02/17/2015 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, February 17, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The undeveloped rights-of-way surrounding the property create a practical difficulty for the property owner regarding the increased setback requirement. The proposed home does not appear to limit the light, air, and open space currently enjoyed by the adjacent properties. Planning Staff recommends approval of the lot area, lot width, side street setback and front yard setback variances resulting in a 16.2 foot setback from the undeveloped right-of-way Barrett Avenue; a 28.4 foot setback from the undeveloped alley to the east; and a 26.5 foot setback from Fox Street in the front. The applicant will continue to work with the City's Engineer regarding the driveway access orientation and the potential need for an encroachment agreement. The applicant shall reduce the structural coverage level prior to placement on the City Council agenda. Paul Cameron, Applicant, had nothing to add to Staff's report Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:39 p.m J. Diann Goetten,1385 Fox Street, stated she is here tonight to see what is going to occur on this property Goetten stated the area is currently an unimproved right-of-way and that she would like to know what is going to happen with that area. Goetten noted there are very few properties in this area. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. Leskinen stated the application appears to be very straight forward. Leskinen stated she is happy the applicant was able to acquire additional property to the extent they could to help make the lot a little bigger. Schwingler noted Point No. 4 says the existing home has reached the end of its useful life. Schwingler stated he would encourage the applicant to continue to work at reducing the 15 percent structural coverage. Schwingler moved, Landgraver seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 15-3717, Chamberlain Capital, 1340 Fox Street, granting of front and side street setback variances as well as lot area and lot width variances, to allow construction of a new residence, subject to Staff's recommendations. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 3. #15-3708 AMEND SECTION 78-1405(a)(8) REGARDING FENCE STANDARDS, 6:43 P.M. — 7:35 P.M. Gaffron stated the proposed amendment is intended to clarify how fence height is measured, to establish standards for the use of temporary fences, and to clarify the language regarding the average lakeshore setback applicable to fence construction. The Planning Commission reviewed this item at its January work session and then held a public hearing at its January 20 meeting with no public comments forthcoming. The item was tabled upon Staff recommendation as it was determined that the draft ordinance was incomplete and there were specific changes requested by the Planning Commission. Page 2 of 11