08-15-2011 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING � Monday,July 18,2011 6:30 o'clock p.m. property,but the length of the encroachment will nearly double. An existing shed set back five feet from the side lot line along the existing garage is proposed to be removed as part of this project. The applicant's variance may be reasonable considering the location of the existing home on the property. The proposed addition will result in 26 feet of additional massing along the south lot line. There are a number of trees along the south side of the property which may afford adequate screening of the addition from the adjacent property. Staff finds the location of the existing home and the width of the applicant's property creates a unique circumstance not created by the applicant and that granting the applicant's request is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance and will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. In order to construct the addition,hardcover removals are necessary. The applicant has provided a hardcover plan which results in a conforming level of hardcover. However,while the proposed driveway meets the City's minimum standards,the configuration appears to be difficult to maneuver. The applicant � should address the proposed driveway configuration. Issues for consideration: 1. A 10-foot setback is the minimum principal structure side setback permitted in any zoning district. Should the addition be redesigned and constructed to meet a 10-foot side setback? 2. The applicant is proposing a driveway configuration which technically meets the City's driveway hardcover minimum. However,there appears to be maneuverability difficulties. Staff recommends approval of a side setback variance in order to construct the garage addition and conduct hardcover removals as proposed. The Planning Commission should consider and make a recommendation on whether an 8-foot setback is acceptable or if a 10-foot setback should be required. Tripp Snyder,Applicant,indicated they purchased the house approximately four years ago. Shortly after the purchase the interior of the house was rewired to bring it up to code. As part of that renovation,the hardcover was reduced on the property from approximately 35 percent in the 75-250 foot zone to approximately 31.7 percent. They are further proposing to reduce it down to just under 25 percent. The garage that is being proposed sits on what is now 100 percent hardcover. The portico would also sit on 100 percent hardcover. Snyder indicated the sfructures they are proposing will not add any hardcover whatsoever to the property. Along the south side of the property there is concrete along with a shed that is approximately three feet wide. That will be removed as part of the construction. Snyder indicated they have attempted to get under the 25 percent hardcover requirement,which is accomplished with this proposal. � Snyder stated they are removing all of the hardcover that is currently used for excess parldng. That area could also be used as a turnaround. Bayridge Road is a private road with seven houses on the road. Their house is next to the last house on the road and is located approximately 60 feet from the end of the road. The two spaces in the proposed garage that are to the south are the ones that will be primarily used. Snyder stated in his view due to the configuration that their builder and surveyor have proposed they feel that both cars can be turned around adequately in that portion of the driveway or they could back down the driveway. At the far north portion of the driveway you will not be able to turn around. Snyder stated Page 9