04-19-2021 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,April 19,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Scott Kirchner, Commissioners Bob Erickson,Matt Gettman,Dennis Libby,Mark McCutcheon, and Jon Ressler.Representing Staff was Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart. Chair Kirchner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.,followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Libby moved,Gettman seconded,to approve the Agenda.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. OATH OF OFFICE Barnhart led Commissioners Erickson,Libby,and Ressler in the Oath of Office. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 15,2021 Gettman moved,Ressler seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission meeting of March 15,2021 as submitted.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. LA21-000023 MARK PRUETER,3215 CRYSTAL BAY ROAD,VARIANCES Mark Prueter,applicant,was present. Staff presented a summary packet of information.The property owner is requesting variances in order to build a new detached garage in generally the same location as an existing, aging garage. Hardcover and side yard setback variances are requested. The new garage will be 82 square feet larger than the existing to improve functionality but the project will result in 49 square feet less hardcover. The applicant identified the size of the property as a practical difficulty supporting the requested variances,as well as the property's orientation and access with respect to the lakeshore,Crystal Bay Road,and the Dakota Trail.The current hardcover level is 37.7%;a 49 square foot reduction in hardcover results in a 37.3% hardcover.The garage conforms to the west and rear setbacks. The applicant has received support from the property owners to the east where a 4.5 foot setback is proposed.An elevation difference from the rear requires a stairway replacement and moving the stair from the east to the west side of the garage. The applicant is able to reduce hardcover for the pathway in addition to removal of the walls that encroach on the Dakota Rail Trail property. Supporting documents have also been received from the neighbor to the west. Staff finds there are practical difficulties inherent to the lot's shape,size, and width and the configuration of the existing garage and access over the easement in the rear which support the applicant's request for variances. The applicant approached the podium, introducing himself. Chair Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:06 p.m. Chair Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:06 p.m. Page 1 of 10