08-22-13 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

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Staff Report August 22, 2013 Variance Request #13-93000004 Requested by: Manuel and Glenda Castillo (Property Owners) Requested for: A property line fence to be constructed within the front yard area Legal Description: 0.4849 Acre Tract, Lot 6, TRS 5A & 7A, Block 2, Coronet Park, Section 1, Enoch Brinson Survey, Abstract 5, La Porte, Harris County, Texas Location: 1212 Robinson Road Zoning: Large Lot Residential (LL) Background: Applicants are requesting a variance to allow a fence to be constructed on the property line in the front yard area of the house under construction at 1212 Robinson Road. The applicant stated that front yard fences exist on the neighboring properties to the north, south, and other parts of Lomax area. If allowed, it would be compatible with adjoining properties. In addition, fence is required from safety and security point of view as well. HCAD record shows land area as 20,909 square feet with no improvement/building at this property. The applicants submitted building plans for permitting on November 11, 2012. The house is under construction at this time. Estimated completion date is September 2013. Attached plot plan/survey shows proposed fence along front property line and existing concrete drive to be removed along Robinson Road. Lomax area was consolidated with the City of La Porte in 1981. Due to large tracts/parcels and pastures, property line fences are common in this rural/urban area. However, the City's Code of Ordinances prohibits a fence placed within the front yard setback in the all zoning districts except large lot residential (greater than 1 acre) and lots directly adjacent to Galveston Bay. Staff analyzed the surrounding area and based upon site inspections and the pictures taken by the staff, the following is noted: • As seen in the photos, the existing block containing the residences has existing fences in the front yard area (Photos to be presented at the meeting). • The proposed fence would be in line with the fence of the adjacent property owners.