safety concerns and improving energy efficiency. Dwelling energy efficiency will also improve by the removal of existing wood burning . fireplace and construction of l�`.floor box bay to accommodate new gas fireplace. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. The plight of the applicant and peculiar nature of the properiy is due to: • The narrow lot measures 55' at the lakeshore, 35' at the rear and given current dwelling placement on the property,variance approval needed for external expansion. • Original home built in 1949 prior to existing zoning requirements and current stairway construction prohibits . stairway re-configuration to expand entryway intemally. • Movi.ng stauway to expand entryway intemally will dramatically impact basement and 1�`. level usable floor space,basement hallway and homes ventilation system,making this an impractical and economically unreasonable option ' • 3.The variance, if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality. Proposed property improvements of vestibule addition, east side 1�`. floor box bay and cosmetic improvements to the home will enhance the quality and chazacteristics of the properiy and place it on par with recently renovated! constructed homes in the neighborhood. 4. Economic consideration alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the zoning chapter. Hardship based on safety concerns of nonfunctional entryway, energy efficiency issues of existing entryway and e�cisting wood burning fireplace. Original home conshucted prior to existing zoni.ng requirements and due to unique nature of property(narrow lot),no additional land is available to allow for expansion without variance approval.