11-18-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2013 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 22 of 42 Curtis noted there is one comment from a neighbor included in the packet. Leskinen asked how large of an addition could be constructed and still meet the setbacks. Curtis indicated no matter what the property owner does, he would encroach further into the average lakeshore setback, which would require a variance. Curtis noted there is a portion of the garage addition that would meet both of the other setbacks. Curtis stated the applicants did not have the 75-foot setback reflected on the survey and that she has outlined it as best she could. Thiesse asked if a garage located anywhere along the driveway would meet the 30-foot setback. Curtis stated it would not. Landgraver stated in his view the Planning Commission will not reach unanimous consent on the application and that there is no simple solution. Landgraver stated he likes Commissioner Schoenzeit’s suggestion that there could be a compromise but that 12 feet is not realistic. Curtis stated the only solution that would meet all setbacks and not require a variance would be to take up some of the interior room of the home. Schoenzeit noted the property is large enough to replace the living space somewhere else if the applicants would like. Curtis stated variances would be required. Leskinen stated she is not in favor of the application as proposed but that she is not in a position to redesign it. Thiesse asked if there is a number Chair Leskinen would be willing to extend the garage. Leskinen indicated there is not. Lemke stated he understands the practical difficulty and that he likes Commissioner Schoenzeit’s suggestion of going six feet rather than 12 feet. Thiesse noted that would result in a 24-foot garage, which is a reasonable expectation for a new garage. Leskinen asked whether the Planning Commission would like to table the application to allow the applicant the time to revise his plans. Leskinen stated it appears it would not be approved as proposed. Schoenzeit stated he would suggest the applicant bring back a more moderate proposal. Leskinen asked how the applicant feels about tabling the application. Lixiao Wang indicated that would be fine. Wang noted at an earlier time they had a three-car garage on the property but that there is now an elevator taking up approximately one-third of the space in the garage and that he cannot take out that element. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 [Page 22 of 42]