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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Board Of Appeals - Minutes - 12/10/1992ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS December 10, 1992 Regular Meeting - 8:30am Minutes The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Thursday, December 10, 1992 at 8:30am in the Conference Room at 281 North College. Roll was answered by: Wilmarth, Lancaster, Perica, Cuthbertson, Gustafson. Board members absent: Huddleson and Anastasio. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gustafson. Staff Liaison: Peter Barnes Council Liaison: Susan Kirkpatrick Staff Support present: Peter Barnes Ann Reichert Minutes from the November meeting were approved. Anneal 2050. 130 West Olive Street by Larry Trampe, architect and owner's representative, approved. Section 29-493(1). The variance would eliminate the requirement to provide a 15 ft. wide landscape strip behind the sidewalk along Mason Street, and eliminate the requirement for a 10 ft. landscape strip behind the sidewalk along Olive Street. In lieu of landscaping behind the walk, the landscaping improvements are required because of the change of use of the property from auto service to a print shop, restaurant, office and/or retail. The property is located in the BG zone. Petitioner's statement of hardship: The building and parking lot are already existing. If the landscaping must be placed behind the sidewalks, then all of the parking on the west and south side of the building will be lost. The only remaining parking will be in a shared lot on the north side, and since it is shared with other businesses, the availability of parking is uncertain at best. Installing landscaping between the curb and walks satisfies the intent of the code. In addition, the interior landscape requirement of 6% will be met by constructing landscape islands. Two curb cuts will be closed in order to improve traffic safety and circulation. The property will be greatly improved by the new perimeter and interior landscaping. Zoning Board of Appeals December 10, 1992 Page 2 Staff comments: This is similar to other variance requests regarding properties in the downtown area. The sidewalks are detached, instead of attached, so the opportunity exists to provide the landscape screening area between the walk and curb. Such screening satisfies the intent of the code, which is to partially screen parking lots from the street. The only way to provide the landscaping behind the walks and still maintain any parking area, would be to move the building. The proposed plan complies with all interior landscaping requirements, and the intent of the perimeter requirements is met. The closing of two curb cuts help to improve traffic circulation and safety. Zoning Administrator Peter Barnes reviewed the code for parking lot requirements, whenever there is a change of use to a building. He stated one curb cut on Olive will be closed as well as one curb cut on Mason Street. Larry Trampe, architect for the project appeared before the Board. He introduced Karen Murray, owner, Elizabeth Morgan, landscape architect and Dan Eckles, realtor. Mr. Trampe stated that in order to comply with the code, parking spaces would be lost, and with the limited parking available in downtown, this appeared to be the best alternative. He reviewed the plans for the face lift to the property and stated this would be a great improvement to the area. Mr. Barnes stated the City Forester has reviewed the landscape plans and suggested changes to the plan. Board member Cuthbertson stated the overall plans looked good. No one was present in favor or in opposition of this appeal. Board member Wilmarth stated this project was a great improvement to this corner and agrees with the hardship stated. Board member Cuthbertson moved to approve appeal #2050 for the hardship stated. Board member Lancaster seconded the motion. Yeas: Wilmarth, Lancaster, Perica, Cuthbertson, Gustafson. Nays: None The motion passed. 7 Zoning Board of Appeals December 10, 1992 Page 3 The meeting was adjourned. Robert Gustafson PB/RG:aer Peter Barnes ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS December 10, 1992 1. Roll Call. 2. Appeal 2050. The variance would eliminate the requirement to provide a 15 ft. wide landscape strip behind the sidewalk along Mason Street, and eliminate the requirement for a 10 ft. landscape strip behind the sidewalk along Olive Street. In lieu of landscape behind the walk, the landscaping will be located between the curb and the sidewalk. The landscaping improvements are required because of the change of use of the property from auto service to a print shop, restaurant, office and/or retail. The property is located in the BG zone. Section 29-493(1) by Larry Tramps, 130 W. Olive Street. 3. Other business.