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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 20,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> the backside of the garage is the way it is cut into the hill. Wischmeier noted the structure is not viewable <br /> from the lake or from the neighbors' properties and that the issue with all of this was getting it to fit <br /> proportionally with the house. Wischmeier indicated they tried to get it visually correct with the house <br /> but that there is no practical way to build a structure like this that is correct and looks right from the front. <br /> Wischmeier stated his contractor admitted the mistake but that he could not be here tonight. Wischmeier <br /> stated at first he tried to work with the builder to try to get it moved over,but as they analyzed it,they <br /> realized there is not a logical way to make it fit. Wischmeier stated bulking or massing should not be an <br /> issue because of the 3.2 acres and none of the neighbors can see the project. <br /> Wischmeier displayed pictures of the property from the lake and the partially completed structure. <br /> Wischmeier noted when there are no leaves on the trees,you can see the front of the garage from the lake, <br /> but that keeping the structure compact helps avoid challenges with massing. <br /> Olson asked if the two structures could be joined with a walkway. <br /> Curtis indicated he would need to make it a weather-tight connection. <br /> Wischmeier indicated he would be open to whatever suggestions. Wischmeier stated the garage was <br /> meant to have a little bit of storage on the top and room for an ATV on the bottom. Wischmeier stated he <br /> would prefer not to connect it since it might look worse in that case but that he will not completely rule it <br /> out. <br /> Wischmeier noted there is only about three or five feet from that corner, and in order to adjoin it,they <br /> would need to build some type of structure. Wischmeier stated if the hill was not so steep,they could <br /> have pushed it down,but they thought they could put fire rock and insulation and whatever else is needed <br /> to make it work. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit stated this is a safety issue in regards to the closeness of the structures,and just like when <br /> someone puts their monument or gate and there is not enough stopping room,they have to move the gate. <br /> Schoenzeit commented this is not really a variance eligible mistake. <br /> Curtis noted the building code allows buildings to be this close and that the City's zoning code requires <br /> ten feet,which is an open space requirement. Curtis indicated the building can be three feet away if the <br /> proper materials are used. <br /> Thiesse stated it is a massing issue and not a fire safety variance and that the applicant is well under <br /> hardcover and structural coverage limits. Thiesse pointed out it is located on a 3.2 acre property. <br /> Lemke stated the massing does not bother him as much as the fact that it is an after-the-fact variance,and <br /> that in his view if it had been connected,the Planning Commission would have allowed it from a massing <br /> standpoint. As a result,Lemke indicated he is okay with it. <br /> Page 7 of 21 <br />