HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-16 05 Regular Called Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
City of La Porte Planning and Development Department
Established 1892 Tim Tietjens, Director
City of La Porte
Zoning Board of Adjustment Agenda
Notice is hereby given of a Regular Meeting of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment to be held on
Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La
Porte, Texas, regarding the items of business according to the agenda listed below:
1. Call to order.
2. Roll call of members.
3. Consider approval of meeting minutes: May 26, 2016.
4. A public hearing to consider Variance Request 16-93000006, a request by Pastor Shane Klinkerman
on behalf of the First Assembly of God Church for a tract of land located at 316 E. Fairmont Parkway
legally described as Blocks 1112 and 1113 of the Town of La Porte Subdivision. The applicant is
seeking approval of a variance to allow for a new building to
line, contrary to the provisions of Section 106-343(a) of the Code of Ordinances that requires a
a. Staff Presentation
b. Applicant Presentation
c. Public Comments
d. Question and Answer
5. A public hearing to receive public input on Variance Request 16-93000007, a request by Bayway
Homes for tracts of land legally described as Lots 1-8, Block 108 and Lots 24-32, Block 107, Town of
La Porte Subdivision. The applicant is seeking approval of multiple variances as follows:
A side setback of 5 for Lot 32, Block 107 and Lot 1, Block 108; contrary to the provisions of
Section 106-
for a townhouse/quadraplex project.
A density of 12.5 units per acre; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-333(a) of the Code
of Ordinances that allows a maximum of 10 units per acre for townhouse/quadraplex
projects.
A spacing between driveways of 4; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-835; Figure 10-
2, which requires a minimum of 10 between residential driveways.
A distance from the driveway to the property line of 2; contrary to the provisions of Section
106-835; Figure 10-2, which requires a minimum distance between the driveway and side lot
line of 3.
a. Staff Presentation
b. Applicant Presentation
c. Public Comments
d. Question and Answer
6. A public hearing to receive public input on Variance Request 16-93000008, a request by Robert
Goebel for the tract of land located at 11230 N. P St., legally described as Lots 1-6 of Block 1 of the
Greendale Subdivision U/R. The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow him to
build a 1,144-square foot garage; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-741(e)(2), which allows
detached garages on lots less than an acre in size to have a maximum floor area of 1,000 square feet.
a. Staff Presentation
b. Applicant Presentation
c. Public Comments
d. Question and Answer
City of La Porte 604 W. Fairmont Parkway Phone: (281) 471-5020
Planning and Development La Porte, TX 77571-6215 Fax: (281) 470-5005
www.laportetx.gov
Zoning Board of Adjustment Agenda
August 25, 2016 Regular Meeting
Page 2
7. A public hearing to receive public input on Variance Request 16-93000009, requested by Oakland
Land & Development for the tract of land located at 905 S. 14th St., legally described as Lots 1-32 &
Tract A, Block 866, Town of La Porte Subdivision. The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that
would allow him to keep his current irrigation system of hose bibbs and soaker hoses; contrary to the
provisions of Section 106-800 (c); 4; b., which requires properties larger than one acre to have an
automatic irrigation system.
a. Staff Presentation
b. Applicant Presentation
c. Public Comments
d. Question and Answer
8. A public hearing to receive public input on Variance Request 16-93000010, a request by Richard
Sparks for the tract of land located at 920 Seabreeze, legally described as Lots 18 & 19, Parkway
Block, Bayshore Park Subdivision. The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow
him to build a 1,080-square foot garage; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-741 (e)(2), which
allows detached garages on lots less than an acre in size to have a maximum floor area of 1,000
square feet.
a. Staff Presentation
b. Applicant Presentation
c. Public Comments
d. Question and Answer
9. Administrative reports.
10. Board comments on matter appearing on the agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific factual
information or existing policy.
11. Adjourn.
A quorum of City Council members may be present and participate in discussions during this meeting.
However, no action will be taken by the Council.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The City of La Porte will provide for reasonable
accommodations for persons attending public meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be
received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281-470-5019.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that a copy of the Thursday, August 25, 2016, agenda of items to be considered by the Zoning Board
of Adjustment was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on the ___ day of ________________, 2016.
Title:
City of La Porte 604 W. Fairmont Parkway Phone: (281) 471-5020
Planning and Development La Porte, TX 77571-6215 Fax: (281) 470-5005
www.laportetx.gov
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Minutes of May 26, 2016
Board Members Present: Rod Rothermel, Dennis Oian, Nettie Warren, Chester Pool, T.J. Walker,
Doug Martin and Charles Schoppe
Board Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, City Planner Eric Ensey, and Planning
Technician Ryan Cramer
1.Call to Order.
Chairman Rod Rothermel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2.Roll call of members.
All board members were present.
3.Consider approval of meeting minutes: April 28, 2016.
Motion by Charles Schoppe to approve the meeting minutes of the April 28, 2016 meeting.
Second by Chester Pool. Motion carried.
Ayes: Rod Rothermel, T.J. Walker, Nettie Warren, Chester Pool and Charles Schoppe
Nays: None
4.A public hearing to consider Variance Request 16-93000004, a request by Frank Ball Realty
(Frank Ball) for the property located at the southeast corner of S. Broadway Street and the
unimproved E. L Street right-of--6, Lots 17-32, and the
abandoned alley, Block 1159, Town of La Porte, to allow for construction of a new single
family attached townhouse development with a density of 13.6 dwelling units per acre,
contrary to the provisions of Section 106-
maximum density of 10 dwelling units per acre.
*At this time Chairman Rothermel decided to take the agenda items out of order and hear
agenda item number five first as there was no applicant for agenda item number four.
Chairman Rothermel opened the public hearing at 6:10 p.m.
a.Staff Presentation
Frank Ball to allow
for the construction of new townhouses.
City Planner Ensey said this variance is required because the applicant wants to build single
family attached townhomes. City Planner Ensey went on to explain single family attached
housing means each house will be platted on its own lot, allowing a perspective buyer to
own their lot.
Chester Pool asked if there were any benefits or draw
allowing a higher density of townhomes. City Planner Ensey said a benefit is more taxable
buildings and a possible drawback could be higher crime, but considering these homes
would be owned outright, that did not seem likely.
b.Applicant Presentation
Chairman Rothermel swore in the applicant Baldo Navarette, 908 Azalea Point, League City,
Texas. Chairman Rothermel asked if there was any specific hardship with the request. Mr.
Navarette indicated the extra density was so they can meet a certain return on investment.
Chairman Rothermel then asked how many units there would be per building. City Planner
Ensey told the Board there would be two buildings with ten units and one with twelve.
c.Public Comments
Janet Furlow, 21 N. Forest Avenue, La Porte, Texas spoke in opposition to the proposed
extra units because any extra concrete could create a drainage problem for her property.
Hal Lawler, 1414 S. Broadway, La Porte, Texas was not sure whether or not he supported the
variance as he thought the resulting home ownership would improve the community but
the proposed entrances and exits for the development being directly across from the
recreation center caused concern for Mr. Lawler.
Chairman Rothermel closed the public hearing at 6:27 PM.
d.Question and Answer
There was no question and answer
Motion by Charles Schoppe to deny Variance Request 16-93000004, a request by Frank Ball
Realty (Frank Ball) for the property located at the southeast corner of S. Broadway Street and
the unimproved E. L Street right-of--6, Lots 17-32, and the
abandoned alley, Block 1159, Town of La Porte, to allow for construction of a new single family
attached townhouse development with a density of 13.6 dwelling units per acre, contrary to the
provisions of Section 106-
of 10 dwelling units per acre.
Second by T.J. Walker. Motion Carried.
Ayes: Rod Rothermel, Dennis Oian, Nettie Warren, Chester Pool and Charles
Schoppe
Nays: None
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read from Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances:
Appeals from the Board of Adjustment.
5.A public hearing will be held to consider Variance Request 16-93000005, a request by Kathleen
Lemon for the property located at 401 and 403 Bayshore Drive, legally described as Lots 19 &
20, Block 49, Sylvan Beach Subdivision, to allow construction of a single family house with a
lot frontage of 4
contrary to the provisions of Section 106-333 that requires a 50-foot frontage and a 6,000
square foot lot.
Chairman Rothermel opened the public hearing at 6:01.
a.Staff Presentation
City Planner Ensey presented for variance request 16-93000005 in which
Kathleen Lemon is requesting to replat her residential lot in a manner that would have
City Planner Ensey said Ms. Lemon had previously been granted a variance for her lot
width and size, amongst others, but because of a mismeasurement of her front property
line her initial variance did not approve the distance she needed.
b.Applicant Presentation
Kathleen Lemon, 515 River Birch Dr., Lumberton, Texas, told the Board how she measured
the property line before the initial variance and when she got a survey it came back a
different length, forcing her to get a new variance.
c.Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Chairman Rothermel closed the public hearing at 6:06 PM.
d.Question and Answer
Chester Pool asked if there was any
application fee because Ms. Lemon only had to reapply for a previously granted variance
to correct a distance. City Planner Ensey said the City did not charge an application fee
for the same reason Mr. Pool was concerned.
Motion by Charles Schoppe to approve Variance Request 16-93000005, a request by Kathleen
Lemon for the property located at 401 and 403 Bayshore Drive, legally described as Lots 19 &
20, Block 49, Sylvan Beach Subdivision, to allow construction of a single family house with a lot
to the provisions of Section 106-333 that requires a 50 foot frontage and a 6,000 square foot lot.
Second by Chester Pool. Motion Carried.
Ayes: Rod Rothermel, T.J. Walker, Nettie Warren, Chester Pool and Charles Schoppe
Nays: None
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read from Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances:
Appeals from the Board of Adjustment.
6.Administrative Reports
City Planner Ensey said the Planning and Zoning Commission has requested a group workshop
with the Zoning Board of Adjustment to discuss the new changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
7.Board comments on matters appearing on the agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific
factual information or existing policy.
Dennis Oian asked what options the applicant of agenda item number four had now the
variance request was denied. Chairman Rothermel and Assistant City Attorney Askins told him
the applicant could either build to code or challenge the ruling in court.
8.Adjourn
Motion by Chester Pool to adjourn.
Second by T.J. Walker. Motion Carried.
Ayes: Rod Rothermel, T.J. Walker, Nettie Warren, Chester Pool and Charles Schoppe
Nays: None
Chairman Rothermel adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan Cramer
Secretary, Zoning Board of Adjustment
Passed and Approved on , 2016.
Rod Rothermel
Chairman, Zoning Board of Adjustment
City of La Porte, Texas
Zoning Board of Adjustment
August 25, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 4
Consider approval of a Variance
for the property located at 316 East Fairmont Parkway,
legally described as Blocks 1112 and 1113, Town of La Porte Subdivision.
(Applicant: First Assembly of God)
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Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
First Assembly of God Variance
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
ISSUE
Should the Board of Adjustment approve the variance requested by Shane Klinkerman on behalf of First
Assembly of God Church for the property located at 316 East Fairmont Parkway, legally described as
Blocks 1112 and 1113, Town of La Porte Subdivision (case #16-93000006) which would allow the
applicant to place a new building from the front property line?
DISCUSSION
Applicant:
First Assembly of God Church
:
The applicant is seeking approval of variance request #16-93000006. The variance requested will allow
the applicant to p from the front property line while retaining the existing
buildings. The attached Exhibit A is a copy of the application and site plan showing how the applicant
intends to configure the improvements as well as pictures showing the location of surrounding
buildings.
Based on the information provided by the applicant, the Church currently owns Blocks 1112 and 1113,
which contain two existing buildings.
Subject Site:
The subject sites make up a 3.251 acre tract of land addressed 316 E. Fairmont Parkway and legally
described as Blocks 1112 and 1113, Town of La Porte Subdivision. The property is located at the east
corner of Oregon Avenue and East Fairmont Parkway. The attached Exhibit B is an area map that shows
the location of the property in question.
Notice of Public Hearing:
Section 194 of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the various requirements for public notice of the
public hearing. This variance included all of the necessary code requirements for a public hearing
including the following:
Notice of public hearing was posted in the newspaper of general circulation ten days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Mailed notices were sent to all owners of property lying within 200 feet of the site ten days
prior to the date of the hearing.
The applicant signed an Affidavit of Posting indicating that the required sign was posted on
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
First Assembly of God Variance
the site ten days prior to the hearing date.
Additionally, in compliance with state law, notice of the public hearing was posted at City Hall and on the
website at least ten days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Background Information:
The site is currently zoned GC, General Commercial. The subject site contains one worship building and
two accessory buildings, one of which will be demolished to make room for the new building. The
following table summarizes the surrounding zoning and land uses:
Zoning Land Use
North R-2, Medium-density Education (La Porte High
Residential School)
South R-3, High-density Residential Residential (1201 Oregon)
West GC, General Commercial Residential (Tammie Jay
Apartments)
East GC, General Commercial Commercial (La Porte Medical
Center)
Applicable Code Provisions:
Section 106-443, stipulates the commercial area requirements. The following is an excerpt from that
section as applicable to this variance request (see highlighted):
Uses Min. Max Lot Min. Yard Adjacent Max.
Landscaping Coverage Setbacks to Heig
Requirements Residential ht
Minimum
Yard
Setbacks
GC 7.5% one-ten 50% -- -- N/A
General acres
Comm.
Analysis:
The applicant is requesting approval of a variance that would allow for the placement of a new building
from the front property line along East Fairmont Parkway.
the literal interpretation of the code approved by the Board subject to the fact that enforcement of the
provisions of the code would cause an unnecessary hardship because of circumstances unique to the
subject property. The Board is authorized to grant a variance when the Board finds that a number of
criteria are met. The following table outlines those criteria and staff
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
First Assembly of God Variance
Criterion: Staff Finding:
a. That the granting of the variance will not be The granting of the variance would allow the
contrary to the public interest applicant to
front property line. Most of the buildings along
East Fairmont are non-conforming in they do not
the worship building already on the property and
the accessory building to be torn down to allow
room for the new building.
b. That literal enforcement of this chapter will The building that the applicant desires is
result in unnecessary hardship because of approximately a they want
exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, to place it is
topography or other extraordinary or to abide by both front and rear
exceptional physical situation unique to the setbacks. That being said, there are areas on the
specific piece of property in question. property the building could fit in without need for
"Unnecessary hardship" shall mean physical a variance. The applicant could also redesign the
hardship relating to the property itself as structure to comply with the setbacks.
distinguished from a hardship relating to
convenience, financial considerations or
caprice, and the hardship must not result from
the applicant or property owner's own actions.
c. That by granting the variance, the spirit of this forming provisions
chapter will be observed. are to bring structures into compliance over time.
In this case, a nonconforming building would be
torn down and the intent of the code would be to
bring any new structures into compliance with
the setback requirements.
Appeal Procedure:
Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment, or any
taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the city may present to a court of record a
petition for a writ of certiorari, as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.011, duly verified,
setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such
petition shall be presented to the court within ten days after the filing of the decision in the office of the
board of adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Application, pictures and a conceptual site plan
Exhibit B: Area map
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
Exhibit
A
Exhibit
A
Exhibit
A
Exhibit
A
Exhibit
A
City of La Porte, Texas
Zoning Board of Adjustment
August 25, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 5
Consider approval of a number of Variances
to allow construction of a new single family attached townhouse project
st
for properties generally located at the N. 1 St. and Unimproved E St. Right-of-Way
intersection,
legally described as Lots 1-8, Block 108 and Lots 24-32, Block 107, Town of La Porte
Subdivision.
(Applicant: Bayway Homes)
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Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Bayway Homes Variance
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
ISSUE
Should the Board of Adjustment approve the variance requested by Jon Skeele on behalf of Bayway
st
Homes for the properties generally located at the N. 1 Street and Unimproved E Street Right-of-Way,
legally described as Lots 1-8, Block 108 and Lots 24-32, Block 107, Town of La Porte Subdivision (case
#16-93000007) which would allow the applicant to build a new single family attached townhouse
development subject to the following variances:
1.A side seisions of Section 106-333:
2.A density of 12.5 units per acre; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-333:
3.A distan-835:
4.A ; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-
835?
DISCUSSION
Applicant:
Bayway Homes
:
The applicant is seeking approval of variance request #16-93000007. The variance would allow the
applicant to build a new single family attached townhouse development in the Northside area. The
request includes a
. The attached Exhibit A is a
copy of the application and site plan showing how the applicant intends to configure the improvements
as well as elevations of the proposed townhouses.
Based on the information provided by the applicant, Bayway Homes currently owns Lots 1-8, Block 108
st
and Lots 24-32, Block 107, as well as other noncontiguous lots on N. 1 St.; the lots currently are
undeveloped and wooded.
Subject Site:
st
The subject lots make up a 1.219 acre tract of land generally at the N. 1 St. and unimproved E St. right-
of-way intersection and is legally described as Lots 1-8, Block 108 and Lots 24-32, Block 107, Town of La
st
Porte Subdivision. The properties are located on both sides of N. 1 St. south of the unimproved E St.
Right-of-Way. Each lot is part of the original Town oThe attached Exhibit
B is an area map that shows the location of the property in question.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Bayway Homes Variance
Notice of Public Hearing:
Section 194 of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the various requirements for public notice of the
public hearing. This variance included all of the necessary code requirements for a public hearing
including the following:
Notice of public hearing was posted in the newspaper of general circulation ten days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Mailed notices were sent to all owners of property lying within 200 feet of the site ten days
prior to the date of the hearing.
The applicant signed an Affidavit of Posting indicating that the required sign was posted on
the site ten days prior to the hearing date.
Additionally, in compliance with state law, notice of the public hearing was posted at City Hall and on the
website at least ten days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Background Information:
The sites are currently zoned R-2, Medium-Density Residential. The subject sites currently sit
undeveloped. The following table summarizes the surrounding zoning and land uses:
Zoning Land Use
North BI/GC, Business Commercial (Truck Stop/Alloy
Industrial/General Commercial & Aluminum Fabricators)
South R-2, Medium-density Unimproved Land
Residential
West R-2, Medium-density Unimproved Land
Residential
East GC, General Commercial Commercial (517 & 531 N.
Broadway)
Applicable Code Provisions:
Section 106-333, stipulates the residential area requirements. The following is an excerpt from that
section as applicable to this variance request (see highlighted):
Uses Min. Lot Area Min. Lot Min. Yard Min. Site Max.
Width Setbacks Area/ Unit Height
F.R.S. S.F.
Townhouses, 2,000 S.F. -2-4,400
Quadplexes 2 10.0 DU/A
Section 106-835; Figure 10-2 lays out the curb and driveway criteria in residential districts. The following
is an excerpt from that section as applicable to this variance request (see highlighted):
Driveway Requirements
Distance from intersection
Spacing between driveway
Distance from side lot line
Intersecting angle 90
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Bayway Homes Variance
Analysis:
The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow the applicant to build a new single
family attached townhouse development the 2 northern property lines, a
way to side
pr.
the literal interpretation of the code approved by the Board subject to the fact that enforcement of the
provisions of the code would cause an unnecessary hardship because of circumstances unique to the
subject property. The Board is authorized to grant a variance when the Board finds that a number of
criteria are met. The following table outlines those criteria and stahose criteria:
Criterion: Staff Finding:
a. That the granting of the variance will not be Granting this variance would allow for a series of
contrary to the public interest deviations to help build a single family attached
townhouse development. As it currently stands,
all of the surrounding residential area is
undeveloped. The R-2 zoning allows for the
proposed use.
To the north of this project is the unimproved E
nd
St. right-of-way that at N. 2 St. is being used for
Hike and Bike Trail. This creates a buffer
between the proposed development and the
commercial/industrial uses to the north.
b. That literal enforcement of this chapter will As it relates to driveway criteria in
result in unnecessary hardship because of townhouse/quadraplex developments, meeting
exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, the code is difficult and likely impossible.
topography or other extraordinary or According to Section 106-333 referenced earlier,
exceptional physical situation unique to the
specific piece of property in question.
"Unnecessary hardship" shall mean physical you half the required distance between driveways
hardship relating to the property itself as
distinguished from a hardship relating to the minimum
convenience, financial considerations or driveway width. Section 106-839 requires 2
caprice, and the hardship must not result from parking spaces minimum per household while
the applicant or property owner's own actions. Section 106-835 requires that each parking spot
wide but the City code
requires 2
As it relates to density requirements and side
setbacks, staff finds it difficult to argue that there
is an unnecessary hardship preventing the
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Bayway Homes Variance
applicant from meeting the density or side
setback requirements.
c. That by granting the variance, the spirit of
this chapter will be observed. are to bring structures into compliance over time.
In this case, nonconforming buildings would be
constructed in a lot that was not previously
nonconforming but it would facilitate the building
of a use intended for the district it is in.
If the Board so chooses to grant the variance, staff would like to recommend that a condition be added
that requires the two units to have some architectural feature distinguishing them, so they will look like
separate homes. This can be accomplished by setting the façade back for one of the units or adding an
architectural feature that visually separates the units, rather than the appearance of one continuous
façade.
Appeal Procedure:
Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment, or any
taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the city may present to a court of record a
petition for a writ of certiorari, as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.011, duly verified,
setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such
petition shall be presented to the court within ten days after the filing of the decision in the office of the
board of adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Application, and a conceptual site plan with elevations
Exhibit B: Area map
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitB
AREA MAP
VARIANCE REQ. #16-93000007
327
328
LOCATION OF
PROPERTY
107
108
T
ON S
DIS
W MA
85
86
1 inch = 100 feet
City of La Porte, Texas
Zoning Board of Adjustment
August 25, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 6
Consider approval of a Variance
to allow construction of a 1,144 square foot garage
for the property located at 11230 N. P St.,
legally described as Lots 1-3, Block 1, Greendale Unrecorded Subdivision.
(Applicant: Robert Goebel)
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Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Goebel Garage Variance
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
ISSUE
Should the Board of Adjustment approve the variance requested by Robert Goebel for the property at
11230 N. P St., legally described as Lots 1-3, Block 1, Greendale Unrecorded Subdivision (case #16-
93000008) which would allow the applicant to build a new garage that is 1,144 square feet on a lot less
than an acre in size; contrary to the provisions of Section 106-741 which sets a maximum of 1,000
square feet for an accessory building?
DISCUSSION
Applicant:
Robert Goebel
:
The applicant is seeking approval of variance request #16-93000008. The variance would allow the
applicant to build a new 3 car garage with a workshop area and extra storage 1,144 square feet in size.
The applicant, Robert Goebel currently owns Lots 1-6, Block 1, Greendale Unrecorded Subdivision but
this variance request only pertains to lots 1-3.
Subject Site:
The subject lots make up a .344 acre tract of land addressed 11230 N. P St. and legally described as
Lots 1-3, Block 1, Greendale Unrecorded Subdivision. The attached Exhibit B is an area map that shows
the location of the property in question.
Notice of Public Hearing:
Section 194 of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the various requirements for public notice of the
public hearing. This variance included all of the necessary code requirements for a public hearing
including the following:
Notice of public hearing was posted in the newspaper of general circulation ten days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Mailed notices were sent to all owners of property lying within 200 feet of the site ten days
prior to the date of the hearing.
The applicant signed an Affidavit of Posting indicating that the required sign was posted on
the site ten days prior to the hearing date.
Additionally, in compliance with state law, notice of the public hearing was posted at City Hall and on the
website at least ten days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Goebel Garage Variance
Background Information:
The sites are currently zoned R-1, Low-Density Residential. The subject site currently has one-story
house on it. The following table summarizes the surrounding zoning and land uses:
Zoning Land Use
North LLD, Large Lot District Residential (11235 N. P)
South R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (1615 Valley View
Dr.)
West R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (1510 Valley View
Dr.)
East LLD, Large Lot District Residential (11310 N. P)
Applicable Code Provisions:
Section 106-741, stipulates general provisions as they relate to accessory buildings. The following is an
excerpt from that section as applicable to this variance request:
bƚ ğĭĭĻƭƭƚƩǤ ĬǒźƌķźƓŭͲ ƚƩ ĭğƩƦƚƩƷ ŭğƩğŭĻ ŅƚƩ ƭźƓŭƌĻΏŅğƒźƌǤ ķǞĻƌƌźƓŭƭ ƭŷğƌƌ ƚĭĭǒƦǤ ƒƚƩĻ ƷŷğƓ ЋЎ ƦĻƩĭĻƓƷ
ƚŅ ğ ƩĻğƩ ǤğƩķͲ
Analysis:
The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow the applicant to build a garage that
is 1,144 square feet.
the literal interpretation of the code approved by the Board subject to the fact that enforcement of the
provisions of the code would cause an unnecessary hardship because of circumstances unique to the
subject property. The Board is authorized to grant a variance when the Board finds that a number of
criteria are met. The following table outlines those criteria and sta
Criterion: Staff Finding:
a.That the granting of the variance will not beAs it currently stands, the applicant has no
contrary to the public interest neighbor to his south and owns the property. It
should be noted that even if both properties were
combined, the total size would be under one acre
b.That literal enforcement of this chapter willStaff finds there is nothing physically wrong with
result in unnecessary hardship because of the property preventing the applicant from
exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, building a garage under 1,000 square feet in size.
topography or other extraordinary or
exceptional physical situation unique to the
specific piece of property in question.
"Unnecessary hardship" shall mean physical
hardship relating to the property itself as
distinguished from a hardship relating to
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Goebel Garage Variance
convenience, financial considerations or
caprice, and the hardship must not result from
the applicant or property owner's own actions.
c. That by granting the variance, the spirit of this
chapter will be observed. are to bring structures into compliance over time.
Even if the applicant were to use lots 1-6 as one
piece of property, a variance for a garage of this
size would still be necessary as it would be under
an acre in size. The restrictions on accessory
building size were written to avoid overcrowding
of lots and this structure will fit under the 25%
backyard coverage rule.
Appeal Procedure:
Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment, or any
taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the city may present to a court of record a
petition for a writ of certiorari, as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.011, duly verified,
setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such
petition shall be presented to the court within ten days after the filing of the decision in the office of the
board of adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Application, and a conceptual site plan with elevations
Exhibit B: Area map
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
A
Exhibit
A
Exhibit
Exhibit
A
A
Exhibit
ExhibitA
AREA MAP
ExhibitB
VARIANCE REQ. #16-93000008
331332
389390
330329
LOCATION OF
PROPERTY
N P ST
2
312
311
BAY VISTA
3
392
SKY
VIE
W
1
4
309
310
LITT
LE BROOK
5
12292
1 inch = 200 feet
City of La Porte, Texas
Zoning Board of Adjustment
August 25, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 7
Consider approval of a Variance
to allow the use of hose bibbs
th
for the property located at 905 S. 14 St.,
legally described as Lots 1-32 & Tract A, Block 866, Town of La Porte Subdivision.
(Applicant: Oakland Land & Development)
wǤğƓ /ƩğƒĻƩͲ tƌğƓƓźƓŭ ĻĭŷƓźĭźğƓ
tƌğƓƓźƓŭ ğƓķ 5ĻǝĻƌƚƦƒĻƓƷ 5ĻƦğƩƷƒĻƓƷ
/źƷǤ ƚŅ \[ğ tƚƩƷĻͲ Ļǣğƭ
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Oakland Hose Bibbs Variance
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
ISSUE
Should the Board of Adjustment approve the variance requested by Oakland Land & Development for
the property located at 905 S. 14th St., legally described as Lots 1-32 & Tract A, Block 866, Town of La
Porte Subdivision (case #16-93000009) which would allow the applicant to use hose bibbs in lieu of an
irrigation system?
DISCUSSION
Applicant:
Oakland Land and Development LLC
:
The applicant is seeking approval of variance request #16-93000009. The variance would allow the
applicant to use hose bibbs to water their required landscaping.
Based on the information provided by the applicant, Oakland Land & Development currently owns Lots
1-32 & Tract A, Block 866, Town of La Porte Subdivision. At the time this staff report was written the
th
planned building for 905 S. 14 St. is awaiting final inspection/approval from the City. There are two
other buildings for the property that are a part of a site plan approved by the City.
Subject Site:
The subject lots make up an approximately 2.7 acre tract of land addressed 905 S. 14th St., legally
described as Lots 1-32 & Tract A, Block 866, Town of La Porte Subdivision. The attached Exhibit B is an
area map that shows the location of the property in question.
Notice of Public Hearing:
Section 194 of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the various requirements for public notice of the
public hearing. This variance included all of the necessary code requirements for a public hearing
including the following:
Notice of public hearing was posted in the newspaper of general circulation ten days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Mailed notices were sent to all owners of property lying within 200 feet of the site ten days
prior to the date of the hearing.
The applicant signed an Affidavit of Posting indicating that the required sign was posted on
the site ten days prior to the hearing date.
Additionally, in compliance with state law, notice of the public hearing was posted at City Hall and on the
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Oakland Hose Bibbs Variance
website at least ten days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Background Information:
The sites are currently zoned LI, Light Industrial. The subject site currently has at least one complete
building awaiting final approval from the City. The following table summarizes the surrounding zoning
and land uses:
Zoning Land Use
North LI, Light Industrial Undeveloped
South LI, Light Industrial Undeveloped
West LI, Light Industrial Commercial (Insultherm Inc.)
East LI, Light Industrial Undeveloped
Applicable Code Provisions:
Section 106-800, provisions. The following are excerpts from that
section as applicable to this variance request:
hƓ ķĻǝĻƌƚƦƒĻƓƷƭ ŭƩĻğƷĻƩ ƷŷğƓ ƚƓĻ ğĭƩĻͲ ğ ƦƩƚŭƩğƒƒğĬƌĻ ğǒƷƚƒğƷźĭ źƩƩźŭğƷźƚƓ ƭǤƭƷĻƒ ǞźƷŷ ƩğźƓ ƭĻƓƭƚƩ
ķĻǝźĭĻƭ ƭŷğƌƌ ĬĻ ƦƩƚǝ
Analysis:
The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow the applicant to use hose bibbs in lieu of
an automated irrigation system. The site plan included a note requiring an automatic sprinkler system.
However, sites less than 1 acre in area are allowed to use a hose bibb system. In this case, the entire
area is greater than 1 acre in size.
the literal interpretation of the code approved by the Board subject to the fact that enforcement of the
provisions of the code would cause an unnecessary hardship because of circumstances unique to the
subject property. The Board is authorized to grant a variance when the Board finds that a number of
criteria are met. The following table outlines those criteria and sta
Criterion: Staff Finding:
a. That the granting of the variance will not be The public interest in this case would be that the
contrary to the public interest plants are watered. If the hose bibbs can
adequately water the landscaping required by
City ordinance then this variance would not be
contrary to the public interest. It is worth noting
that the site plan approved by the City required
an automatic irrigation system.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Oakland Hose Bibbs Variance
b. That literal enforcement of this chapter will The applicant says that power is provided
result in unnecessary hardship because of underground through the front of the building,
exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, making digging irrigation lines difficult. This could
topography or other extraordinary or fall under an unnecessary hardship because it was
exceptional physical situation unique to the actions but
specific piece of property in question. . This does not mean
"Unnecessary hardship" shall mean physical that installation of an automatic irrigation system
hardship relating to the property itself as as per code could not be done.
distinguished from a hardship relating to
convenience, financial considerations or
caprice, and the hardship must not result from
the applicant or property owner's own actions.
c. That by granting the variance, the spirit of this rming provisions
chapter will be observed. are to bring structures into compliance over time.
Hose bibbs are allowed when all plant material is
under one acre in size. In this case, while over an
acre in size, all hose bibbs are to
all plant material.
Materials provided by the applicant state hose bibbs ll ornamental trees and
shrubs.
confusion, staff would like to recommend that if the variance is approved then a condition be added
that hose bibbs be within 50 feet of all plant material.
Appeal Procedure:
Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment, or any
taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the city may present to a court of record a
petition for a writ of certiorari, as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.011, duly verified,
setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such
petition shall be presented to the court within ten days after the filing of the decision in the office of the
board of adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Application, and a plot plan
Exhibit B: Area map
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
AREA MAP
ExhibitB
VARIANCE REQ. #16-93000009
863864145
861862
LOCATION OF
PROPERTY
865168
867866
868
900169
898899
897
1098
1097
1096
1095
1094
1 inch = 200 feet
City of La Porte, Texas
Zoning Board of Adjustment
August 25, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 8
Consider approval of Variances
to allow construction of a 1,080 square foot garage
for the property located at 920 Seabreeze Ave.,
legally described as Lots 18 & 19, Parkway Block, Bay Shore Park Subdivision.
(Applicant: Richard Sparks)
wǤğƓ /ƩğƒĻƩͲ tƌğƓƓźƓŭ ĻĭŷƓźĭźğƓ
tƌğƓƓźƓŭ ğƓķ 5ĻǝĻƌƚƦƒĻƓƷ 5ĻƦğƩƷƒĻƓƷ
/źƷǤ ƚŅ \[ğ tƚƩƷĻͲ Ļǣğƭ
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Sparks Garage Variance
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
ISSUE
Should the Board of Adjustment approve the variance requested by Richard Sparks for the property
located at 920 Seabreeze Ave., legally described as Lots 18 & 19, Parkway Block, Bay Shore Park
Subdivision (case #16-93000010) which would allow the applicant to build a new garage that is 1,080
square feet on a lot less than an acre in size; contrary to the provisions in Section 106-741?
DISCUSSION
Applicant:
Richard Sparks
:
The applicant is seeking approval of variance request #16-93000010. The variance would allow the
applicant to build a new 2 car garage with room for RV parking 1,080 square feet in size.
Based on the information provided by the applicant, Richard Sparks currently owns Lots 18 & 19,
Parkway Block, Bay Shore Park Subdivision. These lots currently have one house and two metal sheds on
them. The plot plan provided indicates that the sheds will be torn down to make room for the garage.
Subject Site:
The subject lots make up a .23 acre tract of land addressed 920 Seabreeze Ave. and legally described
as Lots 18 & 19, Parkway Block, Bay Shore Park Subdivision. The attached Exhibit B is an area map that
shows the location of the property in question.
Notice of Public Hearing:
Section 194 of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the various requirements for public notice of the
public hearing. This variance included all of the necessary code requirements for a public hearing
including the following:
Notice of public hearing was posted in the newspaper of general circulation ten days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Mailed notices were sent to all owners of property lying within 200 feet of the site ten days
prior to the date of the hearing.
The applicant signed an Affidavit of Posting indicating that the required sign was posted on
the site ten days prior to the hearing date.
Additionally, in compliance with state law, notice of the public hearing was posted at City Hall and on the
website at least ten days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Sparks Garage Variance
Background Information:
The sites are currently zoned R-1, Low-Density Residential. The subject site currently has one two-story
house on it. The following table summarizes the surrounding zoning and land uses:
Zoning Land Use
North R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (919/921
Seabreeze Ave.)
South R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (915 Parkway St.)
West R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (914 Seabreeze.)
East R-1, Low-Density Residential Residential (926 Seabreeze
Ave.)
Applicable Code Provisions:
Section 106-741, stipulates general provisions as they relate to accessory buildings. The following is an
excerpt from that section as applicable to this variance request:
bƚ ğĭĭĻƭƭƚƩǤ ĬǒźƌķźƓŭͲ ƚƩ ĭğƩƦƚƩƷ ŭğƩğŭĻ ŅƚƩ ƭźƓŭƌĻΏŅğƒźƌǤ ķǞĻƌƌźƓŭƭ ƭŷğƌƌ ƚĭĭǒƦǤ ƒƚƩĻ ƷŷğƓ ЋЎ ƦĻƩĭĻƓƷ
ƚŅ ğ ƩĻğƩ ǤğƩķͲ ƓƚƩ ĻǣĭĻĻķ ЊͲЉЉЉ ƭƨǒğƩĻ ŅĻĻ
Analysis:
The applicant is seeking approval of a variance that would allow the applicant to build a garage that is
1,080 square feet large.
rom the
literal interpretation of the code approved by the Board subject to the fact that enforcement of the
provisions of the code would cause an unnecessary hardship because of circumstances unique to the
subject property. The Board is authorized to grant a variance when the Board finds that a number of
criteria are met. The following table outlines those criteria and sta
Criterion: Staff Finding:
a.That the granting of the variance will not be
contrary to the public interest
Seabreeze Ave. a detached garage
etal accessory buildings. However, in the
community of La Porte at large, it is common to
have detached garages in residential areas.
b.That literal enforcement of this chapter willStaff is unable to identify an unnecessary
result in unnecessary hardship because of hardship that would warrant the granting of the
exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, variance in this instance. However, the applicant
topography or other extraordinary or does own a lot that is 3,750 square feet larger
exceptional physical situation unique to the than a typical R-1 lot and would stay under the
specific piece of property in question. maximum allowed lot coverage.
"Unnecessary hardship" shall mean physical
Board of Adjustment Meeting
August 25, 2016
Sparks Garage Variance
hardship relating to the property itself as
distinguished from a hardship relating to
convenience, financial considerations or
caprice, and the hardship must not result from
the applicant or property owner's own actions.
c.That by granting the variance, the spirit of thisThe restrictions on accessory building size were
chapter will be observed. written to avoid overcrowding of lots and with
this structure the lot will be under the 40%
maximum lot coverage for an R-1 zoned lot. It is
feet to the length of the building.
Appeal Procedure:
Appeals from the board of adjustment.
Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment, or any
taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the city may present to a court of record a
petition for a writ of certiorari, as provided by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.011, duly verified,
setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such
petition shall be presented to the court within ten days after the filing of the decision in the office of the
board of adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Application, and a plot plan
Exhibit B: Area map
ExhibitA
ExhibitA
ExhibitB
AREA MAP
VARIANCE REQ. #16-93000010
19
OAKGROVE
SEABREEZE
LOCATION OF
PROPERTY
PARKWAY
1
BAYVIEW
BAYSHORE
BELLAIRE
16
BAYFRONT
1 inch = 100 feet