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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6429 Staff AnalysisDecember 22, 1997 item No.: File No.: owner: Address• Description• Zoned• Variance Remiested: Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Propert : Staff Report: A. Public Works Issues: Z-6429 Johnetta Thomas 901 Bedford Lot 1, Block 44, Industrial Park Addition R-2 A variance is requested from the accessory building area regulations of Section 36-156 to permit a detached carport with reduced setbacks. The site had no covered parking to protect the vehicle and provide covered access for the applicant. Due to security concerns, the carport was put at the front of the property. Single Family residence Single Family residence No issues as long as carport remains unenclosed. B. Staff Analysis: The owner of 901 Bedford has recently had a 12 foot by 20 foot aluminum carport structure placed in the front yard of the R-2 zoned property. The carport has front and side yard setbacks of 0 - .5 feet. The code requires front and side yard setbacks of 60 feet and 3 feet respectively for accessory structures. After being advised of the violation by the Codes Enforcement staff, the owner applied for a variance. The carport was placed over an existing paved driveway and was located in the front yard to provide easy access to the front door. There is a paved driveway to the rear of the lot with access off of 9th Street. The applicant states that she has concerns for her safety and prefers to park in December 22, 1997 No.. 3 (Cont. the front where neighbors can better see her getting in and out of her car. Although staff typically does not support variances for such reduced setbacks as that proposed by the applicant, we feel that this particular carport should not negatively impact neighboring properties. The applicant's home is one of only a few remaining in this small neighborhood located north of the airport. Many of the homes have been removed, leaving vacant lots, or are vacant and boarded -up. This property itself is designated for acquisition by the airport in the Airport's Master Plan. The lot adjacent to the south is vacant and the carport does not create a sight distance problem for traffic on East 9th or Bedford. Entire blocks of homes have been removed from properties to the east leaving a sort of "no man's land" which could contribute to the applicant's sense of insecurity about parking to the rear of the house. Due to extreme financial difficulties, caused in part by a health condition, the applicant has requested a waiver of the $75.00 filing fee. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested front and side yard setback variances subject to compliance with the following conditions: 1. The carport structure is to remain open and unenclosed on all sides. 2. The variance to allow the carport is tied to the applicant's occupancy of 901 Bedford. Should the applicant no longer reside at 901 Bedford, the carport is to be removed or placed so that it complies with setback regulations. Staff recommends approval of the request to have the filing fee waived. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (DECEMBER 22, 1997) The applicant was not present. Staff had received a telephone call just prior to the meeting from the applicant's doctor stating that she would be unable to attend. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject to compliance with the following conditions: 1. The carport structure is to remain open and unenclosed on all sides. 2. The variance to allow the carport is tied to the applicant's occupancy of 901 Bedford. Should the applicant no longer 2 December 22, 1997 Item No.: 3(Cont.) reside at 901 Bedford, the carport is to be removed or placed so that it complies with setback regulations. Staff also recommended approval of the requested waiver of the filing fee. The variance request and filing fee waiver were placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff by a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent and 2 open positions. 3