01-27-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 27, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 32 PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 4. #13-3636 LIXIAO WANG, 3059 FARVIEW LANE – VARIANCES Lixiao Wang, Applicant, was present. Curtis noted this application first appeared before the Planning Commissions in October where the applicant proposed a 12-foot garage addition. The Planning Commission at that time tabled the application and recommended the addition be reduced to six feet. At the November Planning Commission meeting, the applicant proposed a 9-foot addition, which was subsequently denied by the Planning Commission. Curtis stated at the December 13 meeting, the City Council reviewed the applicant’s request to permit a 6-foot expansion of the existing garage. The Council tabled the application to give the Planning Commission an opportunity to review the applicant’s revised plans. The applicant presented his revised plans for the 6-foot garage addition to the Planning Commission at the January 21 meeting. The applicant is requesting average lakeshore, lakeshore, and side setback and hardcover variances. The Planning Commission reviewed the applicant’s request, heard testimony from the applicant and an adjacent neighbor who opposes the variances. The Planning Commission voted 4-2 in favor of a motion to approve the request allowing the 6-foot expansion of the existing attached garage. The deck/porch area above the garage was not included in the approval recommendation. The Planning Commission further recommended that future requests to add additional hardcover to the driveway, particularly in the easement area, should not be approved. Planning Staff continues to recommend denial of the variances. Curtis stated she has some photographs from the applicant depicting the area behind the rear garage wall. Curtis noted the 2001 plan shows the two-stall portion of the garage with a 23-foot depth while the current plan suggests an 18-foot depth. It is Staff’s speculation that at some time since 2001 the rear wall of the garage was relocated. Levang asked if the City Council can view the photographs that have been submitted. Curtis displayed the two photographs provided by the applicant. Levang asked if the mechanical equipment is located behind the two double doors. Wang stated yes the mechanical equipment is behind the two double doors. Levang asked if the mechanical equipment is on the other side of that wall. Wang indicated there is a small corridor that goes to the room but that the pictures show the mechanical equipment. Curtis asked if the configuration still consists of a walk-in closet and then the mechanical area.