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Council denies after‑the‑fact variance for lakeside shed at 1200 Wildhurst Trail
Summary
Council denied a variance request that would have allowed a small storage shed within the average lakeshore and side‑yard setbacks at 1200 Wildhurst Trail, citing concerns about winter sightlines and the potential for future owners to remove screening trees.
The Orono City Council denied an after‑the‑fact variance request for a small storage shed at 1200 Wildhurst Trail, concluding the structure’s lakeside location and proximity to the sideyard setback were not acceptable under the ordinance and given neighbor concerns.
Applicant Brian Roth said the shed is concealed in trees and "harms no one," and that an adjacent neighbor submitted written comments of non‑objection. Council members countered that deciduous trees lose screening in winter and future owners might remove plantings, creating new view‑impacts. One council member said it was a straightforward call to require sheds and lawn equipment to be in conforming locations rather than in a lakeside yard. The motion to deny the variance carried by voice vote; the council advised the applicant to consider relocating the structure to a conforming street‑side location or pursue a separate variance process with clearer mitigation.
