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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7358 Staff AnalysisFebruary 24, 2003 ITEM NO.: 4 File No.: Owner: Address: Description: Zoned: Variance Requested: Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: Z-7358 Richard Meyer 4209 Holt Street Part of Lots 9 and 10, Block 223, John Barrow Addition R-3 Variances are requested from the area provisions of Section 36-156 to allow a carport with a reduced front yard setback and separation. The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Single family residential Single family residential The R-3 zoned property at 4209 Holt Street is occupied by a one-story frame single family residence. There is a two -car driveway from Holt Street which serves as access. A 10 foot by 18 foot metal carport structure was recently placed over a portion of the driveway area. According to the survey of the property, the carport structure is located approximately 6.5 feet back from the front property line and separated from the single family residence by approximately three (3) feet. Section 36-156(a)(2)c. of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires that accessory buildings be located at least 60 feet back from front property lines. Section 36-156(a)(2)b. requires that accessory buildings be February 24, 2003 Item No.: 4 (Cont. separated from principal structures by at least six (6) feet. Therefore, the applicant is requesting variances from these ordinance standards. Staff does not support the requested variances. Staff's past policy has been to support variances associated with metal carport structures which have existed for a number of years. These past variances have also been supported by the Board and conditioned on the property ownership, requiring removal of the structures if the properties are ever sold. However, this carport structure in question was placed on the property within the past few months by persons who rent the single family structure. Staff feels that the carport structure is out of character with the neighborhood, as staff noticed no other nearby properties to the north or south along Holt Street which had encroachments into the required front yards. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the requested variances associated with the metal carport structure. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (FEBRUARY 24, 2003) Alicia Garcia (occupant of the residence) and Maria Garcia (sister of and translator for Alicia Garcia) were present, representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff briefly described the requested variances with a recommendation of denial. Mike Hood, of Public Works, stated that a CDBG project to reconstruct Holt Street would occur in the near future. He asked the Board to request that the applicant work with Public Works if they approve the variance. Chairman Ruck asked when the carport structure was installed. Maria Garcia stated that it was installed four (4) months ago. Chairman Ruck asked who constructed the structure. Maria Garcia stated that Alicia Garcia's husband assembled the structure. Chairman Ruck asked how the structure is used. Maria Garcia stated that it was to protect their car. Fred Gray asked if there was a physical or special need for the carport structure (a wheelchair bound family member, etc.). Maria Garcia stated that there was not. Fred Gray asked about the cost of the carport structure. Maria Garcia stated that it cost $450.00. Fred Gray asked about another location for the carport structure. Staff suggested using the concrete area on the north side of the residence as a drive and moving the carport structure to the rear yard. Maria Garcia stated that there was not enough room to drive a vehicle along the north side of the house. This issue was briefly discussed. 2 February 24, 2003 item No.: 4 Cont. Chairman Ruck asked if Richard Meyer was the property owner. Staff noted that he was. Fred Gray asked how long the Garcia's had the property leased. Maria Garcia noted that the lease was up in March and then they would purchase the house. This issue was briefly discussed. There was a brief discussion related to the CDBG road project. Andrew Francis noted that he could not support a long term variance for the carport 'structure. Fred Gray concurred with Mr. Francis. This issue was briefly discussed. A motion was made to approve the variances associated with the carport structure for as long as the Garcias occupy the house or six (6) months, whichever is less. The motion passed by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. The variances were approved temporarily. KI