Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/1997 - Regular Minutes - Zoning Board of Adjustments. MINUTES Zoning Board of Adjustment CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS June 17, 1997 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Rife and Members Sawtelle, Blackwelder, Alexander and Hollas. MEMBERS ABSENT: Alternate Members Ochoa and Taggart. STAFF PRESENT: Senior Planner McCully, Staff Planner Battle, and Assistant City Attorney Renyolds, Development Coordinator Volk, Receptionist Debbie Jenkins. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Call to order -explanation of functions of the Board. Chairman Rife called the meeting to order and explained the functions of the Board. Mr. Blackwelder made the motion to approved the minutes, seconded by Mr. Hollas. The motion passed, unopposed, 5-0. AGENDA ITEM N0.3: Approval of minutes from the meeting of April 1,1997. Mr. Hollas moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Blackwelder seconded the motion which passed unopposed, 5-0. AGENDA ITEM N0.4: Consideration of a variance request to the minimum lot depth requirements for a future subdivision of 211 Fidelity, lot 1 and 1/2 of lot 2, block 6 of the West Park Subdivision. Applicant is Harry L. Jones. Senior Planner McCully presented the staff report and the following variance request information: Lot Dimensions & Frontage: 67.5' (lot 1) + 25' (1/2 of lot 2~ 92.5' width; 145' depth; 92.5' frontage on Fidelity; 145' frontage on Highland Lot Depth Required: 100' Lot Depth Proposed: 92.5' (total variance of 7.5' or 7.5%) Senior Planner McCully stated that the applicant wishes to replat the property into two lots in order to construct a single family residence on the rear portion of the site. The new lots will be reoriented to face Highland, instead of Fidelity, thus changing the current width and depth. The new lots will exceed minimum lot size and width requirements, but not the depth requirement. The request is fora 7.5' lot depth variance in order to replat the lots. Minimum setback requirements will be maintained on existing structures and will be applicable to all new construction. She stated that fourteen (14) notices were sent out with only 2 inquiries and no opposition. AGENDA ITEM N0.2: Approval of minutes from the meeting of March 18, 1997. Member Hollas asked about notification if a lot was created and the consent of surrounding property owners if applicant was to replat. Development Coordinator Volk stated that State statute requirements for notification when lots are created in an established residential district. Senior Planner explained to the Board that the other lots in that same neighborhood had only one home on them, and although the alley was not open, it had not been abandoned. She also explained that the side setbacks are 7 1/2' from the side of the alley because the alley is not in use. If the alley were to be abandoned, the side setbacks would be measured from the center. Chairman Rife asked if the members had anymore question for staff. There were no other questions from the members, so Chairman Rife opened the public hearing. Tom Parker was sworn in, stated that he is the architect for the applicant and spoke in favor of the variance. Mr. Parker explained that the existing conditions and proposed lots would be 30% larger than the minimum lot size, the existing houses are about 1000 sq. ft. and meet all current setbacks. Mrs. McCully explained to the Board that the existing homes would be grandfathered and that the new home would have to meet all requirements, including off street parking, because existing parking would not be changed. No one else spoke in favor. Chairman Rife asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition. • Maureen Howell was sworn in. She stated the she opposed the variance because she would then have 2 homes backing up to her lot and the side of her house. She urged the board to visit the neighborhood before making their decision. She stated that she has windows on that side of her house and a big back yard and would not like those two houses that close. She also commented about the poor drainage system and thought that ought to be taken care of before adding any new homes. There were no other questions or concerns. Mrs. Helen Pugh of 601 Fairview was sworn in and stated that she is concerned about the Southside area. She believes that to face the house the other direction would allow cars to park in the yard. She is also concerned that the size of the house would be large enough to accommodate many of students. She said that she has trouble getting the City to enforce ordinances as they are now. Mr. Sawtelle asked about the number of people allowed to live in a single family house. Senior Planner McCully replied that any number of related or up to four (4) unrelated constitutes a "family" by definition in the zoning ordinance. No one else spoke, and the public hearing was closed. Mr. Rife asked if a variance was granted, would a flat be required. Mrs. McCully explained that a replat of the property would be required if the vanance is granted, and that if all other ordinance requirements are met, the City is obligated to approve the plat. • Sawtelle pointed out that in areas of "gandfathered items" the Board has a pretty good record of going to compliance. The hardship cited does add density in an akeady dense neighborhood. Mr. Sawtelle spoke of existing off street parking problems and moved to deny the variance. Mr. Hollas seconded the motion, the motion was denied 4-1, with Mr. Blackwelder opposing. ZBA Minutes June 17, 1997 Page 2 oj3 . AGENDA ITEM N0.4: Other business. Mr. Sawtelle asked about a tabled agenda item of the March 18 meeting. Mrs. Volk stated that Council denied the conditional use permit request and it is now a dead issue. Mr. Sawtelle stated that he is leaving the Board and recommended that the Board strive to fix "grandfathered" items in town. Mrs. Volk urged all members to attend the next ZBA meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. S: Adjourn. Mr. Sawtelle moved to adjourn the meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Hollas seconded the motion which passed unopposed (5 - 0). A P P SRO ` ~V~ E~ D `: / /, ~~_ 11 Y' Y Chairman, ~n~'" J'i'E'~I~~ {-~a.w45 ZBA Minutes June 17, 1997 Page 3 of 3 i ZONIlVG BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FORMXT FOR NEGATIVE MOTION Variance from Section 15, Ordinance Number 1638. I move to deny a variance to the yard (Section 8.7) lot width (Table A) lot depth (Table A) minimum setback parking requirements (Section 9) • from the terms of this ordinance as it will be contrary to the public interest due to the lack of .arty special conditions, and because a strict enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would not result in unnecessary hardship to this applicant, and such that the spirit of this ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done. Motion made by ~~~ ~v 'f"-G~. ~T~ + ~ _ Date ~ Seconded by ~7'~y~ 1 ~a s /.~ Voting Results ~ ~~ Chair Signature YfSRN1638.DOC • Zoning Board of Adjustment i• i• [. Guest Register Date G~~ Name Address 4. ~ ~- 5. 6 7 8 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.