Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 20,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Schottler stated they wanted to work with their neighbors and the City and it is unfortunate that the <br /> variance is being requested after the fact. Schottler indicated they wanted to build something that went <br /> with the rest of the neighborhood and that they want to follow the rules. Schottler stated in their view the <br /> porch not only adds to their property but to the area. <br /> Landgraver asked when they started the project. <br /> Schottler indicated they have worked in the past with contractors where they have gotten the permits and <br /> in this case they worked with somebody who said they would take care of everything. Schottler indicated <br /> they were traveling, and when they came back, there was a stop work order. Schottler indicated he has <br /> not heard from the contractor again and that there currently is no electrical in the porch as well as some <br /> soffits that need to be completed. Schottler stated he was told obtaining the variance is the first step and <br /> that they are willing to redo things to make sure everything is done correctly. <br /> Thiesse asked who the contractor was. <br /> Schottler indicated it was Duane Fredrickson of Master Carpentry and that he will not respond to his <br /> phone calls. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. <br /> Lemke stated the question is whether the porch would have been approved if the correct process had been <br /> followed. <br /> Thiesse stated in his view the fact that the neighbors are not opposed to the project has some bearing on <br /> the application given the intent of the average lakeshore setback, which is to protect the neighbors' view. <br /> Thiesse stated the cove effectively makes the area a peninsula and that the City has typically granted <br /> variances to properties located on peninsulas in the past. <br /> Landgraver stated he is not so sure the screen porch would have been approved originally. <br /> Thiesse noted they are also dealing with something that is manmade. <br /> Landgraver stated in his view there are some extenuating circumstances for the 75-foot setback variance, <br /> which leaves the average lakeshore setback. Landgraver pointed out there is starting to be some creep <br /> closer to the lake. <br /> Thiesse stated he would not argue with that but in his view the 75-foot mark is the actual setback they <br /> should be looking at and that the average lakeshore setback is based on the neighbors and the views. <br /> Thiesse stated while everybody wants their views protected,this project does not impact anyone's views. <br /> Olson noted if the cove was not there, this would not be as much of an issue. <br /> Page 3 of 21 <br />