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MINUTES OF THE • <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 17,2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Thiesse noted the lot is small. <br /> Leskinen stated that is part of the practical difficulty, especially given the contour of the shoreline,and <br /> that in her view it is a reasonable request. <br /> Schoenzeit asked why the neighboring house received a 20 percent structural coverage variance. <br /> Gaffron indicated he does not know the answer at this time but that Staff can research it prior to the City <br /> Council meeting. <br /> Thiesse noted that house was built 10 years ago,which is when the precedent was set. Thiesse stated if <br /> you look down the channel on the other side south of this area,those houses are also becoming very <br /> similar in size. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the question is if it makes sense or it is a good idea,is it becoming a wink-wink,nod- <br /> nod situation. Schoenzeit stated typically 15 percent has been a very sacred number. <br /> Thiesse stated he would agree it is more often than not. <br /> Schwingler commented the Planning Commission looks at these on a case-by-case basis and that he does <br /> not have an issue with it in this situation. <br /> Thiesse noted the applicants are proposing the same size house but are requesting a garage,which is a <br /> reasonable request. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if this one is not held to the same standard as other lots in the City, in his view the <br /> structural coverage variance is losing its weight. <br /> Thiesse stated if a 1,600 square foot house and garage are constructed, it would not fit in with the <br /> neighborhood since both homes on either side of this property are huge. <br /> Schoenzeit stated perhaps this is a discussion for a work session. Schoenzeit stated if the City is not <br /> going to enforce the 15 percent structural coverage limit,then it should not be on the books. <br /> Thiesse stated the City has held the 15 percent number sacred for a number of years and that this is a <br /> variance request. <br /> Schoenzeit commented the argument could then be made for a 3-stall garage rather than a 2-stall garage, <br /> which would help make for cleaner neighborhoods. <br /> Thiesse pointed out the City has granted a number of hardcover variances in the past as well but that is <br /> not being discussed tonight. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if the rule is 15 percent,the house is too big. Schoenzeit stated if the City is going to <br /> stop enforcing 15 percent structural coverage,then it is a reasonable project based on the other homes in <br /> the neighborhood. Schoenzeit stated depending on what the duty of the Planning Commission is, it could <br /> be an issue. <br /> Page 10 of 19 <br />