HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7902 Staff AnalysisAUGUST 29, 2005
ITEM NO.: 6
File No.: Z-7902
Owner: John and Chastity Seliga
Address: 822 N. Coolidge Street
Description: Lot 1, Block 18 Success Addition
Zoned: R-2
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the fence provisions of Section
36-516 to allow a fence which exceeds the maximum height allowed.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Single Family Residential
Proposed Use of Property: Single Family Residential
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
1. In accordance with Section 32-8, no obstruction to visibility shall be
located within a triangular area 50' back from the intersecting right-of-way
line (or intersecting tangent lines for radial dedications) at the intersection
of Coolidge with "H". The fence provides a sight distance problem.
Vehicles north bound on Coolidge can not see oncoming East bound
traffic on "H". Contact Traffic Engineering for acceptable relocation of
fence or remove to rear corner of structure.
2. Provide property survey. No portion of the fence is to be located in the
Right -of -Way.
B. Staff Analysis:
The R-2 zoned property at 822 N. Coolidge Street is occupied by a one-story
brick and frame single family residence. The property is located at the
southwest corner of Coolidge and "H" Streets. There is a two -car wide drive
from Coolidge Street which serves as access. There is a paved alley along
the west property line. The applicants recently constructed a six (6) foot high
wood fence enclosing the rear and north side yards, as noted on the attached
site plan. The fence extends from the northeast corner of the house to the
AUGUST 29, 2005
ITEM NO.: 6 (CON'T.
north property line, runs along the north property line to the northwest corner of
the property, then runs south along the rear property line enclosing the rear
yard.
A building permit was issued for the fence construction. However, the sketch
presented to staff by the fence company did not indicate that this was a corner
lot, as it did not show "H" street. Staff issued the permit based on the sketch
showing an interior lot and not a corner lot. Subsequently, staff issued a notice
to lower the height of the fence or obtain a variance, upon observing the fence
after construction.
Section 36-516(e)(1)a. of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum
fence height of four (4) feet for fences located between a building setback line
and a street right-of-way. A six (6) foot fence height is allowed along interior
lot lines. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance for the portion of the
six (6) foot high fence located between the required side setback (5 feet) and
the "H" street right-of-way (north property line).
Staff does not support the variance, as requested. The fence as constructed
violates the blind corner ordinance, as noted in the Public Works comments
(paragraph A.) Staff's inspection of the site revealed difficulty in pulling out
onto "H" Street from Coolidge Street (north bound) given the reduced visibility
caused by the location of the fence in question, being too close to the
Coolidge/"H" Street intersection. Additionally, staff has received numerous
complaints from surrounding residents regarding the reduced visibility when
pulling out onto "H" Street from Coolidge Street. "H" Street is a relatively busy
street, with Hall High School located one (1) block to the east. Also, CATA
Bus Route #8 (Rodney Parham Route) runs along "H" Street in this area. Staff
believes the fence as constructed creates a health/safety issue and should be
adjusted to conform with Section 32-8, as noted in paragraph A. of this
request. If the fence were relocated to comply with this section, staff could
support the variance for increased fence height.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of the requested fence variance, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (AUGUST 29, 2005)
Staff informed the Board that the applicant had revised the application to move the
northeast corner of the fence back as required by Public Works, to allow adequate
sight -distance at the corner of Coolidge and "H" Streets. Staff recommended
approval of the revised application, subject to the fence being moved to comply with
the Public Works sight -distance requirements within 14 days.
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AUGUST 29, 2005
ITEM NO.: 6 CON'T.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as revised and
recommended by staff by a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
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