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Planning Commission approves lakeside-deck variance at 2914 Casco Point Road
Summary
The Orono Planning Commission approved an average lakeshore setback variance to reconstruct and expand a lakeside deck at 2914 Casco Point Road; staff said the project meets the 75-foot setback, does not add hardcover and neighbors submitted letters of support.
The Orono Planning Commission on Aug. 19 approved a variance allowing reconstruction and expansion of a lakeside deck at 2914 Casco Point Road.
Planner Natalie Nye told commissioners the applicant seeks an average lakeshore setback variance because the average lakeshore setback line bisects the existing home and the proposed deck sits lakeward of that line. Nye said the proposal meets the 75-foot setback and does not add hardcover because an existing patio will remain beneath the deck. “Staff is supportive of the requested average lakeshore setback variance for the construction of a deck,” Nye said.
The commission opened the public hearing and received no public comment. Commissioners said the aerial survey shows the deck would not obstruct neighbors’ lake views and repeated that the proposal does not increase hardcover. After discussion, Commissioner Kirschner moved to approve LA 24-41; Commissioner Libby seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The commission’s approval included the findings that the project is the minimum size needed to accommodate the family, letters from adjacent property owners supported the application, and the location on an inlet constituted a practical difficulty for conforming placement. No conditions beyond standard site and building requirements were recorded on the public record at the hearing.
The file will move forward per the usual permitting steps; the applicant was present in the meeting room but offered no public testimony beyond written neighbor support.
