11-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 20. #16-3874 STONEWOOD, LLC, ON BEHALF OF LYLE AND GRETCHEN SHAW, 1750 SHADYWOOD ROAD — VARIANCES — RESOLUTION NO. 6694 (continued) Structural lot coverage, including the proposed house, the attached garage and the roofed front stoop, calculates at 18.2 percent where 15 percent lot coverage is allowed. The Planning Commission recommended approval of all the variances. They noted that if the lot coverage variance was not granted, the house would have to be reduced to a size that would be out of character with the immediate neighborhood. It was also noted that other homes in the neighborhood exceed the 15 percent limit, with some of those homes being granted variances in order to do so. Staff recommends approval of the lot area, lot width, hardcover and structural lot coverage variances as proposed. A resolution for approval is before the City Council this evening. Printup asked how much the patio encroaches. Gaffron indicated it is approximately eight to ten feet past the average setback line. Given the fact that it is a grade -level patio, the visual impact would be minimal. Walsh stated the only issue he has is the fact that this would be a clean slate. Walsh stated the property owners need to have the extra apron to get out onto Shadywood safely and that he is not opposed to the extra hardcover. In addition, being a small lot is a hardship. Walsh stated the 0-75 foot zone is an issue and that he does not feel hardcover for a patio should be allowed within the 0-75 foot line. Printup stated he is okay with the turnaround but the 0-75 foot encroachment is an issue Gretchen Shaw, Applicant, stated they are here to answer questions. Sven Gustafson, Stonewood, LLC, stated they did attempt to design a house that would be as small as functionally possible, with a two -stall garage. The neighbors understand what is being proposed and they are in support of the request. Gustafson noted they are moving the house back from where the patio currently exists and that half the depth of the patio is where the lakeside of the home is located currently. Gustafson stated this is a good improvement in view for both neighbors. McMillan asked what the practical difficulty is for the variance in the 0-75 foot zone. Gustafson indicated the hardship is moving the house further back from the lake. The turnaround is a desire to have some place to park off of Shadywood given the short driveway. Gustafson stated they can pull it back a little bit but then it would be difficult to park and turn cars around. McMillan stated in her view the Planning Commission did a good job of reviewing the application in regards to the structural lot coverage and the hardcover. McMillan stated it appears the only issue in the 0-75 foot zone is the patio. Page 19 of 28