09-15-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 18, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 33 ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Denise Leskinen, Commissioners Kevin Landgraver, Bruce Lemke, Christopher McGrann, and John Thiesse. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Andrew Mack, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Member Levang was present. Commissioner Jon Schwingler arrived at 6:34 p.m. Chair Leskinen called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA McGrann moved, Schwingler seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of July 21, 2014, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 2. #11-3520 CHRISTIAN AND BETH JOHNSON, 1376 BALDUR PARK ROAD, VARIANCE RENEWAL, 6:35 P.M. – 6:37 P.M. Christian Johnson, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting renewal of hardcover variance approvals in order to rearrange the existing driveway. In 2011, the previous owners were granted hardcover variances in order to relocate the driveway and change the orientation of the doors on the existing garage allowing for access within their property. The current driveway exists over property owned by the property owner to the west. The 2011 approval was extended administratively once until September, 2013. The variance approval was not extended a second time and has since expired and the work was never started. The new property owners wish to renew the hardcover variance allowing for reorientation of the garage doors from a side load to an end load and construct a new driveway entirely on their property. The lot has lake on both sides and a very small 75-250 foot zone. Hardcover variances are necessary in order to do as they propose. The applicants are requesting renewal of the exact hardcover variances granted in 2011 in order to address a long outstanding issue with access to the property. They have proposed to execute the previous owner’s plan to remove the side-load garage doors and move the doors to the south side for an end-load garage. This will allow them to change the driveway so that they do not need to utilize the neighboring property for access. The applicants are also requesting to increase hardcover by 79 square feet in the southwest 0- 75 zone; reduce hardcover by 31 square feet in the northeast 0-75 foot zone; and increase hardcover by 369 square feet in the 75-250 foot zone for a total increase on the property of 307 square feet. Planning Staff recommends approval of the request to renew hardcover variances. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 09/15/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes [Page 1 of 33]