02-24-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 24, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 14 (6. #14-3649 DEREK AND KELLY PRCHAL – 4705 WATERTOWN ROAD – VARIANCE – RESOLUTION NO. – TABLED, Continued) Curtis indicated that the applicant could better address this question, because she knows how the owners use the property. Curtis displayed an aerial photograph of the property. Prchal stated they are proposing the structure in the new location; because of the way the lot is situated alongside the house. Prchal stated Painters Creek borders that side of the property and there is a steep drop off in that area. Due to the setback from the creek and the overhead power lines, the building would not fit in that area. Levang asked if there is a pasture there currently. Prchal stated the previous owners had a sand riding rink in that area. Prchal stated due to the trees and the power lines, they felt it was a pretty good solution to replace the barn in this location. McMillan asked if there is a reason why they want to go closer to the street than the existing barn. Prchal noted the overhead power line runs along that side of the property and his builder has indicated he would prefer not to have to work under the power line. Prchal stated there are also some rather large red pine trees currently in front of the building. If the new building is constructed in that area and set off to the side to avoid the power lines, those trees would partially block the garage door. Levang asked what he plans to use the building for. Prchal indicated it would be used for personal storage and that the current building was designed to house horses and has a very small overhead door, which is not conducive to allowing access for some of his items. Prchal stated his items are currently stored outside scattered about and that he would like to keep them indoors. Levang asked if there is currently a single overhead garage door on the barn. Prchal stated it is an 8-1/2 foot garage door. McMillan commented her only concern with the application is that the building was being relocated closer to the road. McMillan noted the applicant can rebuild on the footprint of the existing barn and that she would prefer it not encroach further into the setback. Prchal stated ideally he would like to keep it closer to the house, but given the power pole and the trees, that is not possible. Prchal stated by pushing it back 20 feet, he would not need to cut down any trees. McMillan asked if the existing driveway would be used for access. Prchal stated it would be, but noted the new garage door would only be 20 feet from the tree to the garage door. Prchal indicated there is not a garage door on the side of the driveway on the current building and that there is no way he would be able to make that turn from the driveway into the structure if it is rebuilt in the same spot Prchal indicated the garage door would face the house.