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 3 of 32 (4. #13-3636 LIXIAO WANG, 3059 FARVIEW LANE – VARIANCES, Continued) Wang stated the previous owner added the elevator, which eliminated the ability to park a car in that area. Wang indicated the mechanical equipment is located behind the double doors. Curtis stated this is the 2001 plan that was submitted as part of the application for the elevator installation and it shows 23 feet from the front of the garage to the back of the garage where the double doors are. The applicant’s current plan from his builder depicts an 18-foot depth which Staff has not been able to reconcile. Wang stated he called his builder prior to the meeting but he indicated he is unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to an illness in the family. The builder also indicated that he would be willing to answer any questions the City Council had when he returned. Wang stated he would like a three-car garage so they can park their daughter’s car inside. Wang noted he was not aware of the difference in the plans and that he has just recently purchased the property. Wang stated due to the elevator, in order to park a vehicle in that area, they need to expand the area. Wang stated the addition had to be added to the entire garage to preserve the integrity of the garage. Levang asked if Staff can verify that the depth is 18 feet. Curtis stated the 18 feet is shown on the builder’s plans, which Staff assumes is correct. Levang asked if the applicant is requesting the 6-foot extension from the 18 feet. Curtis indicated that is correct. McMillan noted there is also another plan that depicts it as 23 feet deep, which is what is confusing. Curtis stated Staff could inspect the garage and verify the depth. McMillan stated she would like the applicant to have a functional two-car garage, which is basically 20’ x 24’. McMillan stated she is not in favor of a variance to simply allow a three-car garage. McMillan stated she has a concern with what the actual depth of the garage is, which will need to be confirmed. Wang indicated Staff put those numbers on there. Curtis stated those numbers were determined based on the scale of the plan. Wang indicated he was not present when the builder drew up his plans. McMillan stated the applicant had indicated at a previous meeting that he was unable to fit a Suburban or similar sized car in the two stalls and that the depth of the garage needs to be verified.