Planning commission approves average lakeshore setback variance for Shoreline Drive property

The Orono City Planning Commission approved an average lakeshore setback variance for a Shoreline Drive property at its March 16 meeting after staff described the lot’s peninsula configuration and commissioners discussed the hardship.

Planner Miss Curtis said the subject property at 2090 Shoreline Drive sits on a peninsula connected to a neighboring parcel by a 6-foot strip of land, creating an ‘‘extreme average lakeshore setback’’ for that lot. She told commissioners the proposed minor addition would be sited about 105 feet from the ordinary high water (OHW) and would be substantially farther from OHW than the existing structure. Staff concluded the parcel’s unique configuration satisfies the practical difficulty standard and recommended approval.

During deliberation Mr. Wallace supported approval, saying the parcel represents one of the most extreme average lakeshore setback situations the commission has seen: "We've seen extreme ALS setbacks before. I think this is probably one of the top two that we've seen," he said. Another commissioner explained that average lakeshore setback variances are focused on preventing obstruction of neighbors’ views (the average setback calculation) and are distinct from requests under the 75-foot rule. The commissioners noted the proposed work is a small update located outside the 75-foot zone.

With no public speakers, a motion to approve the variance was made and seconded and the commission voted in favor by voice.

The action approves the average lakeshore setback variance for 2090 Shoreline Drive (record referenced as ALS-2090-Shoreline). Staff said it will coordinate any administrative follow-up required for permits and record changes.