HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6356 Staff AnalysisAugust 25, 1997
Item No.:
File No.:
Owner:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Variance Requested:
Justification:
Present Use of PrapertY:
Proposed Use of Propert :
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Comments:
Z-6356
Jean DeWese
616 N. Taylor
Lots 17 and 18 and the south 5 feet
of Lot 19, Block 20, Lincoln Park
Addition
R-3
Variances are requested from the
accessory building area regulations
and separation requirements of
Section 36-156.
Applicant's Statement: The carport
was constructed without knowledge
that it violated city code. The
carport was placed over the
existing parking area. The slope
of the property makes it more
feasible to have the carport closer
to the street. Moving the carport
back would place it over a sewer
line and too close to an old well.
The rear part of the yard is a low-
lying area which retains water.
The alley in the rear is
impassable.
Single Family
Single Family
Recommend adequate parking between carport and street
right-of-way.
B. Staff Analysis:
In January 1997, the applicant had an 18 foot by 18 foot
carport constructed on the R-3 zoned property located at 616
N. Taylor Street. The carport has a front yard setback of
1.1 - 1.4 feet and is separated from the house by 4.5 - 5
August 25, 1997
Item No.: 2 (Cont.
feet. The Ordinance requires accessory structures to have a
minimum front yard setback of 60 feet and to have a minimum
separation from the principal structure of 6 feet. The
carport was constructed without knowledge that it violated
city code. Once notified of the violation, the applicant
applied to the Board of Adjustment for a variance.
The carport is constructed of wood and is unenclosed on all
sides. The applicant states that it would be difficult to
relocate the structure. There is an old well in the way and
the lot has low spots which hold water the further you get
from the street. The carport was built over the existing,
gravel parking area.
Staff is concerned about the safety issue of allowing this
carport so close to Taylor Street. The street is
substandard and very narrow, with restricted passing
movement. It is questionable whether there is adequate,
safe distance to back out of the structure before vehicles
are actually in the traffic lane.
In this case, staff believes it would be in the public's
best interest to require the applicant to move the carport
to a point at least 10 feet from the property line. This
should provide for adequate sight distance for vehicles
exiting the carport and backing into the street.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of the requested variances.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(AUGUST 25, 1997)
The applicant, Jean DeWese, was present. There were no objectors
present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of
denial.
Ms. DeWese addressed the Board in support of the variance
request. She stated that the carport was built over the existing
gravel driveway. Ms. DeWese noted that sight distance and safety
were the same with the carport as they were prior to its
construction. She stated traffic had never been a problem on the
street and that she had never observed an accident on the street.
Ms. DeWese noted obstructions in the yard which would make it
difficult to relocate the carport.
Ann Palmer stated that she would prefer to see the carport
relocated away from the street.
Chairman Alderfer asked if there were any driveways on the other
side of the street. Ms. DeWese responded that there were none.
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August 25, 1997
Item No.: 2 Cont.
Gary Langlais asked if the proposed public improvement project
for this area would require the acquisition of any of Ms.
DeWese's property. Sherman Smith, of the Public Works
Department, stated that the current public project is to improve
the drainage ditch located across Taylor Street. He noted that
Taylor Street had 50 feet of right-of-way and, if the street were
ever improved, it would probably not require additional right-of-
way.
The question was called on the application, as filed. The vote
was 0 ayes, 8 noes and 1 absent. The variances were denied.
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