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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,March 21, 2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> The proposed application reinoves the existing house and proposes a slightly larger two-story house with <br /> a basement and driveway. The applicants will meet the required front, side, and rear setbacks as well as <br /> the 15 percent limitation on structural coverage. The hardcover is proposed at 28 percent. The ability to <br /> rebuild on the property in the same manner as other existing developed properties in the immediate <br /> neighborhood would be limited if the area and width variances are not granted. The applicant's proposed <br /> site plan indicates all required LR-1 C setbacks will be met In addition,the proposed house is well under <br /> the 1,500 square feet structural coverage allowance for lots less than 10,000 square feet in area. <br /> This lot abuts the Navarre Park and should fit reasonably well with the neighborhood. This area has a <br /> number of single lots as well as double lots. The Navarre Heights neighborhood consists of sin�le-family <br /> homes located on Lyric Avenue, Livingston Avenue, and Crystal Place,between Shadywood Road and <br /> Blaine Avenue. In this neighborhood, 42 homes are on single lots, 22 homes are on double lots, 5 homes <br /> are on triple lots, and one home is on a combination of four lots. The lot is approximately 6,700 square <br /> feet. <br /> Gaffron displayed an aerial photograph of the lot and surrounding area. The property abuts the City"s <br /> Navarre playground, which is partially screened from this property by a row of arborvitae along the west <br /> line of the park. In addition, the applicant's property contains two mature oak trees which provide <br /> afternoon shade to the park. It is hoped that one or both of these trees can be preserved during the <br /> demolition/rebuild process. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the requested variances to lot area and lot width. If the Planning <br /> Commission detern�ines that the practical difficulties test is met and the variances are justified, then a <br /> recommendation for approval would be in order. <br /> Lemke asked if the existing house is much smaller than what is shown on the aerial. <br /> Gaffron displayed the aerial photograph of the lot and the surrounding homes. Gaffron stated the house <br /> does appear to be smaller than what is shown on the survey and it may be the angle of the picture. <br /> Jamison Kohout,Applicant, stated if you took the garage off of the proposed two-story house, it would <br /> basically be the same footprint as the existing structure. The house, outside of widening the driveway to <br /> make the house more accessible, would fit the 25 percent hardcover limit. <br /> Kohout stated as far as tree preservation is concerned,they will do their best to preserve the trees along <br /> the park but that the one in the front yard will likely have to be removed. Kohout indicated he is not sure <br /> about the tree on the side. <br /> Gaffron pointed out the location of the trees on the overhead. Gaffron concurred that the tree in the front <br /> will need to be removed. <br /> Kohout stated this will be a nice house far a family given its location to the park, and that in order to <br /> provide enough bedrooms, it is necessary to construct a two-story house. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:53 pan. <br /> Frank Mittelstaedt, 3444 Lyric Avenue, stated he lives next door to this lot and that he has a concern <br /> regarding tl�e size of the house on this small lot. Mittelstaedt stated the lot is so small he does not know <br /> how someone can even build on it. <br /> Page 4 of 21 <br />