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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 27, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 11 (6. #12-3569 MILLS CONSTRUCTION, LLC, ON BEHALF OF JASON WILSEY, 990 NORTH SHORE DRIVE WEST, Continued) Rahn stated he had a similar question. As it relates to the door, if there was a second front door that was visible on the outside, Rahn noted that would be an issue, but to apply for a CUP and then eliminate the door that is probably the most useful is something that he has been struggling with. The applicant did apply for a conditional use permit because he would like a door to the outside. The patio door and the rear door will probably seldom get utilized but that service door would get used regularly. Curtis stated the intent of the guest apartment provision in the code is to allow for nonpaying guests and domestic employees who do not need their own separate unit like a duplex. The intent is to allow that private living space but not make it easier for subsequent owners to turn it into a duplex. The floor plan and exterior of the house is such that it would make it harder to look like a duplex but that the service door would be a convenient access. Rahn stated he is in agreement with not allowing separate utilities or a second full-blown kitchen. Rahn stated in his view dual family scenarios do occur on a fairly regular basis and that given the tough economic times, they will be more common. Rahn stated the applicant came before the City Council for the CUP because of the exterior door and that it is the more useful door but that it is the one that Staff is recommending be eliminated. Rahn indicated he would vote in favor of the door. McMillan asked if the great room is part of the guest suite. Curtis stated to her understanding the intent is to allow for the expansion of an extra bedroom should the need arise in the future for the principal residence. McMillan asked if some additional exits/entrances have been added from the original plan. McMillan noted the original plan looked more like a duplex. Curtis indicated the plan before the Council tonight is close to the original plan and that there is a window and patio off the great room as well as a door and patio off bedroom number one. Curtis stated in her view the changes that happened between the original plan and this plan is the reconfiguration of the office and the doorway access to the office to make it more open. Rahn asked if the applicant requested a building permit and then became aware of the regulations. Rahn commented that if the applicant had known of the regulations prior to designing the house, they could have designed a different entrance. Curtis indicated they approached Staff shortly before they applied for the building permit. The original plan also had a separation between the two garage sections. McMillan asked what is in the great room. Curtis stated the great room has a kitchen and that the guest suite is a bedroom. Chris Janssen, Mills Construction, stated they were brought in after the first builder was not complying with the requests of the property owner and that he was not involved with the original plan. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 09/10/2012 Approval of Council Minutes 08/27/2012 [Page 6 of 11]