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Home My WebLink About08/05/1986 - Regular Minutes - Zoning Board of AdjustmentsMINUTES • CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS Zoning Board of Adjustment August 5, 1986 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Members McGuirk, Gilmore, Evans, Alternate Members Swoboda & Julien MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Meyer & Member Ruesink STAFF PRESENT: Zoning Official Kee, Assistant City Attorney Elmore and Planning Technician Volk AGBNDA ITBM N0. 1: Call to order - explanation of functions and liaitations of the Board. Mr. McGuirk called the meeting to order in the absence of Chairman Meyer, and asked for discussion regarding choosing a chairman for this meeting. Mr. Evans made a motion to have Mr. McGuirk act as chairman; Mr. Gilmore seconded the motion which carried 4-0-1 (McGuirk abstained). Mr. McGuirk then explained the functions and limitations of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. AGBNDA ITBM N0. 2: Approval of Minutes - aeeting of July 15, 1986. Mr. Gilmore made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Mr. Julien seconded • the motion which carried 4-0-1 (Evans abstained). AGBNDA ITBM N0. 3: Hear visitors. No one spoke. AGBNDA ITBM N0. 4: Consideration of a request for variance to lot width as required by Table A Ordinance 1638 on Lot 33R Block 1 Southwood Terrace Section One snbdiviaion (3341 Bluestes). Applicant is T. David Chinn of Hling Bngineering ~ Surveying for owner Larry Landry. Mrs. Kee explained the requested action is to allow the applicant to replat lots 32 & 33 in this subdivision to eliminate a property line encroachment. She stated that the required minimum lot width in an R-2 district under the current ordinance is 70 feet, but the ordinance in effect at the time the lots were platted (1976) required a minimum lot width of 60 feet. She further explained that somehow at the time the existing structures were built (1977), one of the structures was built over the side lot line between the lots, but that the site plan accompanying the approved building permit showed a side setback of 8 feet. She pointed out that this particular variance request is for 2.22 feet since the lot will be 67.78 feet in width. She then informed the Board that nothing physical will be changed, as everything is there and lot lines are not visible. She then stated that she had received two inquiries from property owners in the area who had received letters of notification regarding this item, but they were inquiries only, and neither expressed an opinion during the conversation. • T. David Chinn, 1214 Munson, representative of the owner was sworn in and handed out copies of the plat with a red line showing where the proposed lot line will be located if this variance is granted and the resubdivision plat subsequently approved. ZBA Minutes 8-5-86 Page 1 He then referred to a common corner of lots 14 & 15 and explained how drawing a • string from that rod might indicate a side setback of 8 feet if the string was connected to the wrong rod on these lots where the problem is now. He repeated Mrs. Kee's statement that nothing physical would change on these lots as the structures are already built. There was no other discussion. Mr. Bvans then made a motion to authorize a variance to the lot width (Table A) from the terms of this ordinance as it will not be contrary to the public interest, due to the following special conditions: (1)Dates that the. structures were built and the dates of the ordinance change make some code inconsistency inevitable; and, (2)The structures exist and the variance will not change the physical character, and because a strict enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship to this applicant being the inability to replat the properties legally, and such that the spirit of this ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done. Motion was seconded by Mr. Julien and carried unanimously {5-0). AtiBNDA ITBM N0. 5: Consideration of a request for variance to sign regulations as required in Table II Section 12 Ordinance 1638 at the Huaana Hospital caapus west of S.H.6 on Rock Prairie Road. Applicant is Lonnie Stabler for owner Huaana, Inc. Mrs. Kee explained the request as being for a variance to the sign regulations to allow the owner to place more than one freestanding sign on the premise and to have one of the signs larger than allowed. Two of the subject signs would be for the hospital and one would be for the medical office building. She informed the Board that Section 12.3.N of Ordinance 1638 requires that signs for conditional uses (this • entire complex having received a conditional use permit in October 1985) comply with the regulations for the district in which the use is permitted, adding that this campus is located in an R-4 Low Density Apartment zoning district. She further explained that if regulations from another district are proposed (such as a commercial district), approval must be granted from the Planning & Zoning Commission, but in this case, the applicant is proposing to use the R-4 regulations but is requesting a variance to the number and area allowed. Mrs. Kee then identified area zoning and uses and also identified alternatives as staff perceives them as being that the applicant could request permission from the P&Z to use the commercial district sign regulations relative to low profile signs; that the site has enough frontage to utilize more than one low profile sign no larger than 60 square feet or higher than 4 feet and located a minimum of 150 feet apart. She added that staff assumes the applicant did not want to take this direction due to the height of the desired signs. She then reminded the Board that a parking variance request was denied on the medical office building site on 7-15-86. Mr. Swoboda asked if the two buildings were on separately platted lots would 2 signs be allowed and Mrs. Kee explained how Table II of Ordinance 1638 is interpreted, adding that because the two projects are on one site, ordinance would limit signate in an R-4 zoning district to 1 sign, a maximum of 100 square feet and 10 feet in height. Mr. McGuirk asked if there are separate requirements for parking for the two projects and Mrs. Kee explained that there are. Discussion followed concerning maximum height regulations, location or proposed signage, and what type of sign(s) the adjacent City park has. • Lonnie Stabler of Stabler Sign Company, the applicant for owner, Humana, Inc. came forward and was sworn in. He explained that he would be unable to stay for the ZBA Minutes 8-5-86 Page 2 remainder of the meeting, but introduced his business associate, Jeff Dean, who would • be able to answer any questions this Board may have. Jeff Dean, 1011 Foster was sworn in and explained that signs for these projects on this site are imperative in order to draw attention to the specific and special directions on the signs which will facilitate traffic flow, preclude traffic congestion, and inform visitors of the location of certain facilities such as the emergency room or visitor parking, etc. He stated that low profile signs would not be high enough to do this important service during peak visiting hours. He then explained why specific locations were chosen. Mr. McGuirk asked for a description of the signs and Mr. Dean complied, handing out pictures of signs which exist at the Bryan facilities and are similar to those planned for this project. Mr. McGuirk asked if there is anything special about these signs which dictate the desired size and Mr. Dean stated the object is to catch the attention of visitors and give immediate directions as to the location of services such as "Emergency", etc. Discussion followed among the Board members as they compared the photos supplied by Mr. Dean. Mr. McGuirk asked the maximum height allowed in R-4 and Mrs. Kee replied the maximum height is 10 feet with maximum size being 100 sq. ft. Mr. Swoboda said the sign at Post Oak Mall is taller and Mrs. Kee replied that she is not sure of the height of those signs, but added that the mall is in a commercial zoning district. Mr. Gilmore asked if a Conditional Use Permit is required for a hospital and Mrs. Kee explained that certain projects are allowed in any zoning district with the granting of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning & Zoning Commission, adding that some of • those projects include churches, child care, medical clinics, hospitals, as well as other projects listed in Section 8.12 of Ordinance 1638. Pat Cornelison, 1200 Sharon, Bryan, was sworn in and identified herself as the Hospital Administrator for Humana Hospital in Bryan. She stated that the signs being proposed for the new facility would be virtually the same signs as are at the Bryan facility now. She stated that as Hospital Administrator, she knows that on occasion, several seconds count in an emergency so a good directional sign is extremely important. Mr. McGuirk stated that these proposed signs are not for advertising, but are more informational in nature, but the question this board faces is how to minimize the impact on the neighboring residences. Ms. Cornelison said this is a 25 acre tract with primarily 1 main entrance for the hospital and a separate entrance for the medical office building, and without this type and size of sign, some congestion would most likely be the result. Mr. McGuirk asked if a low profile on either side of the tall sign would be acceptable and Mrs. Cornelison stated it would not be acceptable especially for the emergency entrance. Mr. Gilmore stated he has no problems with the size of the sign with relation to the size of this facility, as it probably would not be apparent as obtrusive into the neighborhood. Mr. Swoboda said that he believes the center sign should be as large as is being proposed. Mr. McGuirk stated he agrees, but thought perhaps the 2 side signs could be reduced in size. Mr. Julien said that if the size of the signs being proposed helps reduce traffic problems, they would be helpful to the residences across the street. Mr. Evans said he has concern regarding signs in general, but this project has a Conditional Use Permit and the proposed signs do not seem to be obtrusive, and in his opinion, a hospital certainly needs directional signs. Mr. • Swoboda agreed adding that good directions are important to patrons who are unfamiliar with the facilities, adding that the residences across the streets are facing the opposite direction, with their backyards facing this facility. ZBA Minutes 8-5-86 Page 3 Mr. Gilmore then made a motion to authorize a variance to the sign regulations from the terms of this ordinance as it will not be contrary to the public interest due to • the following unique special conditions not generally found within the City: such that a Conditional Use Permit was granted to construct the hospital facility in this area requiring directional signs for access to the property and because a strict enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in substantial hardship to this applicant being congested traffic flow and confusion by vehicle traffic hunting entrance to the facility, and such that the spirit and intent of this ordinance shall be preserved and the general interests of the public and applicant served. Motion was seconded by Mr. Evans and carried unanimously (5-0). AGBNDA ITBM N0. 6: Other business. There was no other business. AGBNDA ITBM N0. 7: Adjourn. Mr. Swoboda made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Julien seconded the motion which carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVED: -- ~ - ---- airman, D othy Mey~~~ • ATTEST: ----------------------------- City Secretary, Dian Jones r~ U ZBA Minutes 8-5-86 Page 4 • ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FORMAT FOR POSITIVg MOTION C/c ~~i~/c ~i> Variance to Sign Regulations: From Section 12 Ordinance 1638 t move to authorize a variance to the sign regulations from the terms of this ordinance as it will not be contrary to the public interest due to the following unique special conditions not generally found within the City: - --- and because a strict enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in substantial hardship to this applicant being: f ~ v T'T' _ ~ / ~~ ,.. and such that the spirit and intent of this ordinance shall be preserved and the general interests of the public and applicant --------------------------------------- Motion made by: ___ G/ ~vfp r' Motion seconded by: f _ _ _ ---------------- ---Vc~N ---- Votin results: - ------ ~ ~ S~ ~ hair signature - ------------ -------------------- date ~~ ~Tio-,' G~/r~ ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMBNT <~~¢~ ~~-~--~J~~'~ FORMAT FOR POSITIOB MOTION Variances from Section 15 Ordinance 1638 I move to authorize a variance to the ________yard (Section 8.7} ___ /1__lot width (Table A) ________lot depth (Table A) ________sign regulations (Section 12) minimum setback (Table A) ________parking requirements (Section 9) from the terms of this ordinance as it will not be contrary to the public i~.+~~~st, due to the following special conditions: ~ ~~ tL~ 7-~/ /cC S~~UC~L~-~~ ~~~F' Bl//LJ i1-c1D ?.`,~®',pf,~~.~ ~~ -- / ~ ----~------------------------------------------- ~~/~J~S~-!'T~.A/C __ _ _________ ______________________________ _ ~ T~~F s~2l.~sU2F,,~ ~~'/ST '9~N,0 TJ/~= ~/~2/~'~i%~= ~/LG C~l~`N~~ and because a strict enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship to this applicant being: and such that the spirit of this ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done subject to the following limitations: -------------------------------------------------------------------- Motion made by _ ~'1/~n/'T __________________ Date ~- ~ v ~_____ ----------- Seconded by ___ ~L~ `~____________ _ Voting Results _~^,~D _~N f/}!/v~ • Chair signature ~'~~ ' 4