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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-05 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing Meeting of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment MInutes MINUTES ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES OF JULY 28, 2005 Members Present: Sidney Grant, George Maltsberger, Bob Capen, Alternate No. 1 Lawrence McNeal, and Alternate NO.2 Gilbert Montemayor Members Absent: Rod Rothermel, Charles Schoppe City Staff Present: Wayne Sabo, Planning Director; Clark Askins, Assistant City Attorney, Peggy Lee, Office Coordinator; Traci Koenig, Secretary II 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sidney Grant called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MAY 26, 2005, MEETING. Minutes of the meeting were approved as presented. 3. CONSIDER VARIANCE REQUEST #V05-003 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 777 S. 'R' STREET AND IN THE 1800 BLOCK OF SOUTH BROADWAY (OLD HIGHWAY 146), FURTHER DESCRIBED BY THE HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT AS LOTS 1 THRU 32, BLOCKS 1218 AND 1255, TOWN OF LA PORTE, LOT 1 BLOCK 1 OF CRESCENT SHORES, VOL. 8. PG. 58, H.C.M.R., 13.50 ACRES OUT OF LOT 23 OF THE W.B. LAWRANCE SUBDIVISION, JOHNSON HUNTER LEAGUE, ABSTRACT NO. 35, VOL. 83, PG.596 H.C.D.R., LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. THE APPLICANT, CHARLES BERDON LAWRENCE, IS SEEKING A VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT AN 8' HIGH WOOD FENCE AROUND THE ENTIRE PROPERTY FOR SECURITY PURPOSES. THIS VARIANCE IS BEING SOUGHT UNDER THE TERMS OF SECTION 106-192(B) OF THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES. A. STAFF PRESENTATION Wayne Sabo, Director of Planning, presented staffs report. Staff noted that the variance is in conflict with Section 106-971 thru 106-973 of the City of La Porte's Code of Ordinances. However, the Staff also noted that the size of the property renders the property exempt from the prohibition of a fence in the front yard area, as stated in Section 106-791 of the Code of Ordinances. Observance was made of the aesthetic value of the proposed fence in the surrounding neighborhood. The city also informed the Board that the public rights of way inside the proposed fence will be closed. B. PROPONENTS The applicant, Charles Berdon Lawrence, was sworn in to speak on behalf of V05-003. Mr. Lawrence had two main concerns which prompted him to request the variance. The primary concern was for the safety and security of the property. According to Mr. Lawrence, the happenings sometimes in Little Cedar Bayou are "bad." He believes that the 8' fence would prevent unwanted trespassers from easily treading on or dumping on his property. The next concern was the traffic on S. Broadway. C. OPPONENTS There were none. Mr. Lawrence responded to questions from the Board. Motion by Bob Capen to approve Variance Request #V05-003 to allow construction of an eight foot fence around the entire property located at 777 S. 'R' Street and in the 1800 block of South Broadway (Old Highway 146). The motion carried. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of July 28, 2005 Page 2 Nays: Abstain: Ayes: Sidney Grant, George Maltsberger, Bob Capen, Alternate No. 1 Lawrence McNeal, and Alternate NO.2 Gilbert Montemayor Assistant City Attorney, Clark Askins, read aloud from Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances, which addresses Appeals. 4. CONSIDER VARIANCE REQUEST #V05-004 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE 1100 BLOCK OF BAYSHORE DRIVE, BAYSHORE PARK SUBDIVISION, TOWN OF LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. THE APPLICANT, RICHARD OGRIN ON BEHALF OF THE ALDERSGATE TRUST, IS SEEKING A VARIANCE FOR MULTI-FAMILY UNITS PER ACRE AND A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO REDUCE NUMBER OF OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR PROPOSED SENIOR'S COMPLEX. A. STAFF PRESENTATION Wayne Sabo, Director of Planning, presented the staff report. The proposed project is recognized as an extension of the current Happy Harbor Methodist Home for senior citizens, exempting the project from the distance requirement of 1,000 feet between each multi-family residential development. Mr. Ogrin has requested that a variance be made to allow 25 units per acre, as opposed to the 14 units per acre, as written in the Ordinance. In addition to a variance request for the issue of density, the applicant also requested a special exception for parking. Proposed parking accommodations are for 0.5 spaces per unit, due to the typical ages of the residents and their reduced need to keep a vehicle. Aldersgate Trust is relying on a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant in the amount of $4,668,941 to complete the project. The city mailed 34 public hearing notices to residents within 200' of the subject property. 7 were returned undeliverable. 1 response was received; opposed. B. PROPONENTS Mr. Richard Ogrin was sworn in to speak on behalf of Aldersgate Trust in favor of V05- 004. According to Mr. Ogrin, the additional density per acre would not affect traffic congestion in the area due to the average age of the residents. Residents of the facility would not be leaving several times a day, if at all. Mr. Ogrin presented information from current facilities around the State to show the practicality of a special exception to the current requirements for parking spaces. He proposed 0.5 spaces per unit, however he was willing to increase the number as long as it did not do detriment to the aesthetic appeal of the site on the whole (mature trees, greenery). C. OPPONENTS There were none. Mr. Ogrin responded to questions from the Board. Motion by George Maltsberger to approve Variance #V05-004, which allows the proposed senior apartment complex in the 1100 block of Bayshore Dr. to have 25 units per acre, and Special Exception 05-001 to allow 0.75 spaces per unit of off-street parking under the condition that the facility be maintained as senior apartments, never to be sold for other use. The motion was seconded by Lawrence McNeal. The motion carried. Nays: Abstain: Ayes: Sidney Grant, George Maltsberger, Bob Capen, Alternate No. 1 Lawrence McNeal, and Alternate NO.2 Gilbert Montemayor Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of July 28, 2005 Page 3 Assistant City Attorney, Clark Askins, read aloud from Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances, which addresses Appeals. Wayne Sabo, Director of Planning, provided the following updates: ~ Large Lot workshop to be held with the Planning and Zoning Commission in August. Public Hearings with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council are to follow. ~ 2005 Comprehensive Plan underway. Recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council are underway. 5. STAFF REPORTS There were none. 6. ADJOURN Chairperson Grant adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Submitted by, Traci Koenig Secretary, Planning and Development Approved on this _ day of ,2005. Sidney Grant Chairperson, Zoning Board of Adjustment OATH OF OFFICE d ~ OATH OF OFFICE I, George Maltsberger, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Zoning Board of Adjustments, of the City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States and of this State and the Charter and ordinances ofthis City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation thereof. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of , 2005 Notary Public in and for the State of Texas y p d 1=3, OATH OF OFFICE I, Charles Schoppe, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Zoning Board of Adjustments, ofthe City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws ofthe United States and of this State and the Charter and ordinances ofthis City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation thereof. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of ,2005 Notary Public in and for the State of Texas y ~ ~ b OATH OF OFFICE I, Rod Rothermel, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties ofthe office of Zoning Board of Adjustments, of the City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States and of this State and the Charter and ordinances of this City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation thereof. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of ,2005 Notary Public in and for the State of Texas y p d b OATH OF OFFICE I, Bob Capen, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Zoning Board of Adjustments, of the City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States and of this State and the Charter and ordinances of this City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation thereof. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of ,2005 Notary Public in and for the State of Texas y p ~ y b OATH OF OFFICE I, Sidney Grant, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Zoning Board of Adjustments, of the City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States and ofthis State and the Charter and ordinances ofthis City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation thereof. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of , 2005 Notary Public in and for the State of Texas -p #SE05-002 SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR 405 BAYSHORE DRIVE REDUCTION OF FRONT & REAR YARD SETBACKS EXHIBITS: APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION STAFF REPORT EXHIBIT A - SURVEY MAP EXHIBIT B - AREA MAP EXHIBIT C - SITE PLAN EXHIBIT D - SECTIONS 106-333, TABLE B, RESIDENTIAL AREA & 106-771 YARD REQUIREMENTS EXHIBIT E - TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ~ITY OF LA PORTE ZONI~\.Y BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST {:'(..,. Application No.: Db - DD _ OFFICE USE ONLY: Fee: $150.00 Date Received: 10 -;"2.,- 2CO'S Receipt No.: L/-f70 Note: This Fee is Non-Refundable Regardless of the Board's Decision Applicant: !(;dkr ~ 1A~ l(l/v / Name 311 C) PllYll'~ Address PH: a/ll - Lf 11- 7 f ;)-!{ I am the owner of the herein described property. I have authorized to act on my behalf in this matter. Owner* : j/1Rty N~AA/ <.3 I / <j Ptn1~ vr-J Address PH: J;>>(I-'-f7/-7~ 25t I am requesting a Special Exception to Sect. / d ~ /9 / of the City Zoning regulations Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinance. I am requesting this Special Exception for property located at 'I tf.s- ~ ~ fJ IJ /t..t--- Street Add ess Legal Description ( ) Site Plan () Major Development Site Plan ( ) Minor Development Site Plan ( ) General Plan A Site Plan of the property is attached. Also, I have listed the information requested below on the following pages of this form. a) All facts concerning the matter that has led up to this request. b) The type of relief! am seeking (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.). c) The grounds upon which I am making this request. * If applicant is NOT the owner, he must provide Authorization to act on the Owner's behalf. ~~~ ,/ pplicant' Ignature Office Use Only / () -; 2--- tf. S- . Date Site Plan and Authorization (if applicable) attached? Yes () No () Date transmitted to the Board of Adjustments: Meeting Date: Applicant Notified of Date: Board's Decision: Approved ( ) Denied ( ) Notice of Boards Decision mailed to Applicant/Owner: Staff Report October 27,2005 Special Exception Permit Request #SE 05-002 ReQuested by: Kathryn Aguilar, property owner ReQuested for: TRS IB & 2B; Block 49; Sylvan Beach First Subdivision Location: 405 Bayshore Drive Zoning: Low Density Residential (R -1) Back2round: According to the City's current zoning map, the property in question is zoned as Low Density Residential (R-l). A single-family dwelling is a "permitted" use in this zone. At this time, the property is lying vacant. An aerial survey of the subject property identifies a house. This house was demolished on October 29,2004 as a dangerous building under Article VIII; Section 82-471 of the City of La Porte; Code of Ordinances, as amended by Ordinance #04-2700. The current owner of the property has submitted a Special Exception request for a reduction in the standard front yard and rear yard setbacks due to the irregular shape of the lot. The front lot line is abutting the Sylvan Beach Park and Galveston Bay. The applicant would like to move a house from 216 Jefferson to 405 Bayshore Drive. According to the applicant, the subject house was built in the 1930s, is in excellent condition, and has some unique and antique features. The house dimensions are set at 54'x 32'. The subject lot is large enough to contain the house, but of irregular size. Lot lines are 56' & 39' in the rear to the West, 95' in front to the East, 81' to the North, and 73' to the South adjacent to 16' public alley. The applicant has provided a copy of the recent property survey in this regard (see Exhibit A). In accordance with the ordinance, the standard front, rear, and side yard setbacks are 25', 15', and 5' respectively. The applicant's desired placement of the house will encroach upon these setbacks. In addition to the placement of the house on the property, stairs and porches will be added to the house in the front and rear yards. The owner desires to elevate the house at least 10' from the ground for flood protection and to enjoy a scenic view of the water front across the street. Board of Adjustment October 27,2005 Meeting #SE 05-002 Page 2 of 4 The applicant's Special Exception request includes two choices: either central stairs or side stairs, subject to the Board's approval. In the first option, the central stairs will necessarily encroach on the 25' front building setback and approximately 5' of the new porch encroaches upon the front building setback. In addition, a 4' wide portion of the house and porch encroach the rear yard setback. The second option, with side stairs, shows 5' of porch necessarily encroaching upon the front building setback, and the stairs will be located to the south side. The situation in the rear yard will be the same as the first option. In reviewing the site plan, staff notes the proposed house is 28'5" back from the front property line (See Exhibit C). At this time, the applicant is asking the Zoning Board of Adjustment to consider reducing the City's standard twenty-five foot (25') front yard setback and fifteen foot (15') rear yard setback requirements to allow placement of the house and the construction of a 7'x 28'roofed-over front porch, stair and walkway in the front building setback (See Exhibit C). As per Section 106-771 of the City's Code of Ordinances, projection of stairs up to four feet into any front or rear yard shall not be considered as an encroachment. (See Exhibit D). Should the Board approve the applicant's request as submitted, the stairs will be located 7' off the front property line. The abutting lot requirement as referenced in Section 106-191(b)(2) does not exist; however, there are three (3) existing homes within the same block. The setbacks vary between the homes, and without a property survey of each one, the exact setbacks are unknown. The nearest house has a front yard encroachment. Staff s inspection of the entire block found two of the homes possessing a small front porch. Of these homes with front porches, one is approximately 10'-4" from the front property line, and the other is 12'-5" from the front property line. The remaining home on the block is approximately 13' back from the front property line. The applicant's proposed setbacks for the subject house represent an "average" of the various yard setbacks within the same block (See Exhibit E ). This exception is being requested under the following terms of Section 106- 191(b)(2) of the City's Code of Ordinances: .:. To deviate a front yard setback requirement where the actual front yard setback of any abutting lot does not meet the front yard requirement. Board of Adjustment October 27,2005 Meeting #SE 05-002 Page 3 of 4 Analysis: Conclusion: .:. A rear yard exception where the actual rear yard setback of any four or more lots in the same block does not meet the rear yard requirements of these regulations. The Code of Ordinances defines a special exception as a specified enumerated deviation from zoning regulations. The Board is empowered to grant a special exception when it finds the following: .:. Granting the exception will not adversely affect the value, or use of neighboring property. .:. Granting the exception will not be contrary to the best public interest. Regarding this request, the relief being sought is similar to the circumstances outlined in the terms of the Special Exception Section. . Allow placement of a house and construction of porches and stairs for a single-family dwelling with a reduced front yard and rear yard setbacks. The issues to consider are what the possible impact on neighboring property will be, and the best public interest. There are other homes within the same block that do not comply with the standard twenty-five foot (25') front yard setback. The home (including the addition of stairs and porch), when closest to the front property line, is set back just over seven feet. Based on the applicant's request, the porch addition would result in her structure being located just over twenty one (21 ') from the front property line. The Board must consider whether decreasing the front and rear yard setbacks, as requested by the applicant, will adversely impact the adjacent properties or be contrary to the best public interest. When considering SE #05-002, it should be noted that the existing houses currently represent an "average setback" of the various yard setbacks existing within the same block. If the Board is uncomfortable granting these "less-restrictive" setbacks to the subject home, they may consider amending the applicant's request by reducing the proposed size of the roofed-over porch. If the Board grants the Special Exception for the applicant, staff will notify the applicant that: Board of Adjustment October 27,2005 Meeting #SE 05-002 Page 4 of 4 Appeals: . Applicant is required to obtain all required city permits prior to the start of work and moving of the house. . Staff includes the Special Exception information on any permit issued. As per Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte: Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision ofthe 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 Section 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. Oct 19 05 08:34a Kathr~n or Tim Aguilar 281 471-7828 p.1 r,---- ----.------ -. 11_~~od" ! the 100 year flood pIoin '" ;. ; in insur"anCe rat. l'nOp zone .,g,. I at ptIr map 4821dCl094S.. 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CI) ~ ~ ~ - ::l ~ E:C)~~0 .;:: >-.:l .~ >-.:l lD .~ S:: ~ ~ ::::i ~ ....,Q~ g .;:t ~ ~ CJi 0 .:; '" CD ~ ~ o:f '" ..... ..c ~ ,......, 3 CI) '" :::)<0 ~ ~ t'- o ..q< OOO~ ~~;:J m Q "d Q) ..q u cd ..., Q) "d b .s ~ ~ CD q .... m b 's .s d., bn q 1U5 ZONING -< ~ ~ ;:, '" -< ~ ~ o CD Q) +-' o r< ,...; .g,* o ~ o ~ c.oo, lD ';:J .~ HQ o -< 00i:) g:~Q ...; ~ lD '<:!' ...; ~ lCl '" lD J:, ,...; J:, '" o I o ..... o C'l o o ..... o ..q< o CD ..,., co ..q< o o l.") ..q< .... ..s Q) CD ~ .... ..s 3 <.l Q) iE' Q) bq ...... ..... a:: .s..s . .Do bb- .s gj m;.::: CD106:47 ~ ~ & o CD Q) ..., o .......... -g::ij: o ~ < ~i:) OOQ ...; ~ lD -;:j< o '" o '" J:, '" o CD o o o CD C1) Q) K Q) i5. :::l q "C Q) .... ~ ~ o u >. >:.:;:: ~ a ;;.~ ~ '- , ..., ~:3 ~s .~ 0 en.... -< ...... ~ b~ o lCl l:fi lD '" ...... e~ ..,., t- ~ z OJ .... o :::,...; ~'* o ~ ~ z 00< ~c:ii:) -;:j<"";Q ...; ~ lD '" ...; ~ lD ..q< "':l I o ,...; o C'l o '" o '" J:, '" o lCl o '" o o o CD o o o '" <.; ~. 'Q) "'"d o .~ o ~ o . o"~ "";0 ~o ~. Ul r-l i{l.~ cd '" ill Q) :;j........ ~ oC.cd ..q e Q) c; "'0 ..~ ~ cd '" o :::l ~ E-; 0' 0 Q) ..., o ..... ,...; .g,* o ~ o <: g~i:) H Q ..., ~ lD ..q< o C'l o ~ lD '" o o ..... o o o o '" 5. s rS B :::l ~ S 106-333 t~ lCl ~ e'2 o CD "c c' S:2 c~ o CD Q) .... o :::...... ~'* o ~ o < o~~ "'to"'" t- q ...; ~ lD '" lD o ,...; I o C'l o ..q< o o lD "'<!' CD ::: '00 ;:l o ..q d) 5 ..., '-' .s ;::J q cd ~ :;~HUlrr D ~ 106-751 LA PORTE CODE (- Sec. 106-751. Shipping containers. Shipping containers may be used as temporary material storage facilitie, on construction sites in all zoning district,s ex~pt residential @~!, _~.?' and R-3). (Ord. No. 1501-II, ~ 7, 3-27-00) . - Sees. 106-752-106-770. Reserved. DMSION 3. AREA REQumEMENTS Sec. 106-771. Yard requirements. The following shall not be considered as encroachments on yard setback requirements: (1) Chimneys, flues, belt courses, etc. Chimneys, flues, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, eaves, gutters, steps, stoops, and the like, provided they do not project more than four feet into any front or rear yard, and two feet into any side yard. ; . (2) 'Ierraces, decks, patios, etc. Terraces, decks, patios, or similar features, provided they do not extend more than one foot above the height of the exterior finish grade elevation, or to a distance less than two feet from any lot line; or encroach upon any utility easement. Further, pools shall not be considered as an encroachment on a front yard setback, provided that such pools are located in a front yard adjacent to Galveston Bay, and provided further that such pool does not extend more than one foot above the exterior finish grade elevation, or to a distance less than two feet from any lot line or encroach upon any utility easement. (3) Rear yards only. An unenclosed, attached patio cover, awning, or canopy, provided that ~o portion of such patio covers, awnings, or canopies shan encroach into any utility easements, or any vertical projection thereof, and provided further that no portion of such patio covers, awnings, or canopies shall be located at a distance less than five feet from the side property line or three feet from the rear property line, or any vertical projection thereof. (4) Front and side yard carports. Front and side yard carports shall be permitted for single-family detached homes subject to the following requirements: a. Carports in a required front or side yard shall not be located closer than five feet from any front or side property line. / { \ Supp. No.4 CD106:86 , -I ., , I 1 ~ #V05-005 VARIANCE FOR MARIO NAVARRO @ 200 GARFIELD BLVD. TO BUILD AN 8' HIGH FENCE EXHIBITS: APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE STAFF REPORT EXHIBIT A - AREA MAP EXHIBIT B - SUBDIVISION PLAT EXHIBIT C - SECTION 106-791, 106-7930F THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES EXHIBIT D - PUBLIC NOTICE RESPONSE OFFICE USE ONLY: ~ITY OF LA PORTE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT V ARlANCE REQUEST Application No.: Os - DO'S Date Received:~ -LO - ;W~ Receipt No.:ILf 73 This Fee is Non-Refundable Regardless of the Board's Decision RECE\VE~' "ED c;, i\ 'inur,r, :) ,r p.; \Y ;.,- I.,.,.,j , / Fee: $150.00 Note: Applicant: -MMJ () CLN V\.\/ A-(UL.(") Name 0/~b f2uh6f2~ p) .s ~-/-r;AlI1l4 C}Sa-1cJ- Address d-a1 ~/-d-J-I? Phone I am the owner of the herein described property. I have authorized to act on my ben in this mailer. Owner*: ~LD IlL tJ 'A.-UA-t2J'l-O Name ltJllo 1ZDb~ fu~J-orJ ~5;)/~ Address ~ cPt? 3J-l-J-;)-I r Phone I am requesting a variance to Sect. /fIb - /92.. of the City Zoning regulations Chapter 106 ofthe Code of Ordinance. ~. A tJ~ /. I am requesting this variance for property located at~(J(J ~ cSf J i-;( ~ ~clA~V lJs I r,,\ ~ ~ Lh \\ +h~ J1~' )~f'1- ~IIGY /b/~ /~ Legal Description 7157/ ( ) Minor Development Site Plan ( ) General Plan A Site Plan of the property is attached. Also, I have listed the information requested below on the following pages of this form. a) All facts concerning the matter that has led up to this request. b) The type of' relief I am seeking (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.). c) The grounds upon which J am making this requ t. * If alJplkant is NOT the owner, he must provide Autho iza ion to ~ Date Office Use Only Site Phn 2nd Authorization (if applicable) attached? Yes () No () Date transmitted to the Board of Adjustments: Meeting Date: Applicant Notified of Date: Notice to surrounding property owners- Date: Board's Decision: Approved ( ) Denied ( ) Notice of Boards Decision mailed to Applicant/Owner: Staff Report October 27, 2005 Variance Request #V05-005 Requested by: Requested for: Location: Zonine:: Back2:round: Mario A. Navarro (Property Owner) Lot 1-16, 11-16, and 16' alley between these lots in Block 18 of Sylvan Beach First Subdivision, to the City of La Porte, in the Johnson Hunter League, Harris County, according to the map thereof recorded in Volume 3, Page 72 of the Map Records of the Harris County, Abstract - 35, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. 200 Garfield Blvd. High Density Residential (R-3) The property in question is formerly Flamingo Bay Apartments, a multi-family residence built originally in mid 1960s with 57 dwelling units, per the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) record. Total area of the subject site is 79279 sq.ft. (1.83 acres). Flamingo Bay consisted of 9 separate buildings. Five of these buildings significantly encroached on front, side, and rear yard setbacks required by the zoning ordinance. Flamingo Bay Apartments ceased to be occupied beginning in July 1997, and is still unoccupied to date. Because Flamingo Bay Apartments have been abandoned for a period in excess of 180 consecutive calendar days the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBOA) fmdings of facts and conclusions of law done on February 24, 2000 concluded that the Flamingo Bay Apartments have been abandoned as a matter of law, consistent with the zoning ordinance provisions relative to abandonment of non- conforming structures, and non-conforming lots of record. The buildings have been declared dangerous and unsafe by City Council and all structures have been determined to contain asbestos. In the past, there have been two major fires located in separate buildings. The City has been contacted numerous times about conditions such as vandalism, graffiti, high weeds, etc. Since the year 2000, there have been various code enforcement violations such as: weeds, securing of buildings, graffiti, building maintenance, and debris. Recently, the current owner received an asbestos clearing permit and demolished five of the buildings on the site. The other four buildings will remain intact, and the developer has proposed the following: . Create a single subdivision . Replat the subdivision to create two single-family residential lots and one restricted reserve for common use. . Erect an 8' high chain link fence around the entire property for security purposes. The subject property is zoned R-3, High Density Residential, which is appropriate for a single-family residential subdivision. Development Ordinance 1444 establishes a review process for a proposed subdivision and its contents in which the submitted plat is subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Zoning Board of Adjustment October 27,2005 #V05-005 Page 2 00 As per survey, this property was originally developed for a multi-family residence (subsidized housing), with a pre-existing 8' high chain link fence on the portions of the east property, and corrugated metal fence along north property lines. Per Section 106-791 of the Code of Ordinances, no fences shall be permitted within any front yard areas. Per Section 106-793, fences of not higher than 6' shall be permitted within side yards and rear yards. This variance request seeks to allow an 8'high wood fence around the entire property for security purposes. Per copy of the survey provided by the applicant, the proposed fence is shown to be erected along the perimeter boundary of the entire tract abutting South Broadway (Old Highway 146). Analvsis: Section 106-192, in the Code of Ordinances, defines a variance as "a deviation from the literal provisions of the chapter, which is granted by the Board when strict conformity to the chapter would cause an unnecessary hardship because of the circumstances unique to the property on which the variance is granted" Section 1 06-797 (2) prohibits fences in the front yard setback. Except as otherwise prohibited, the board is empowered to authorize a variance from a requirement when the board finds that all of the following conditions have been met. .:. That the granting of the variance will not be contrary to the best public interest. .:. That literal enforcement of the chapter will result in unnecessary hardship because of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, 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 convenience, financial considerations or caprice, and the hardship must not result from the applicant or property owner's own actions; and .:. That by granting the variance, the spirit of the chapter will be observed. In determining if granting the applicant's request would be contrary to the public interest, Staff recognizes that in development of the property with a high fence, location may not create a problem with adjoining properties. Safety is cited as the primary issue since the adjacent street conveys heavy vehicular traffic. A survey of surrounding properties shows that this non-compliance with the ordinance is common to some other residences in the vicinity. The ordinance states that fences erected along property line in common with residential properties shall be subject to the provisions described in the residential district fence requirements. In viewing the specific Zoning Board of Adjustment October 27,2005 #V05-005 Page 3 of3 grounds for granting a variance, and given recent history, Staff noted that the given reasons of security and safety may be legitimate. Because of the nature and location of the property, we do not find, however, "... unnecessary hardships due to an exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape topography, or other extraordinary or exceptional physical situation unique to the property in question." The applicant believes that a relief on the fence height will improve the image of the area, and will match an existing fence on the property. In addition, the applicant does not believe addition of the fence will have an adverse impact on the adjacent properties. According to the applicant, the City's Little Cedar Bayou Park will be benefited as far as security is concerned. A memo from the City's Parks and Recreation Department is attached in this regard. The applicant requests that the Board recognize the letter as a positive step. The ZBOA's final consideration is whether granting of this request observes the spirit of the ordinance. Conclusion: Variance Request #V05-005, which seeks a variance for allowing 8' high fence around an entire property, is contrary to Section 106-791 thru 106-793 of the City of La Porte's Code of Ordinances. In staff s opinion, the parameters for the requested variance appear to meet the provisions established by Section 106-192; Variances. Safety and/or security can, at times, transcend other factors and may be considered during the Board's deliberations. Appeals: As per Section 106-196 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte: 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 Section 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. !/ JI II HI"!!! F .lI' !Un:; ~; 'I I"'f!} i' , ::!w "'Ill I' 1~~ :~ ifil!1 ' !HI,I! :1& f~ i" ~ ~,t.. ;;~i~i IIl'!i Ill" .. ~1;!!' !!m 11 ~i II il f; a o ~ i ~ . n ~ .. ../.... -f.;. . "PI .i~~~~~" .~ N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~I~~~I ~ m~5~g ~ ~~~~ ~ o;~~~~. 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I ~l ail.; g~i ij1 .Jf - ~~~ < Ii a~z 1'- .~~ ..;: )0 ~ S 106-773 LA PORTE CODE (2) Construction and landscaping material cun-ently being used on the premises; (3) Off-street parking of passenger vehicles and light trucks, as defined in this chapter; (4) Firewood, compost, or residential lawn and garden tools. Sees. 106-774-106-790. Reserved. DIVISION 4. FENCING AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS Sec. 106-791. Front yard areas. No fences, structures, grading, or barrier hedges shall be permitted within any front yard areas except in the case of large lot residential lots, or in the case of lots with a front yard directly adjacent to the shoreline of Galveston Bay, as provided in section 106-792. Sec. 106-792. Large lot residential lots. In the case of large lot residential lots, six feet perimeter fences are permitted as an accessory use. In the case of lots with a front yard directly adjacent to the shoreline of Galveston Bay, four feet front yard fences are permitted parallel and adjacent to the side lot lines. However, such fences shall not be permitted on the front lot line directly adjacent to Galveston Bay, and shall only be constituted of chain link. These exceptions do not permit structures, grading, or barrier hedges. Sec. 106-793. Fences in side and rear yards. Within side yards and rear yards, fences of not higher than six feet excluding six-inch rot boards and walls 42 inches high or less shall be permitted. Sec. 106-794. Fences and trees on utility easements. Fences or trees placed upon utility easements are subject to removal at the owner's expense if required for the maintenance or improvement of the utility. Trees on utility easements containing overhead wires shall not exceed ten feet in height. Sec. 106-795. Maintenance of fences. Both sides of the fence must be maintained in good condition by the owner of the fence. Sec. 106-796. Barbed wire fences. Barbed wire fences shall not be permitted, used or constructed except in industrial districts or to control livestock as hereinafter provided. c , \ 'i.,,: Supp. No.9 CDI06:88 ,j(H~Brr C