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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7294 Staff AnalysisSeptember 30, 2002 ITEM NO.: 17 File No.: Owner: Address: Description - Zoned: PA510410,12! Winthrop P. and Lisenne D. Rockefeller 3504 Hill Road Lots 1-6, Block 7, Auten and Moss Addition R-3 Variance Requested-, A variance is requested from the fence provisions of Section 36-516 to allow construction of rock walls which exceed the maximum height allowed. Justification-. Present Use of Property Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysi : The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Single Family Residential Single Family Residential The R-3 zoned property at 3504 Hill Road is occupied by a two-story rock and stucco single family residence. The property slopes downward from Hill Road to the north. The elevation of the majority of the rear yard area was raised to match the elevation of the first floor of the house. A series of retaining walls within this northern portion of the property and along the east property line has existed for a number of years. The property owner recently began renovating the rear yard area, which includes a new pool area and new rock walls. A new rock wall has been constructed along the east property line, turning west and running almost the entire width of the property. The highest portion of the wall is located at the north end of the north/south wall. The height at this point is approximately 20 feet from grade as viewed from the north. The September 30, 2002 Item No.: 17 (Cont east/west wall varies in height (approximately 10 feet tall at the highest point), becoming shorter as the wall runs to the west. The applicant has noted that the north/south wall (along the east property line) was constructed in the same location as another rock wall which was determined to be unsafe and structurally unsound. Section 36-516(e)(1)a. of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum fence/wall height of six (6) feet in residential zoning. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance from this requirement for the new construction/reconstruction of the rock walls. Staff is supportive of the requested variance. The tallest rock wall on the property (along the east property line) is being constructed to replace a wall of comparable size which was removed due to being structurally unsound. Although the rock wall along the east property line has a height of approximately 20 feet as viewed from the north, its height as viewed from the existing grades to the east and west (swimming pool area) range from 8 to 12 feet. Given the large size of the adjacent properties along the north side of Hill Road, and the existing typography associated with them, staff feels that the new rock walls within the northern portion of this property will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or general area. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested variances fence/wall height variance, subject to a building permit being obtained for all construction. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (SEPTEMBER 30,2002) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval. The applicant offered no additional comments. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. 6