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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6225 Staff AnalysisNovember 25, 1996, Item No.: 7 File No. Owner: Address: Descries: Zoned: Variance Recruested: Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: Staff Report: A. Public Warks Comments: No issues B. Staff Analysis: Z-6225 Fairel Pierce 7105 Fourche Dam Pike Part of the NW 1/4, NW 1/4, NE 1/4, Section 16, T -1-N, R -11-W, Little Rock R-2 A variance is requested from the commercial vehicle parking (prohibited) provisions of Sections 36-512(b)(1) and 36-512(b)(4) to permit storing a trailer whose designed intent is storage or transport of material or equipment on residential property. The applicant states he uses the trailer to haul things on and off of his property for farming operations and has done so for the .r 2Q +.n o +^r. we thi R a pre-existing (nonconforming) use. Single Family Single Family This issue is before the Board as a result of action by the Codes Enforcement Staff. In response to a complaint, a codes officer inspected the R-2 zoned property at 7105 Fourche Dam Pike on June 20, 1996. The officer observed a 60± foot long, flat-bed trailer parked on the site with 3 vehicles on it. A notice was issued to Mr. Pierce for violating Section 36-512 of the Code. On August 29, 1996, a citation was issued to Mr. Pierce requiring his appearance in Municipal Court. On October 9, 1996, Mr. Pierce was November 25, 1996„ Item No.: 7 (Cont. found guilty of parking a commercial vehicle in a residential area and was fined. Judge Stewart deferred payment of the fine to allow Mr. Pierce an opportunity to file a variance application with the Board of Adjustment. Section 36-512(b) states for the purposes of this section, the following types of vehicles are expressly prohibited at any time: (on any lot zoned for residential uses)." The section goes on to specifically list all commercial tow vehicles or vehicle carriers and trailers whose designed intent is storage or transport of material or equipment. Although Mr. Pierce lives at 7105 Fourche Dam Pike, he has farming operations outside of the City. He does bring his equipment to this site and states that he has for the past 20 years. A site inspection did reveal other farm equipment and trailers on the site. The property is located in an area of mixed zoning and uses although the primary use in the area is single family residential. Staff believes it is reasonable to allow Mr. Pierce to use the trailer in relationship to his farming operations but wants it made very clear that the trailer is not to be used for any other commercial business purposes (such as hauling vehicles). Consequently, staff would not support a variance from Section 36-512(b)(1) to allow a vehicle transport trailer. Staff can support a variance from Section 36-512(b)(4) to allow Mr. Pierce to park the trailer on the property in relationship to his farming operations. C. staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the variance from the provisions of Section 36-512(b)(1) to allow a commercial tow vehicle or vehicle carrier. Staff does recommend approval of a variance from the provisions of Section 36-512(b)(4) to allow Mr. Pierce to park this trailer on the R-2 zoned property at 7105 Fourche Dam Pike in relationship his farming operations subject to the following condition: 1. The trailer is to only be used by Mr. Fairel Pierce for farming operations and is not to be used for any other commercial purpose. E November 25, 1996 Item No.: 7 (Cont. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (NOVEMBER 25, 1996) James Swindoll and Fairel Pierce were present representing the application. There was one objector present. Staff presented the item and recommended that Mr. Pierce be allowed to keep the trailer to be used only for farming operations. Mr. Swindoll addressed the Board and stated that his client understood and accepted staff's recommendation. He stated that the trailer was 35 feet long and would only be used for farming operations. Mr. Swindoll acknowledged that the trailer had been used for transporting vehicles. He assured the Board that the trailer would never again be used for that purpose. Charles Brown, attorney for neighborhood resident Helen Pate, addressed the Board. He stated that there had been ongoing problems between Mrs. Pate and Mr. Pierce. Mr. Brown stated that Mr. Pierce had previously operated businesses illegally at 7105 Fourche Dam Pike. Mr. Brown conjectured that Mr. Pierce violates the code at times the code enforcement officers are not available, evenings and weekends. Mr. Brown stated that the City's code enforcement staff had documented the presence of three wrecked vehicles on the trailer while it was at Mr. Pierce's home. Mr. Brown concluded by stating that there was no reason why the trailer could not be stored on the off -premises farm and not at Mr. Pierce's home. Kenny Scott, Chief of Zoning Enforcement, addressed the Board. He stated that his staff had responded numerous times to complaints filed by Ms. Pate regarding various issues relating to Mr. Pierce. Mr. Scott stated that his staff had substantiated that Mr. Pierce had several vehicles on the trailer on one occasion. Mr. Scott stated that many of Ms. Pate's allegations concerning Mr. Pierce were unsubstantiated. The Chairperson called for a vote on the issue of allowing Mr. Pierce to keep the trailer on his property at 7105 Fourche Dam Pike subject to the trailer only being used by Mr. Fairel Pierce for farming operations and not being used for any other commercial purpose. The variance was approved by a vote of 5 ayes, 2 noes, 1 absent and 1 open position. 3