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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 18,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis stated if the only variance the Planning Commission is not in favor of is the 75-foor setback,they <br /> could direct the applicant to make those changes before appearing before the City Council. If the <br /> Planning Commission is not in favor of the rear setback variance, Staff requests more direction for the <br /> applicant. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if he caps the structure at 1,400 square feet and is not asking for the 75-foot setback <br /> variance,that gives the applicant some leeway. Schoenzeit stated in his view the front stoop should be <br /> retracted accordingly. Schoenzeit stated an argument could be made that the sewer stub does not count, <br /> even though it usually does, and the argument against it are that the taxes are wrong. <br /> Lemke noted taxes are not the Planning Commission's decision. <br /> Thiesse commented they should assume it is a buildable lot. <br /> Thiesse asked if the back yard is away from the lake. <br /> Curtis indicated it is the north lot line. <br /> Thiesse stated the Planning Commission could deny it with the recommendation that the applicant make <br /> some changes to their plan. <br /> Curtis stated she would like findings for the position taken contrary to Staff's recommendation. <br /> Schoenzeit suggested the Planning Commission consider granting the rear yard setback but not the <br /> 75-foot setback variance. Schoenzeit stated he would deny the application because of the 75-foot setback <br /> variance request and that the other variances have an implied recommendation of being granted. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the hardship for the average lakeshore setback is because he is not able to meet it. <br /> Lemke stated he sees the hardship on the neighbors being harder than the average lakeshore setback since <br /> it will detract from the neighbors' homes, which is why there is an average lakeshore setback. <br /> Leskinen noted there is a motion on the table with no second. <br /> Lemke stated the motion to deny is based on the 75-foot setback and the average lakeshore setback. <br /> Thiesse asked if the Planning Commission can deny a variance if there is no way they can meet it. <br /> Curtis stated the Planning Commission can deny it unless the practical difficulties and hardships support <br /> the granting of it. <br /> Thiesse stated if the recommendation is based on practical difficulty, it is very hard to recommend against <br /> it. <br /> Barnhart noted there was a comment made earlier that a house that fits this lot does not fit the <br /> neighborhood,which supports denial of the average lakeshore setback variance and the 75-foot setback <br /> variance. Barnhart stated lot area and lot width variances could also be reasons for denial and that it is up <br /> to the City Council to make the final decision. Other comments included too many variances and not <br /> enough justification for those. <br /> Page 11 of 21 <br />