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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7367 Staff AnalysisMarch 31, 2003 �i1►[QW? 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-7367 J. Richard and Christina E. Newland 4312 S. Lookout Lot 11, Block 13, Hillcrest Addition M Variances are requested from the area provisions of Section 36-254. The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Single Family Residential Single Family Residential The R-2 zoned property at 4312 S. Lookout contains a two-story stucco single family residence. There is a two-story garage (18 feet by 18 feet) located at the northeast corner of the property. There is a paved alley along the north property line which serves as vehicular access to the site. The applicants propose to construct a 2,400 square foot addition to the northeast corner of the principal structure, connecting the house to the existing garage building. The proposed addition will have a height of two (2) stories. The proposed building addition will be located 0.7 foot from the side (east) property line. The accessory garage building will become part of the principal structure with the proposed building addition. The existing garage is located 1 Y2 feet from the rear (north) property line at the structure's northwest corner. Section 36-254(d)(2) of the City's Zoning March 31, 2003 Item No.: 3 (Cont. Ordinance requires a minimum side yard setback of five (5) feet for this lot. Section 36-254(d)(3) requires a minimum rear yard setback for principal structures of 25 feet. Therefore, the applicants are requesting variances from these ordinance standards. Staff does not support the variances as requested. Although staff has no problem with the concept of connecting the principal and accessory structures to make one large house, staff cannot support the requested variance to allow a 0.7 foot side yard. Staff has no problem with the rear yard setback variance due to the fact that the accessory structure is existing and next to a 15 foot wide alley right-of-way. Staff feels that the building addition is located too close to the side (east) property line as proposed. Staff feels that a minimum three (3) foot side yard would be more appropriate for the proposed addition, and allow room to address issues such as overhang, maintenance and water run-off. The applicants noted in the attached cover letter that they have a commitment from the next door neighbor to the east to provide a maintenance easement. However, staff has seen nothing in writing regarding this issue. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the setback variances as requested. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (MARCH 31, 2003) Richard Newland was present, representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of denial. Richard Newland addressed the Board in support of the application. He gave a brief description of the surrounding neighborhood. He noted that the neighbors were in support of his proposed addition. He stated that any additional setback along the east property line would be wasted space. He gave additional description of the property and of the requested building addition. Terry Burruss asked if there would be a fence along the east property line. Mr. Newland stated that the existing fence would be removed and explained. Vice Chairman Richburg asked about the stone patio along the east property line. Mr. Newland stated that the stone patio would extend to the new building addition. Vice -Chairman Richburg asked about the house immediately to the east and its relationship to the proposed building addition. Mr. Newland described the 2 March 31, 2003 Item No.: 3 (Cont.) location of the house. He noted that it was located approximately 8 feet from his east property line. Andrew Francis expressed support for the variances if a maintenance easement could be obtained from the property owner to the east. Mr. Newland stated that it was likely he could obtain the easement. Fred Gray asked how much of a problem it would be to move the addition and provide a 3 foot side yard setback. Mr. Newland explained that moving the addition would adversely effect the structure. He explained that this was due to the location of an interior stairway. Mr. Gray asked about the side yard setback requirements for the property to the east. This issue was briefly discussed. The issue of natural lighting between the two houses was briefly discussed. Cindy Dawson, City Attorney, asked if there would be windows on the east side of the building addition. Mr. Newland explained that there would be windows on the east side of the addition and that the property owner to the east would have input on the number of windows. Staff suggested that if the Board required a maintenance easement on the property to the east, that the easement have a maximum width of 5 feet. This issue was briefly discussed. A motion was made to approve the requested setback variances subject to the following conditions: 1. A 5 foot wide maintenance easement must be obtained from the property owner to the east. The easement must run the length of the new addition and existing garage structure. 2. Guttering must be provided to prevent water run-off onto the east property. 3. Compliance with items #2-5 found in Elizabeth G. Howitt's letter dated February 18, 2003. There was additional discussion of the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. The application was approved. 3