11-14-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 19, 2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. 5. #16-3862 ROBERT LUND, 2732 CAROLINE AVENUE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE, 6:39 P.M. — 6:43 P.M. Robert Lund, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to permit a guest house on the property. The guest house will be constructed above an existing detached garage with a footprint of 1,164 square feet. The footprint includes a deck and a stair on the exterior. A variance is required because the existing detached garage is nonconforming because it exceeds, by 164 square feet, the permitted 1,000 square foot maximum OAS size for the 1.25 acre property. The detached garage does meet the required principal structure setbacks. Lot coverage, the overall hardcover levels are conforming, and the property is served by city sewer. Plumbing is permitted in accessory structures provided the structure is conforming. The variance is necessary because the garage is nonconforming because it is too large. According to the plans, it appears the existing deck will be extended. Staff would ask for clarification on that and recommend that that not be permitted. Properties within the LR -1C zoning district require a minimum of one acre per lot for a guest house and this property meets that requirement. The Planning Commission may choose to review the practical difficulty criteria within Staff's report. Staff finds the criteria permitting a guest house conditional use permit have been satisfied. It is not feasible to reduce the garage's footprint to gain compliance as the building itself without the deck is 13 square feet above what is permitted. Staff finds the variance reasonable. Curtis noted Staff's report regarding the neighbors' signatures was in error and the City did not receive any comments from the neighbors regarding the application. Planning Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for the guest house use and variance permitting the guest house as proposed. Staff recommends there be no expansion of the deck or footprint during the remodel which results in additional structure. Approval of the conditional use permit for the guest house will also require the guest house and OAS covenants be recorded against the property. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Robert Lund, Applicant, stated he has nothing to add to Staff's report but would be available to answer any questions. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. Thiesse stated he did speak with one of the neighbors who indicated he thought it was a great idea. Lemke moved, Olson seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 16-3862, Robert Lund, 2732 Caroline Avenue, granting of a conditional use permit and variance subject to Staff recommendations. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.