02-20-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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