HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-9268 Staff AnalysisOCTOBER 30, 2017
ITEM NO.: 6
File No.:
Owner/Applicant:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Variance Requested
Justification:
Z-9268
Shamber Uzuh
1908 Kimberly Drive
Lot 374, Twin Lakes Addition
R-2
A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section
36-254 to allow a deck with a reduced side setback.
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:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The R-2 zoned property at 1908 Kimberly Drive is occupied by a one-story brick and
frame single family residence. The property is located on the west side of Kimberly
Drive, between Labette Drive and Cerelle Drive. A two (2) car wide driveway from
Labette Drive serves as access to the property. A two (2) car wide carport is located
on the south side of the residence. A deck structure is located on the north side of
the residence. The lot contains a 25 foot front platted building line.
The deck located on the north side of the residence is a wood structure
approximately 9.4 feet by 24.7 feet in area. The deck is located 0.6 foot to one (1)
foot back from the north side property line. The deck floor is approximately one (1)
foot to 1.5 feet above grade. The deck is covered by an arbor -type structure,
supported by wood posts. The structure is not covered by a solid roof. Wood railing
is attached to the wood posts. The applicant notes that the wood deck existed prior
to her purchase of the property, a little over one (1) year ago. The applicant recently
attached six (6) foot high wood fence pickets to the north side of the deck structure.
Section 36-254(d)(2) of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum side
setback of seven (7) feet for this R-2 zoned lot. Therefore, the applicant is
requesting a variance to allow the deck with a side setback of 0.6 foot to one (1) foot.
OCTOBER 30, 2017
ITEM NO.: 6 (CON'T.
y • •
Staff is supportive of the requested side setback variance. Staff views the request
as reasonable. Staff's support is based primarily on the fact that the structure is
unenclosed and not covered with a solid roof. With the structure being unenclosed,
maintenance on the structure should be able to take place without encroaching onto
the property immediately to the north. As noted previously, the deck structure
existed on the site prior to the purchase of the property by the current owner. Staff
believes the deck structure has existed for approximately two (2) years. Staff feels
that the deck structure will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the
general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested side setback variance, subject to the
following conditions.
1. The deck structure must remain unenclosed on its east, west and
north sides.
2. The deck structure must not be covered with a solid roof.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
(October 30, 2017)
Shamber Uzuh, Theodis Thompson and Norma Ernest were present, representing the
application. There was one (1) person present with concerns. Staff presented the
application with a recommendation of approval.
Theodis Thompson addressed the Board in support of the application. He explained that
the deck existed prior to Ms. Uzuh's purchase of the property, and had existed for
approximately two (2) years. He noted that the house is positioned on the lot with a
smaller side setback on the north side.
Shamber Uzuh also addressed the Board in support of the application. She read her
cover letter to the Board.
Bernetta Levy, of 1900 Kimberly Drive, addressed the Board with concerns. She read a
prepared statement to the Board. She explained that she was not opposed to the deck
setback variance, as long as the applicants understood where the side property line was
located and did not encroach onto her property.
Christopher Smith asked Ms. Levy if there was an issue with the deck when the previous
property owner occupied the site. Ms. Levy explained that the previous owner did not live
in the house prior to Ms. Uzuh's purchase.
Mr. Thompson noted that the issue before the Board was the deck setback. He also
noted that the applicants understood the location of the side property line.
There was a motion to approve the application, as recommended by staff. The motion
passed with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. The application was approved.