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boa_10 26 2015LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SUMMARY OF MINUTES OCTOBER 26,2015 2:00 P.M. I.Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum A Quorum was present being three (3)in number. II.Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meetings The Minutes of the September 28,2015 meeting were approved. III.Members Present:Brad Wingfield,Vice Chairman Carolyn Lindsey Polk Robert Tucker Members Absent:Jeff Yates,Chairman Rajesh Mehta City Attorney Present:Debra Weldon LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AGENDA OCTOBER 26,2015 2:00 P.M. I.OLD BUSINESS: A.Z-3371-AAA 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza 11.NEW BUSINESS: 1.Z-3077-B 1723 N.Pierce Street 2.Z-9090 2416 N.Grant Street 3.Adoption of 2016 Board of Adjustment Calendar OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO A File No.:Z-3371-AAA Owner:Playtime Partnership,LLC Applicant:Mark Redden,Holloway Engineering Address:600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop Description:South end of Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop Zoned:C-3 Variance Requested:Variances are requested from the sign provisions of Section 36-555 to allow a ground-mounted sign with increased height and area. Justification:The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Present Use of Property:Restaurant with inside amusement Proposed Use of Property:Restaurant with inside amusement STAFF REPORT A.Public Works Issues: No Comments B.~fftaff Anal ala: The C-3 zoned property at 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop is occupied by a Playtime Pizza facility.The property is located near the south end of Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop,south of the Rave Theater.A two-story commercial building housing the pizza restaurant/arcade is located within the west half of the property. Paved parking is located on the north and east sides of the building. On February 25,2001 the Board of Adjustment approved variances for increased sign height and area for a subdivision sign along the east property line (1-430 frontage)of 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza I oop.The sign was approved with a maximum height of 50 feet and an area of approximately 400 square feet.The sign has been installed and is internally lighted.The sign is to contain the names of businesses within the Glenn Ridge Crossing Subdivision.The sign variances were approved with the following conditions: 1.A sign permit must be obtained for the sign. 2.There are to be no other ground-mounted signs within the Glenn Ridge Crossing Subdivision located along 1-430 frontage of the Subdivision. OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO A CON'T On August 30,2010 the Board of Adjustment unanimously denied a request to increase the height of the previously approved sign from 50 feet to 75 feet.The sign area was to remain the same.The Planning Staff did not support the increased height. Section 36-555(a)(2)of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum sign height of 36 feet and a maximum sign area of 160 square feet for signs in commercial zoning districts.The applicant is back before the Board requesting to replace the previously approved sign with a new electronic sign,as noted on the attached site plan and sign graphics.The new proposed sign will be 320 square feet in area and 75 feet in height.The applicant proposes that the new sign serve not only the Glenn Ridge Crossing Subdivision,but also the businesses on the entire southeast portion of the Colonel Glenn/1-430 intersection.See the applicant's attached cover letter for a list of the businesses.The increased height is being proposed so that the sign can be seen above the tree line by north and south bound I-430 traffic. Staff is not supportive of the requested sign height variance.Staff feels the previous approval of a 50 foot sign height was fairly generous.The requested sign height of 75 feet is over twice the height allowed for commercial signage,including billboards in commercial zones.Additionally,the sign is located along interstate 430 which is designated as a scenic corridor and allows no billboard signs. Although the proposed sign is not a billboard,staff believes that the sign violates the spirit and intent of the scenic corridor designation.The City's Board of Directors designates a roadway a scenic corridor because the roadway "exhibits special aesthetic and visual characteristics worthy of protection".Staff believes the existing sign height does allow some visibility from I-430.Staff feels that increasing the sign height to 75 feet at this location would have a negative impact on I-430's designation as a scenic corridor by triggering other businesses in the area to request similar sign heights. Additionally,the previous approval was for a subdivision multiple tenant identification sign.Similar type signs have been approved for major shopping center developments in the City.As prepared by the applicant,the sign is to identify not just the businesses within Glenn Ridge Crossing Subdivision but also the businesses on the entire southeast portion of the interchange.In staffs opinion,this creates an off premises sign which is specifically prohibited on the scenic comdor. C.Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the requested sign height and area variances associated with the new proposed subdivision sign. OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO A CON'T BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (July 27,2015) Staff informed the Board that the applicant requested this application be deferred to the August 31,2015 agenda,based on the fact that the applicant would not be present. Staff supported the deferred request. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral to the August 31,2015 agenda as recommended by staff.The vote was 4 ayes,0 nays and 1 absent.The application was deferred. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (August 31,2015) Steve Landers was present,representing the application.There were no objectors present. Staff presented the application with a recommendation of denial. Steve Landers addressed the Board in support of the application.He noted that there would be few changes to the existing sign.He referred to the aCraina sign which was recently placed along Colonel Glenn Road and presented a photo to the Board.He explained reasons for the proposed sign. Chairman Yates explained that the proposed sign described by Mr.Landers was nothing like the graphics submitted for the application and presented to the Board.Mr. Landers noted that the graphics presented were not of the sign he wished to construct. Mr.Landers asked to defer the application in order to provide a different sign design. Staff supported a deferral to the September 28,2015 agenda.There was a brief discussion of the deferral. There was a motion to defer the application to the September 28,2015 agenda.The motion passed by a vote of 5 ayes,0 nays and 0 absent.The application was deferred. ~Stad U date: On September 14,2015 the applicant submitted revised sign graphics to staff for the proposed commercial sign at 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop.As shown on the attached graphics,the proposed sign will have backlit panels and will not be an electronic message sign.The sign now has a more typical commercial sign design,and does not have the appearance of a billboard.The area of the proposed sign has been increased from 320 square feet to 600 square feet.The proposed sign height has increased from 75 feet to 85 feet.The applicant notes that 30 feet of the sign will be visible above the existing tree line along 1-430.The silhouette of the sign which will be visible above the tree line will be 900 square feet in area. Staff continues to recommend denial of the requested sign area and height variances for the reasons noted in the "Staff Analysis"(paragraph B.).Staff continues to believe that the proposed sign will have a negative impact on 1-430's designation as a scenic corridor.With respect to other commercial subdivision signs,some mentioned at the OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO A CON'T last meeting,following is what has been approved by the Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission: ~Shackleford Crossing Shackleford frontage:36 feet in height/380 square feet 1-430 frontage:36 feet in height/380 square feet ~Gateway Town Center 1-430 frontage:49.5 feet in height/740 square feet Otter Creek Road frontage:25 feet in height/370 square feet ~Mabelvale Plaza 1-30 frontage:30 feet in height/266 square feet Mabelvale Pike frontage:34 feet in height/310 square feet BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (September 28,2015) Mark Redder and Brian Carney were present,representing the application.There were no objectors present.Staff presented the revised application with a recommendation of denial. Mark Redder addressed the Board in support of the application.He explained that the previously approved sign was 50 feet in height,and that the current proposal met the intent of the previous application.Brian Carney explained that the proposed sign height and area was due to the topography of the site and the trees within the right-of-way of I- 430.Mr.Redder noted that the existing sign was visible for only a fraction of a second from 1-430 traffic.Mr.Carney explained that the top 30 feet of the proposed sign would be visible above the tree line.There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed sign height. Carolyn Lindsey-Polk asked if the Highway Department had been contacted regarding tree cutting.Mr.Redder explained that the Highway Department would not allow tree cutting for businesses. Chairman Yates explained that he understood the issue of the proposal.He noted that the scenic corridor was established by the Board of Directors,and that he would not vote to approve something that would oppose the scenic corridor designation.There was additional discussion regarding the proposed sign height and area. There was additional discussion pertaining to the possibility of a different zoning action/application to include the sign request. Mr.Carney asked to defer the application to the October 26,2015 agenda to explore the option of a different application. OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO A CON'T There was a motion to defer the application to the October 26,2015 agenda.The vote was 3 ayes,1 nay and 1 absent.The application was deferred. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (October 26,2015) Staff informed the Board that the applicant submitted a letter to staff requesting this application be deferred to the December 14,2015 agenda.Staff supported the deferral request. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral to the December 14,2015 agenda as recommended by staff.The vote was 3 ayes,0 nays and 2 absent.The application was deferred. y-as'-8kA- le)ERS STQYQTA sc lc30 September 14,2015 City of Little Rock Board of Adjustment 500 West Markham Street Little Rock,AR 72201 RE:Item 2-3371-AAA —Sign Variance Request Dear Board Members, Please find attached a rendering of the proposed sign.The sign consists of two outside masts with a center directory containing 10 equally spaced placards.These placards will consist of backlit acrylic panels.Businesses within the subdivision will be able to use either one or two of these horizontal sections.As you will see,we are not proposing an electronic message board. We'e created the attached three-dimensional rendering in order to accurately depict how the sign will actually look within the existing topography.During this process of developing this drawing,it became clear that the sign area and height would need to be increased if the individual placards were to be legible.We are requesting that the sign be 600sf in total area.For the entire sign to be legible with the proposed sign area,it will need to be 85'n total height.At 85'all,only about 30'f the sign is actually visible. yve are requesting these variances because of the obstructing tree line.The sign was approved at 50'o provide some visibility in 2001.However,it was only constructed to 45'.The trees have matured in the interim.We understand that the requested 85'n height is taller than normally allowed,however other subdivision signs have been granted variances due to obstructions.We believe the height of the sign relative to the adjacent obstructions is in keeping with the intent of the ordinance. We apologrze for any confusion in this matter and appreciate you taking the time to review our revised design.We look forward to meeting with you again on the 28' Steve Landers \0825 COLONEL GLENN ROAD LITTLE ROCK AR 72204 PHONE 501 568.5800 TOLL FREE 877 846 5800 www Isscerstoyole corn www.laodersscioc corn OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEMNO' File No.:Z-3077-B Owner/Applicant:Steve Craig Address:1723 N.Pierce Street Description:Lot 10,Block 22,Mountain Park Addition Zoned:R-2 Variance Requested:A variance is requested from the fence provisions of Section 36-516 to allow a fence which exceeds the maximum height allowed. Justification:The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Present Use of Property:Single Family Residential Proposed Use of Property:Single Family Residential STAFF REPORT A.Public Works Issues: No Comments. B.~fftaff Anal ata: The R-2 zoned property at 1723 N.Pierce Street is occupied by a one-story frame single family residence.The property is located at the southeast corner of N. Pierce Street and Cantrell Road,and previously housed a Masonic lodge.A one- car wide driveway is located at the southwest corner of the lot.The driveway extends along the south side of the residence to a parking pad in the rear yard area. The applicant recently remodeled the existing structure and converted it to a single family residence.As part of the project,a new wood fence was constructed along the north (side)property line and east (rear)property line,enclosing the rear yard area.The fence along the north property line 7.5 feet in height;six (6)foot high wood pickets,with 1.5 feet of wood lattice on top.The fence along the east property line is a standard six (6)foot high wood fence. Section 36-516(e)(1)a.of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum fence height of four (4)feet for fences located between street fronting property lines and required building setback lines.Six (6)foot high fences are allowed elsewhere on the property.Therefore,the applicant is requesting a variance to allow the 7.5 foot OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO 1 CON'T high wood fence and a portion of the six (6)foot high fence along the north (side) street fronting property line and a portion of the east (rear)property line,between the 4.65 foot required side building setback and the Cantrell Street right-of-way. Staff is supportive of the requested fence height variance.Staff views the request as reasonable.The proposed 7.5 foot high fence along the north property line will help in buffering the property from the noise and light generated from traffic along Cantrell Road.The proposed fence height will not be out of character with the general area.There are numerous fences and walls along the Cantrell Road property lines of residences which are eight (8)to ten (10)feet in height.Staff believes the proposed fence with increased height will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or general area. C.Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested fence height variance,as filed. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (October 26,2015) Staff informed the Board that the application needed to be deferred to the December 14, 2015 agenda based on the fact that the applicant failed to complete the required notifications to surrounding property owners. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral to the December 14,2015 agenda as recommended by staff.The vote was 3 ayes,0 nays and 2 absent.The application was deferred. P-$o 77-g Craig Custom Construction 2200 Brookwood Dr Suite 110 Little Rock,AR 72210 I 501-744-4383 l davtdCocraighomes.com October 1,2015 City of Little Rock Permits and Planmng 723 W Markham Little Rock,AR To whom it may concern: I would like to formally request a variance to allow for the placement of a fence on the north side of the property at 1723 N Pierce that spans from the corner of the structure all the way to the northeast property pin.The fence will be a standard 6 foot picket with 18"of decorative lattice on top.The purpose of tlus fence will be to block noise from Cantrell as well as protecting pets and children from the busy street. Sincerely, Steve Craig President Craig Custom Construction OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO ' File No.:Z-9090 Owner /Applicant:Stephen and Mary Hudson Address:2416 N.Grant Street Description:Lot 11,Block 29,Park View Addition Zoned:R-2 Variance Requested:A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section 36-254 to allow a porch addition with a reduced front setback. Justification:The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Present Use of Property:Single Family Residential Proposed Use of Property:Single Family Residential STAFF REPORT A.Public Works Issues: No Comments S.~fftaff A The R-2 zoned property at 2416 N.Grant Street is occupied by a two-story brick and frame single family residence.The property is located on the west side of N. Grant Street,between aV"and 'Wa Streets.A shared driveway is located at the southeast corner of the properly.The driveway extends along the south side of the house,and leads to a detached carport within the rear yard area,at the northwest corner of the lot. The applicant proposes to construct a covered,unenclosed porch on the front of the residence,as noted on the attached site plan.The proposed porch will be eight (8)feet wide and 19.5 feet in length.The porch will be located 17 feet back from the front (east)property line and over 12 feet from either side property line. The porch will be unenclosed on its north,south and east sides. OCTOBER 26,2015 ITEM NO 'CON'T Section 36-254(d)(1)of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum front setback of 25 feet for this R-2 zoned lot.Therefore,the applicant is requesting a variance to allow the porch addition with a reduced front setback. Staff is supportive of the requested front setback variance.Staff views the request as reasonable.The houses within this block have approximately two (2)feet in variation with relation to their front setbacks.The proposed porch will be located approximately six (6)feet closer to the front property line than the homes closest to their front property lines.Staff views the request minor enough as to have no adverse visual impact on the adjacent properties.The proposed porch will be unenclosed on its north,south and east sides.This will help lessen any visual impact.The subject residence is the only home within this block with no front porch.The proposed porch will add street appeal to this property.Staff believes the proposed front porch with reduced front setback sill have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area. C.Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested front setback variance,subject to the porch addition remaining unenclosed on its north,south and east sides. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (October 26,2015) The applicant was present.There were no objectors present.Staff presented the application with a recommendation of approval.There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff. The vote was 3 ayes,0 nay and 2 absent.The application was approved. FROM THE DESK OF MARY HUDSON September 28,2015 Dept.of Planning and Development 723 W Markham Little Rock,AR To Whom it may concern We are requesting to add a front porch onto our house.We believe that the plan for it fits into the neighborhood and surrounding architecture of the street.We live in the Heights historical neighborhood and there are many houses with front porches,which enhances the sense of community.We love to see out neighbors sitting on the their front porches,visiting and watching the kids ride by on their bikes and play outside. Our house is the only house on our block that does not have a 1'ront porch.The porch we are requesting to build is 8 feet wide which is the width of our front flower bed.It exceeds the amount of space to the street but we have a parking pad in front of our house that the curb is on.The distance from the house to the curb of the parking pad is 25.2 feet.With the proposed porch this distance would be 17.2 ft.But the parking pad is 10 feet wide and then the street is beyond it. We think this front porch would not only be aesthetically pleasing but it would also enhance the sense of community on our street.Thank you for considering this variance. Sincerely yours, Mary Hudson ADOPTED:October 26,2015 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CALENDAR OF MEETING DATES 2016 FILING DATE NOTICE DEADLINE MEETING DATE 10-27-15 12-04-15 12-14-15 12-15-15 01-15-16 01-25-16 01-26-16 02-19-16 02-29-16 03-01-16 03-18-16 03-28-16 03-29-16 04-15-16 04-25-16 04-26-16 05-13-16 05-23-16 05-24-16 06-17-16 06-27-16 06-28-16 07-15-16 07-25-16 07-26-16 08-19-16 08-29-16 08-30-16 09-16-16 09-26-16 09-27-16 10-21-16 10-31-16 11-01-16 12-02-16 12-12-16 12-13-16 01-20-17 01-30-17 NOTE:(I)All Board meetings to be held at 2:00 P.M.unless otherwise changed by the Board. (2)Agenda meeting to be held at 1:30 P.M.in the Board Conference Room on meeting date. NOTICE:AN INTERPRETER WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED UPON REQUEST.REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AT LEAST TWO WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED MEETING DATE. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT VOTE RECORD DATE:OC-(5 ~2 so&& ~)~w ALb4+ MEMBER A LINDSEY POLK,CAROLYN v'EHTA,RAJESH TUCKER,ROBERT WINGFIELD,BRAD YATES,JEFF TIME IN AND TIME OUT LINDSEY POLK,CAROLYN MEHTA,RAJESH TUCKER,ROBERT CO WINGFIELD BRAD /N YATES,JEFF Meeting Adjourned 2 ~II W P.M.~AYE NAYE ~ABSENT ~ABSTAIN OCTOBER 26,2015 There being no further business before the Board,the meeting was adjourned at 2:02 p.m. Date:1O -lN-I Cha a Secretary