HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7494-A Staff AnalysisFebruary 23, 2004
ITEM NO.: 5
File No.:
Owner:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Z -7494-A
Christopher Parker
221 Ridgeway Drive
Lots 32 and 33, Block 13,
Midland Hills Addition
R-3
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the fence
provisions of Section 36-516 to allow a
retaining wall with fence which exceeds the
maximum height allowed.
Justification.
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The applicant's justification is presented
in an attached letter.
Single Family Residential
Single Family Residential
The R-3 zoned property at 221 Ridgeway Drive is occupied by a two-story
brick and frame single family residence. There is a one -car driveway from
Ridgeway Drive which serves as access. There is an alley right-of-way
along the rear (north) property line. The rear yard slopes downward
slightly from the house to the alley (southwest to northeast).
The applicant is currently in the process of constructing a swimming pool
in the rear yard area. As part of the pool project, the applicant would like
to construct a retaining wall along the rear property line and a portion of
the east property line, in order to level the rear yard area. The retaining
wall would be constructed of textured block, and have a maximum height
February 23, 2004.
NO.: 5 (Cont.
of three (3) feet. The applicant would then propose to construct a six (6)
foot high wood privacy fence on top of the retaining wall. The overall
fence/wall structure would have a height of approximately nine (9) feet as
viewed from the alley.
Section 36-516(e)(1)a. of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum
fence/wall height of six (6) feet in residential zones. Therefore, the
applicant is requesting a variance from this ordinance requirement to allow
the overall fence/wall height of nine (9) feet.
Staff is supportive of the variance. Typically, staff supports maximum
fence/wall height up to eight (8) feet in residential zones. However, in this
case, staff feels that the request is reasonable, given the location of the
fence/wall with relation to other structures along the alley right-of-way
between Alpine Court and West Markham Street. There are numerous
accessory structures located along the alley (with zero setbacks from rear
property lines), with opaque fences/walls between them, which give the
appearance of continuous solid walls with heights six (6) feet and higher.
Therefore, staff feels that the proposed fence/wall will not be out of
character with, nor have an adverse effect on the surrounding properties
or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the requested fence/wall height variance,
subject to the following conditions:
1. The fence/wall structure must not exceed an overall height of nine (9)
feet.
2. A building permit must be obtained for the fence/wall construction.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (FEBRUARY 23, 2004)
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 5 ayes and 0 nays.
2