Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 16,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 8:44 p.m. <br /> Leskinen moved,Schwingler seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 17-3975,Kelly <br /> Kahlert, 1284 Wildhurst Trail,granting of a conditional use permit subject to conditions of Staff. <br /> VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> 9. #17-3976 SCOTT AND LAURIE KNUTSON,795 FERNDALE ROAD NORTH, <br /> VARIANCE,8:44 P.M.—9:32 P.M. <br /> Scott and Laurie Knutson, Applicants,were present. <br /> Oakden stated the applicants are requesting a rear yard setback to construct an addition to the home and <br /> are proposing to remove an existing 2-car garage and shed. The applicants would like to construct a <br /> 4,168 square foot addition to the home to replace those two accessory structures. Currently the detached <br /> garage is located 36.50 feet from the rear property line and the shed is located about 17 feet from the rear <br /> yard property line. <br /> The proposed addition would include garage space, storage, a gazebo/sunroom and attic space. The <br /> proposed addition would be 15 feet from the rear yard. The home is oriented facing east and is placed in <br /> the northwest corner of the property. The topography of the lot creates multiple drops in elevation <br /> surrounding the home and leaves only a small flat yard space to the north of the principal structure. The <br /> home also has septic and wetlands to the east and a well to the west of the principal structure. <br /> Included in Staff's report is a lot analysis which goes over the setbacks and lot coverage for the site as <br /> well as a practical difficulty analysis. Staff can review those in more detail if the Planning Commission <br /> has questions. The practical difficulty analysis by Staff found that the topography on the lot and the <br /> orientation of the existing home does create some practical difficulty. The existing home is built at the <br /> tallest elevation of the lot and the topography then slopes downward away from the principal structure <br /> creating many slopes and hills as you look out from the existing structure. The home also has septic and <br /> wetlands to the east. The addition would create a 15-foot setback from the rear property line. <br /> The encroachment does not appear to adversely impact the adjacent properties and Planning Staff <br /> recommends approval for the rear yard variance. <br /> Thiesse asked if the two neighbors to the north submitted any comments. <br /> Oakden stated it is her understanding the applicants did contact the neighbors and received no comments. <br /> Landgraver asked to see a map depicting the adjoining properties. <br /> Thiesse noted this property sits up higher than the adjoining properties. <br /> Oakden pointed out the front yard space and the rear lot line. <br /> Scott Knutson,Applicant, stated this is a very unique,private property,with a lot of acreage. The <br /> perimeter of the property is laced with natural barriers and the area is very quiet. The house was <br /> constructed in 1962 and they are running into a situation where they need space in the garage for storage <br /> of equipment and vehicles. The existing two-car garage with a lean-to shed is falling apart and the plan is <br /> to combine them as well as add a sunroom. Knutson indicated they are trying to keep the profile of the <br /> Page 21 of 32 <br />