04-18-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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' � MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,March 21,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Denise Leskinen, Commissioners Bruce Lemke, Chad Olson, Loren Schoenzeit, and John Thiesse. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member Lizz Levang was present. Chair Leskinen called the meeting to arder at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA *1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Lemke moved, Schoenzeit seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of February 16,2016, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 2. #16-3808 RICK DENMAN ON BEHALF OF CASCO VENTURES,LLC,3800 CASCO AVENUE,VARIANCES, 6:33 P.M.—6:44 P.M. Rick Denman, Applicant,was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting approval of a lot area variance as well as a rear yard setback variance. The subject property is a corner lot on a curve of Casco Avenue. The lot consists of approximately three-tenths of an acre where a half-acre is required. The south side is the narrower frontage and is therefore defined as the"front" for setback purposes. The rear yard setback variance is requested in order to orient the front of the proposed home to the northwest, in line with the other homes along Casco Point Road in line with other homes along Casco Avenue. The applicant has proposed a front load garage off of the south side of the home. The house will meet the 30-foot front setback from either side. The house is oriented so the rear setback is to the side yard of the lot to the northeast. The property is not conforming with respect to lot area. However,the applicant requests a rear yard setback variance and proposes to use the Tier II permitted hardcover level. This results in the property's inability to conform to the conditions in the record lot administrative approval of a substandard lot. The orientation of the home facing the side street keeps the proposed home in line with the neighboring homes to the north. The setback to the rear lot line is proposed at 10.2 feet. This setback is consistent with the required yard setback from the property line on the adjacent lot and allows a more functional back yard space behind the home to the east, which is consistent with the surrounding properties. As noted in Staff's memo,the proposed plan results in 17 percent structural coverage where 15 percent is allowed. This was unintentional and the applicant will submit a revised plan conforming to the 15 percent structural coverage prior to the City Council's review. No structural coverage variance is being requested. Page 1 of 21