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Planning commission approves lakeshore setback variance for 860 Brown Road South
Summary
Orono planning commissioners approved a variance allowing a new principal residence at 860 Brown Road South to be sited near the former house footprint, citing wetlands and lot constraints; staff recommended approval and the motion carried by voice vote.
The Orono City Planning Commission approved a lakeshore setback variance on Feb. 17 to allow a new principal residence at 860 Brown Road South to be sited largely on the footprint of a prior house.
Planning staff (Carney) told the commission the 14-acre property loses roughly 10 acres to wetlands and is subject to shoreland overlay standards tied to an ordinary high-water/flood elevation of 929.4. Staff concluded the wetland encroachments and lot configuration create practical difficulties and recommended approval of an average lakeshore setback variance.
David Beaker, owner and president of Denali Custom Homes, said the owners, Lisa Flynn and Christian Zurich, want a rural setting and that siting the house where the old structure stood preserves views and drainage. “When we realized that there was this sight line requirement, which we weren't aware of, we looked to the south and to the north and couldn't see our neighbors,” Beaker said, explaining why moving the house toward the road would create steep driveways or tuck the garage and reduce livability.
Commissioners said rebuilding on the existing location and preserving view sheds appeared reasonable given the lot’s size and wetland constraints. Brandenburg moved to approve LA 26-000001 as applied; the motion carried by voice vote.
The approval authorizes staff to forward the variance per the usual procedures; commissioners did not record a roll-call tally in the hearing.
