02-13-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 13, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (9. #12 -3540 CHARLES TR UWIT AND PAULA PICARD,1105 FERNDALE ROAD WEST, Continued) Dr. Truwit stated what he is attempting to do is live within the spirit of what was already approved but that there were a couple of items that were either deficiencies or oversights with the original approval. Truwit noted the previously approved house has no door on the lake side of the house, which is inconceivable that someone would construct a house on the lakeshore without a door to access that area. Dr. Truwit noted the original proposed house and driveway were to be elevated as well as the garage floor per the previous variances. Truwit stated the thing that caught his attention the most was the elevated driveway. Due to the issues associated with the elevated driveway as previously approved, Truwit indicated he is proposing the area in green. Given the current configuration of the driveway without the extension, if someone is backing out in the winter and the driveway is icy, a vehicle could slide over the retaining wall. The Planning Commission agreed with that premise since it is a safety issue. The second issue before the City Council is, ne of practical difficulty. Currently you have to back out into the neighbor's driveway or back all the'way out to the road. That situation is going to raise the risk that someone is going to back up and go off the driveway. Truwit indicated he would like to have a turnaround so that people can drive out facing forward.. Truwit stated he has only recently learned of the neighbor's concern. With the current configuration of the driveway, the headlights will hit the neighboring home when someone enters the driveway and when someone leaves. With the tear drop, the neighbor would experience only one set of headlights. Truwit displayed a picture of the lot showing the trees on the property. Given the substantial number of trees, Truwit stated he is not sure what the neighbor will see. Truwit indicated they are not proposing to remove the trees and are, in fact, proposing to plant more trees, which will increase the privacy. This issue was not raised at the Planning Commission meeting. Truwit stated they will be taking out the patio that was requested be removed, removing the carport, and freeing up the space between the two properties the best they can, but that that they would like to use the existing foundation. Truwit stated he has talked to the neighbors about the project and they have indicated they would like to see the carport removed, which is being done. Truwit stated he is asking for a slight increase in hardcover, but that in his view it is a reasonable request. Truwit stated he initially attempted to point out to Staff that the neighbor has over 50 percent hardcover. They are requesting 31.6 percent. Staff pointed out it is not an apples to apples comparison, which he understands, but that he would request the City Council consider what the hardcover numbers would be if that portion of the driveway is added to their property. Truwit stated according to his calculations, it would be between 39.5 and 42.5 percent hardcover. Truwit pointed out their request is still well below what the most immediate neighbor has for hardcover and that he is asking for something very reasonable in order to address some safety concerns. Franchot asked about the conservatory on the second floor. Truwit indicated it is more of a four - season room. Concerns with the conservatory were also included in the comments from the neighbor. Truwit stated there is no conceivable way the neighbors can see the conservatory from their property. Page 11 of 22