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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 16,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> The home is located entirely lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line based on the homes <br /> immediately to the north and to the south. Those homes do not appear to have existing views of the lake <br /> over the subject property. Instead, each of the homes are situated primarily with views of the lake away <br /> from the subject property. The proposed improvements are not likely to adversely impact the existing <br /> views of the lake from the adjacent homes. In addition,the roof will not increase in overall height or peak <br /> height. However,the mass of the new gables within the average lakeshore setback will be greater than <br /> existing. <br /> Staff has provided an analysis of the practical difficulties in the report and can comment on those if the <br /> Planning Commission desires. <br /> The subject home was constructed in the 1950s and predates the contemporary lake and sightline <br /> protection rules. The owners intend to keep the existing home and also wish to make improvements to <br /> better suit their family's needs and to modernize the structure. Staff finds practical difficulties exist <br /> which support granting the requested variances. Planning Staff recommends approval. <br /> Public comments have been received and have been included in the Planning Commission packet. <br /> Landgraver asked whether Staff has any elevation drawings. <br /> Curtis displayed a sketch of the existing home from the street and the lake. Curtis stated while there is an <br /> increase in the overall mass, it is fairly minimal. <br /> Jean Rehkamp Larson stated the property owners purchased the home with the intention of making <br /> improvements. The proposed changes are aesthetic and also help make the house more functional. The <br /> house is significantly toward the lake and any improvements would require a variance. Larson stated the <br /> improvements will greatly improve the value of the home and not impact the neighbors. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments relating to this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse continued the public hearing to February 12. <br /> Schwingler commented the application is pretty straight forward and significantly improves the aesthetics <br /> of the home. <br /> Lemke stated the proposed improvements make sense. <br /> Landgraver stated normally he would be concerned with the massing effect near the lake but the plan <br /> appears to be a very thoughtful expansion and that he would be in favor of it. <br /> Leskinen indicated she is in agreement with Commissioner Landgraver and that the applicants are limited <br /> in what they can do. <br /> Lemke moved,Landgraver seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 18-3997,Jean <br /> Rehkamp Larson on behalf of George Halvorson, 1300 Bracketts Point Road,granting of variances <br /> based on Staffs recommendation. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> Page 9 of 17 <br />