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MINUTES OF TI� <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMII�SSION MEETING <br /> Moaday,November 15,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Iza addition,the side setback variances for the garage are minimal and,with such a narrow lot, <br /> unavoidable unless a very r�arrow and less functional garage zs constructed. The side setback variances <br /> for the entry overh�ng and the window well are also a function of the extremely narrow lot and onty <br /> become an issue if roof runoff and dra.inage are not properly dealt with. <br /> The following items are applicable in the practical difficulties arxalysis: <br /> 1. The properiy owner is proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner but the magnitude of <br /> the request is not permitted by the Zoning Code. <br /> 2. The plight of the property owner is due to having purchased a house with an extremely smal! and <br /> narrow lot. While the Iandowner did not create the sma111ot situation, information on the <br /> limitations on the lot imposed by the Code is readily available, <br /> 3. Expansion of the house by attaching a garage with living space above and removal of the <br /> detached garage is not anticipated to alter the character of the neighborhood. <br /> 4. Economic considerations are not a factor in this reques�t. <br /> 5. The condition of having a detached garage on a lakeshore property is becom'vng less common as <br /> the lalces�ore redevelops,but many such situations still exist in Orono on similarfy situated lots. <br /> 6. The Code regarding hardcover and sttuctural coverage and the condidon of being a sma111ot are <br /> not uncommon on Shadywood Road and t.�erefore the conditions are applicable to many other <br /> lots in the area. <br /> 7. Having an attached garage,while desirable, is not necessary for the preservation and enjayment <br /> of any substantial property right. <br /> 8. Granting of the variances wouId not necessarily impair health, safety, comfort or rnorals and <br /> might improve safety for the homeowner while not being in line with the intent of the Zoning <br /> Code in limiting structural massing and hardcover on sma111a1ceshore properties. <br /> 9. Whether having an attached garage is merely a convenience as opposed to solving a practical <br /> dii�'iculty is left to the Planning Co�nission and City Council to consider. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the side setback variances. If the Planning Commission determines that <br /> the practica] dif�'iculties test is met and the requested variances for hardcover and structural coverage <br /> increases are justified based on safety and the livability of the property,then a recommendation for <br /> approval wouId be in order. <br /> The Planning Commissian had no questions for Staff. <br /> Ben Kieffer,Applicant, stated they purchased the property recently knowing that the garage would need <br /> to be refurbished. Kieffer indicated they are loolcing at centering the garage more in the middle of the lot <br /> as well as attaching i� Sinc�the plans have been submitted,they have rethought the sidewalk abutting <br /> the neact lot and will instead have it conne right next to the garage. That will result in the sidewalk being <br /> next to the house rather than jetting around. <br /> Page 9 of 27 <br />