02-12-2018 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 12, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. Mayor Walsh stated the applicants are request a variance to the structural coverage to allow for approximately 2,300 square feet. Walsh noted the City's maximum structural coverage was originally 1,500 square feet, which was recently raised to 2,000 square feet. Bob Kraig, 1355 Arbor Street, stated they are in favor of the one-story house rather than the story and a half. Kraig stated in their view the two-story will take a lot of value away from their property. Mayor Walsh closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Jeff Martineau, Developer, stated he did speak with the neighbor earlier and that he did show him a design that involved a two-story home that minimized the request for variances. Martineau stated the easiest thing to do would have been to construct a two-story house but that he hopes the City Council will find the one-story house more pleasant and appealing for the neighbor. Martineau distributed a color sketch of a very similar home that was constructed on Minnetonka Boulevard. Martineau stated the proposed one level house minimizes the impact to the next-door view it is a good plan for the lot, but unfortunately, when the garage is included in the square footage number, it gives the impression that it is a large house, but it is only slightly over 2,000 square feet. Martineau stated if it is denied, he would have no choice but to redesign and construct a two-story house, which would have a bigger impact on the neighbors. Martineau stated the buyers are empty nesters and they would prefer not to have a second floor. Crosby noted in the sketch it depicts windows above the first floor. Martineau stated the pictures are for aesthetic reasons only and are located in the attic. Martineau indicated it was done that way to break up the roof. Crosby asked how much higher the proposed structure would be than the existing house. Martineau indicated it will be slightly higher but that it will not be a full two-story house. The proposed house has a really low roof pitch and will be lower than the house next door. Martineau stated it will probably come up to the bottom of the neighbor's second story windows. If a two-story is constructed, the windows would be facing the neighbor's bedroom. 17. #184000 JEFF MARTINEAU ON BEHALF OF BARBARA GARCIA,1335 ARBOR STREET, VARIANCES, 7:48 P.M. — 8:26 P.M. — Continued Dankey commented on a lot this size, it would be difficult not to look at the neighbor's house. Martineau noted the house is oriented front to back and that the garage is on the other side of the house than the house depicted in the picture. Mayor Walsh commented it is a unique lot with three streets around it. Walsh stated the neighborhood also does not have a lot of two-story homes. Walsh noted the roofline will be higher on a two-story house. Page 8 of 22