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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06171981 ZBA Minutes8'~ REGULAR D4EETING ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT JUNE 17, 1981 rl l~ 1 C The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of West University Place convened in regular session at the City Hall, June 17, 1981, 7:30 p.m., with the following members present: Chairman Billings, presiding; Members Fougerat, Fromen and Mc- Candless. Alternate member Frahm was appointed to sit in the absence of Mr. Loftice. Assistant Building Inspector Charles Slaughterbeck was also present. The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that notice of meeting. had been posted in the City Hall on June 12, 1981; that notice of public hearing had been published- ed in The Houston Chroncile on May 29, 1981 and letters to interest property own- ers mailed on h4ay 28, 1981. Motion by Mr. McCandless, seconded by Mrs. Fougerat, that public hearing to con- sider application #81-2 from Andrew Viola to enclose an entrance way which would extend approximately 3 ft. into the front setback on E.35 ft. of Lot 22, W.25 ft. of Lot 23 Block 1, Rice Court Addition 3110 Lafayette be opened. Voting Aye: Billings Fougerat Frahm Fromen McCandless Voting No: none Mr. Billings introduced himself and gave his members of the Board and adminsitered an oath application. address in the city following by other to those desiring to speak on the Mr. Andrew Viola, owner of the above property, stated they purchased this property in April and are doing a complete remodeling of the house and their proposed plan is to remove the sidewalk and railing of the existing entry way, make an opening into the interior of the house and enclose the outside wall of the existing entry way but that he was denied a permit because the proposed enclosed-area would extend approximately 3 ft. into the front setback. Mr. Viola presented photographs showing the front of the house and the existing entryway and also pictures of two houses in the 3000 blk, which in his opinion extend as far as his proposed construction. He stated they proposed to have the entry way on the opposite side of the structure. During discussion with Mr. Viola, it was determined the Violas plan to move into the house, if construction completed, in mid-August; that they are adding a second story addition increasing floor space from 1050 sq. ft., to 2400 sq.ft. Mr. Billings inquired as to aletrnatives if application denied and he state they did not have a definite plan at this time, but that bushes could be plated after removl of the sidewalk and railing or some type decorative structure which would be acceptable, and possibly removal although this would be costly. The following. communications were read into the record:. a~ ^ "The City of West University Place Zoning Board of Adjustment 3800 University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 Re: Appeal by Andrew A. Viola 3110 Lafayette Gentlemen: The purpose of this letter is to request you to approve the variance or exception requested by Mr. Andrew A. Viola. I live at 3112 Lafayette and am the closest property owner to the portion of Mr. Viola's home in which the variance is re- quested. The front porch which Mr. Viola wishes to include is basically already part of the dwelling structure, since it is bricked in on two. sides. The work which Mr. Vioal is doing should only enhance the neighborhood, and I am not aware of any property owner who has an objection to Per. Viola's request. Thank you for your efforts. in our behalf. Yours very truly, /s/ Joe Willisam CPCU Executive Vice President" Assistant Building Inspector Slaughterbeck stated that the permit for enclosure of the entry way was denied under Section 24(1) which required that lots having a depth of 110 feet or less have a 20 ft. front setback, except if 25% built up then structure should align with existing buildings, but in no case be less than 20 ft. He stated hw took the following measurements of houses in the 3100 block of Lafayette: 3104 20 ft. 2 inches 3108 20 ft. 8 inches 3110 20 ft. 8 inches 3112 20 ft. 6 inches 3120 20 ft. 8 inches Other dimensions determined that from the front of the proposed enclsure is 16 ft, ten inches, extending 3 ft. 2 inches into the front setback. He also read definition of mail wall which states"....it is intended to mean the front of the building exclusive of front porch or entranceway". He also stated that stakes marking the boundaries of the property had been found and measurements made from these stakes. Motion by Mr. Frahm, seconded by b9rs. Fougerat, that public hearing on application docketed #81-2, beclosed. Voting Aye: Billings Voting No: None Fougerat Frahm Fromen McCandless 89 Board members reviewed the application docketed #81-1 from Mr. Viola discussing type of structure, i.e., already solidly enclosed on two sides with inly a door opening; sighting up and down the block and alternatives. Motion by Mr. McCandless, seconded by Mr. Fromen, that application docketed #81-2 from Andrewa Viola to enclose an entry way extending approximately 3 ft. into the front set back on E.35 ft. of Lot 22, W.25 ft. of Lot 23 Block 1, Rice Court Addition 3110 Lafayette `~ be denied, inasmuch as literal enforcement of the ordinance would not cause un- necessary hardship. Voting Aye: Billings Voting No: Frahm Fougerat Fromen McCandless Minutes of the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 20, 1981 were approved as corrected. Information material to be given to inquiries and/or applicants were presented to the Board. Rewording of certain sections were suggested. Another draft will be made for presentation at the next regular meeting of the Board. Information requested from the City Attorney was not received and no action was taken concerning Rules of Procedure. With no further business to come before the Board, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. C. __,. Chairman ATTEST: S retary I I~~ go w;~