07/20/2009 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINfJTES OF THE ORONO PLANIVING COMMISSION MEETING July 20,2009 6:30 o'clock p.m. (09-3414 KATHI'&PATRICK MIDDLETON,720 TONKAWA ROAD,CONTINUED) 2. Is the proposed entry porch essential for making reasonable use of the property? The proposed porch is minimal in size and will shelter the only entry to the house. Several structural coverage � variances have been granted to allow the addition of entry porches or vestibules to older houses. Planning Staff recommends approval of the average lakeshore setback variance and,if the Planning Commission determines appropriate,the side setback variance. Patrick Middleton stated they are limited in their options due to the topography of the lot and that basically their only option is to go up. Patrick Weir,General Contractor,stated from a structural standpoint as it relates to the side setback,if the second story addition were offset,it would require posts and beams from the basement up to offset the load. Weir stated the posts and beams would make the rooms on the first floor and in the basement smaller. Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Kempf closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Kempf asked whether the neighbors are in support of this application. Patrick Middleton stated he did submit a letter from the neighbor to the north and also submitted photographs of his residence taken from the other adjoining residence. Kempf stated on a similar application located on North Shore Drive,the Planning Commission required the second story to be offset. The issues with that application relating to light, access for emergency vehicles,and close proximity to the neighbors do not seem to apply here and that the main issue with this application appears to be the average lakeshore setback. Kempf indicated he is fine with the application proceeding forward to the City Council. Kempf noted the house has a footprint consisting of 960 square feet,which is a modest house, and that given the very small amount of square feet being requested over the maximum structural coverage limit,he would be in favor of approving the structural coverage variance. Schwingler concurred with the comments of Chair Kempf and stated he is in favor of Staff's recommendation. Bennett indicated she also is in favor of Staffls recommendation. Kempf moved, Schoenzeit seconded,to recommend approval of Application#09-3414,Kathy and Patrick Middleton,granting of an average lakeshore setback variance,a side setback variance to construct a second story on the existing residence,and a structural coverage variance to add an entry porch. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. PAGE 2