07-08-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 8, 1996 ( #8 - 42137 William Dunkley - Continued) . Hurr asked why the swim pool could not be located elsewhere in the house. Smith responded that the size of the pool at 8x14' hindered any other possibility. Gustafson added that the family and living rooms were the only rooms large enough but were used in housing the family. The circular pattern of the rooms and interior walls also posed a problem. Hurr said if the pool was of great importance, accommodations could be made elsewhere. She did not feel a large family and size of home were reasons by which to grant a variance. Callahan inquired about the elevation of the pool room. Smith said it would be located about 4' below the height of the grade with a pump mechanism below. Gaffron noted that the Planning Commission had discussed that the existing deck with the screen wall were in such condition to need repair soon. The Commission also noted that the impact from the proposal would be similar to that which now exists. Chair Peterson said the Planning Commission cited the medical condition as a hardship. Peterson said the deck would always be there with eventual replacement, and that its enclosure would have a minimal effect. Peterson added that the improvements made to the property last year with the significant reduction in hardcover was an appropriate tradeoff for the proposal and improvement of the overall property. Callahan voiced concern over redesigning a house for purposes of only the applicant who • resides there. He said he understood from the Planning Commission discussion that the applicant would otherwise come back with a proposal for improvement of the deck. Hurr responded that with the encroachments as they exist, the Council was not obligated to approve a deck improvement. Goetten added that structure improvements also tend to escalate. Jabbour said he did not see the medical condition as a valid reason for the hardship with the health facilities nearby. Gustafson responded that the applicants were avid exercisers. He also noted the deck currently exists, and the improvement would result in a reduction in hardcover. Gustafson said the location of the addition allows taking advantage of the overhang. Goetten noted that although reductions are very important, she was concerned with moving into the next phase of structure. Hurr moved, Goetten seconded, to deny Application #2137. Hurr said, with the entire home Iocated within the 0 -75' zone, she could not see increasing the amount of structure or deck replacement. If the reason is medical, Hurr said the applicant needs to make accommodations and not the City for the applicant. 10