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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,Apri116,2012 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Anderson commented the Planning Commission does not appear to be at a point where further direction <br /> can be given. Anderson stated he has worked with the City for the past 25 years and that he maintains a <br /> legal,well-maintained operation. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the City appreciates the comments and participation of Mr.Anderson on this item. <br /> Schoenzeit moved,Leskinen seconded,to table Application#11-3503,City of Orono,Zoning Code <br /> Text Amendment—Lakeshore Residential Zoning Districts: Dock Rental. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> 3. #12-3549 MARGARET PELTOLA, 1550 NORTH ARM DRIVE,AFTER-THE-FACT <br /> VARIANCES,7:08 P.M. <br /> Margaret Peltola,Applicant,was present. <br /> Gaffron stated the applicant is requesting an after-the-fact front setback variance for the construction of <br /> an enclosed entryway and covered deck. The existing home,constructed in approximately 1930, is a one- <br /> story walkout rambler with a one-stall detached garage. Over the winter the applicant,with the assistance <br /> of a friend,began construction of an enclosed 6'x 6'entryway and a 6'x 6'adjacent deck without the <br /> required building permits. Review of a 1999 survey on file indicated the partially finished structure was <br /> located less than the required 35-foot setback from the front lot line.The applicant has provided an <br /> updated survey and is requesting variance approval in order to complete the structure as proposed. <br /> The proposed enclosed entryway as constructed is 34.4 feet from the street lot line and the covered deck <br /> extending from it is 28.4 feet from the front lot line. The LR-1B zoning district requires a 35-foot front or <br /> street yard setback. No other variances are required for this addition. <br /> With the enclosed entryway door facing the street,an entry porch or stoop encroaching into the setback is <br /> necessary for reasonable access due to the height of the main floor. If the entry door was relocated to the <br /> side of the enclosed entryway,a stoop could likely be constructed that would not require a variance. <br /> Covering that side entry stoop might impact views from the front windows and would reduce light into <br /> those windows. <br /> The applicant has indicated to Staff that the interior of the enclosed ent7yway is too small to allow for <br /> large furniture,etc.,to make the turn so that a straight-through configuration was constructed. <br /> Additionally the applicant has indicated that a south facing door and porch would conflict with existing <br /> utilities. The applicant also noted that the covered porch is intended to protect visitors from the rain, etc., <br /> as the house has minimal overhangs. <br /> A factor in considering practical difficulty is whether the request is in keeping with the character of the <br /> neighborhood and adjacent properties. The Planning Commission should determine if the requested <br /> setback variance will alter the essential character of the locality. The applicant is proposing an addition <br /> that will extend 12' closer to the road than the west wall of the home,which is 39.7 percent from the <br /> street lot line. Because the residence is slightly angled back from the street,the nearest point of the <br /> enclosed entryway will be 34.4 feet from the street lot line or just 0.06 feet closer than allowed. <br /> However,the addition of the covered deck/porch is the primary cause of the need for a variance. <br /> Page 6 <br />