04-21-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 17, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13 of 26 Landgraver asked if there are any considerations for adding a chimney on to a porch that the Planning Commission should take into account. Curtis indicated it is something for the Planning Commission to discuss and that it is a part of the application. Schoenzeit asked if the height of the chimney is required to make it work properly. Curtis indicated this chimney is considered a non-encroachment into a side setback and is not a non- encroachment into an average setback. Schoenzeit asked if it would be a building height issue. Curtis indicated this particular chimney would not be and that chimneys are allowed to be higher under City Code. John Daly, Revision, LLC, stated the existing deck is closer to the lakeside of the house, and in removing and replacing that deck, they are going two feet further away from the lake. The chimney will also provide some screening for this residence and the house next door. Daly noted there is also quite a bit of vegetation already between the two homes. Daly noted the shape of this lot and the neighboring lots is unique as well as the fact that the property next door is vacant. Daly indicated Staff has a picture of the old house on what is now the vacant lot depicting how close it was to the lake. Lemke asked if the owner has discussed this project with the neighbor. Daly indicated the property owners have recently purchased the property and that they did attempt to speak to the neighbor but that they are in Florida at the present time. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. There were no public comments relating to this application. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Leskinen indicated she did visit the property and that this seems like a very reasonable request. Lemke commented the significant amount of vegetation on that side of the property which also helps to screen the project. Landgraver asked if the vegetation on this property or the neighboring property. Curtis stated it appears the majority of the trees are on the applicant’s property. Landgraver stated he does have a concern with the use of the chimney during the summer since the neighbor has not weighed in on it. Landgraver noted the chimney is conforming and that it is not unusual for a chimney to be part of a structure. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 04/21/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 03/17/2014 [Page 13 of 26]