05-13-2013 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 22, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14 of 18 (7. #13-3600 - ESKUCHE ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF KATHRYN KALLAS, 3048 NORTH SHORE DRIVE – VARIANCE AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, Continued) Aerial photos show the existing tree stand between the Swenson home and the proposed home in the area where the proposed home will encroach into the average lakeshore setback. Moving the proposed home to the average lakeshore setback line, or even 15 feet closer to the average lakeshore setback line, puts the homes more in line with each other and results in a loss of open space between the three hoes, pushes the proposed home’s lake yard directly adjacent to the Guillaumes’ garage area, and results in minimal gain for the Guillaumes’ view. Peter Eskuche stated he would like to mention that at the time of the Planning Commission meeting, there were probably not enough visuals available to better illustrate the situation and that he might have failed to communicate the situation sufficiently enough. Eskuche indicated this project is similar to a project at 3350 Fox Street that he received approval for approximately two months ago. In this situation, the house has two conditions of water frontage and is therefore positioned well down the lot at a bigger distance from the lakeshore, which, when you average the house on the other side, puts a pretty severe line across for the average lakeshore setback. The Planning Commission documentation did not illustrate that clearly and that might be why they did not fully support the application. McMillan noted she attended the Planning Commission meeting and that she agrees with the recommendation of Staff. McMillan stated in her view there is a practical difficulty and on this application the Planning Commission also did not have the comments of the neighbors, which would have been helpful. Eskuche stated the feedback from the neighbors was that they preferred it to be closer to the lake or in the same location since it would actually block their views into the open space area if the house was moved further back. McMillan commented the average lakeshore setback line in this case is at a weird angle which makes it difficult to work with. Anderson stated the spirit and intent of the average lakeshore setback line is well intended, and in this case the applicant is protecting the views of both of the neighbors. Anderson indicated she read the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting and that it was a difficult decision. Anderson stated in her view a practical difficulty does exist when you look at the proximity of the neighbors’ homes. McMillan noted both neighbors benefit from this proposal and if the house is pulled back too far, it would impact them more. McMillan stated in her view this is a good compromise. Printup stated if the applicant, Mr. Eskuche’s home were remodeled in its current position, the neighbors would really not gain anything. After reviewing the documentation, Printup indicated he ultimately came to the conclusion that it is an appropriate fit. Bremer moved, Printup seconded, to direct Staff to draft an approval resolution for Application #13-3600 - Eskuche Associates on behalf of Kathryn Kallas, 3048 North Shore Drive, granting of a variance and conditional use permit. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 05/13/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 04/22/2013 [Page 14 of 18]