02/21/2012 Planning Commission Minutes

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NIINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,February 21,2012 6:30 o'clock p.m. 5. #12-3545 J.ANDRE LaTONDRESSE ON BEHALF OF JOHN AND PATTY BAILEY, 2807 CASCO POINT ROAD,VARIANCE,7:23 P.M.—7:37 P.M. J.Andre Letondresse,Applicant,was present on behalf of John and Patty Bailey. Gozola displayed an aerial photograph of the subject property and the adjoining lots,noting that the areas in green are what currently exist on the subject property. Gozola pointed out the property owners do have some existing illegal plastic underneath the rock on two sides of the home and a paver walkway leading down to a paver driveway in front of the home. Gozola pointed out the plastic will need to be removed as part of this application and is not included in the hardcover numbers. Gozola stated the applicant is proposing to add a screened porch on the western side of the home while simultaneously removing existing areas of deck and patio. The existing home is currently legal nonconforming to both hardcover and average lakeshore setback requirements. The proposed improvements would result in a net reduction in overall hardcover. As part of the proposed project,the application is requesting a 75-250 foot zone hardcover variance to allow 27.12 percent hardcover where 28.16 percent currently exists,and a 4-foot variance to the average lakeshore setback requirement to accommodate construction of a screened porch addition on an existing home at 2807 Casco Point Road. The existing home is currently 12 feet beyond the average lakeshore setback line. The 0-75 foot zone currently has some hardcover located within it but would not be altered as part of this application. Structural coverage on the lot is currently at 10.89 percent and would be increased to 11.79 percent under this proposal,which is under the maximum allowed. In reviewing this application, Staff believes all 14 criteria are met. The proposed changes to the property will be decreasing the overall hardcover on the lot and are in conformance with the City's massing standards. The changes will not impact adjoining properties in terms of drainage,availability of light or air,or the overall character of the neighborhood. The property is unique in the sense that the road and lakeshore do curve at this location in such a manner that the average setback requirement is not necessary to protect the adjoining properties'views of the lake. The average lake setback is designed to protect the views from any forward addition on any of the homes in the area. In this particular case,the orientation of the neighboring home in relation to the lakeshore and the proposed addition results in a situation where the proposed addition does not block the prominent view that is protected by the average lakeshore setback regulation. The addition does meet the side yard setbacks and the proposal is to improve the livability of the home. Staff recommends approval of the application subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals from the City and other applicable entities with jurisdiction prior to any construction. 2. Construction shall follow the survey and plans as submitted or as required to be updated by the City Engineer. 3. The proposed grading along the new addition shall be shown on the plans submitted with the building permit application and existing drainage patterns shall be maintained except as authorized by the City Engineer. Page 10