01-19-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,November 15,2015 6:30 dclock p.m. 5. #15-3794 TIM AND MARY DOUBEK,4565 SHADYWOOD ROAD,VARIANCES,7:37 P.M.—7:46 P.M. (conti�zz�ed) The applicants propose construction of a new 2,400 square foot pole building in a clearing of the streets streetward of the house. The pole shed will be screened from the road by existing vegetation as well as vegetation on the adjacent properties. Curtis noted a 2,400 square foot accessory structure is defined as an oversized accessory structure and 2,600 square feet is the maximum individual footprint for the applicant's property size, which is seven acres. The applicant is not proposing the maximum size building. A setback variance is required in order to construct the pole barn between the principal structure and the front, street lot line. Staff has done an analysis of the practical difficulty and would be able to answer any questions relating to that. Staff finds due to the lot size and shape, the existing mature trees, septic treatment locations, topography, and the location of the home toward the rear of the property, there is practical difficulty to support allowing the new pole building to be constructed in the proposed location. Planning Staff recommends approval of the setback variance to allow a new pole building to be constructed in the proposed location. The applicants should be required to record an oversize accessory structure covenant against the property. No future subdivision would be approved that places the pole shed on a lot without a principal structure. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. David Bieker, Contractor, stated when someone stands in the proposed location, given the tree cover, even in the wintertime, it screens the property and the pole shed will not be visible from the road. The front part of the property towards the road is actually an apple orchard and there are also existing pine trees, which further screens it. Curtis displayed an aerial of the property. Bieker stated if the Planning Commission looks at the topography on the survey, they will see that this is really the only spot to locate the pole barn. The owners will not have harses on the property but the pole shed is to store the trailer so it is not sitting outside. Bieker noted there are also several other properties along the road that have the same situation since the homes were built towards the back of the lot and is common far the area, especially on the south side of the road. The property owners are reconstructing in the same spot as the existing house. Thiesse asked if there is a reason why the pole shed could not be located east of the house. Bieker indicated there is an apple orchard in that area and that the applicants would like to maintain it if they can. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. Page 14 of 29