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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08181982 ZBA Minutes0 `~. C [: REGULAR MEETING ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT August 18, 1982 The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of West University Place convened in regular session at the City Hall August 18, 1982, 7:30 p.m. with the following members present.. Vice Chairman Mrs. Fougerat presiding; Members, McCandless, Loftice, Fromen and Kendrick. Motion by Mr. McCandless, seconded by Mr. Loftice that Public Hearing to consider application docketed #82-3 from Mrs. John Bennett for a bariance to utilize the space as originally planned, including the 98 aquare feet at the front of the house. be opened. Lot E 50ft. Lot W 25 ft. Lot 3 Block 71 West University Voting Aye: All 2 Place 2nd. Voting No: None The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that notice of meeting had been posted in the City Hall on August 13, 1982, that notice of Public Hearing had been published in the Houston Chronicle on August 3, 1982 and letters to interested property owners mailed August 5, 1982. Mrs. Fougerat introduced herself and gave her address in the city followed by other members of the Board and administered an oath to those desiring to speak on the application. Mrs. John Bennett 3411 Robinhood Application N0. #82-3 Stated that she had been a resident of West University Place since June 1936. Site plans were shown to the members of the Board. Mrs. Bennett presented a petition signed by adjoining neighbors stating they were in favor of the variance. Mrs. Bennett presented pictures recently taken of her home. Also pictures of the porch in question. A blueprint was shown that the Contractor had given to the Building Inspection Department for a building permit. Members reviewed maps, plans and pictures of said application. Ms. Bennett read the following addendum of her application. Addendum #1 Construct an addition attached to the existing house, consisting of four rooms: Living room, solarium, bedroom and bath. In 1981, plans and drawings for a new structure to be built on this property matching the existing structure were approved by the City of West University Flace Building Dept. 111 112 Addendum #2 The entry of my existing house, that was completed and occupied on June 19, 1936, before the Zoning Ordinance was enacted June 12, 1937, is the front building line of my existing structure and is approximately 25 feet 6 inches from the four property line. Our builder took the same plans to the City of tNest University Place Building Department and was given a permit on June 16, 1981. My architect on the set of drawings. submitted for approval, used the term "porch" in describing the entry way of my existing house. The Building Department denied the completion of the addition by preventing the builder from installing permanent windows and security guards on approximately 6 feet of the proposed living room and insisted on the building of a sheetrock wall with a door approximately six feet back from the front of the new addition. Addendum #3 1. Security of my home. 2. Utilization of space as originally planned, including the 98 sq. ft. at the front of the house. 3. Making the exterior of the addition look completed, so as to enhance the look of the neighborhood. hors. Fougerat asked if anyone wished to speak out on behalf of the application. Mrs. De Laveaga 3317 Robinhood Stated she appreciated the architectural integrity of the addition and was in favor of the request. Audrey Schoenfield 3418 Robinhood Stated she was in favor and thought it was an addition to the neighborhood. James Cole 3523 Robinhood Stated he did not understand why the addition was not allowed to be completed. Elizabeth Bryan 3410 Robinhood She was impressed by the addition made to the existing house made by Mrs. Bennett and her daughter, Mrs. Hilderbrandt. Unfortunately, they were unable to finish the job. She stated that it would be great for the neighborhood and shw would be pleased if the Board would let Mrs. Bennett follow through with her plans for the house. Martha Davis 3414 Robinhood Stated she was in favor of the application. 113 Mr. McCandless discussed the plans with Mrs. Hilderbrandt. Mr, McCandless .stated the City has some Ordinances that state that we have to adhere to the City setback and. that it seems that this is encroaching upon that, Mr, PcCandless recommended a compliance. Mrs. Hilderbrandt stated that their architect had some preliminary drawings approved and that they were under the impression for several months that there was no problem. It was not until the contractor came into the Building Inspection Department for permits that they were told otherwise, ~. Mrs. Fougerat asked if there was an original set of drawings submitted to the City and were they stamped approved. Mr. Kendrick stated that all the drawings submitted did not show dimensions as to where the house is located on the lot, They also did not show setback lines, Mrs. Schoenfield stated that if the addition was set back from the front of the house it would ruin the whole concept. Mrs. Bryan .stated that she felt like Mrs. Bennett and her daughter were victims of circumstances and had gone to a great deal of expense. Mrs, Fougerat asked how the set back of Mrs. Bennett's house lined up with the rest of the houses on the block. Mrs. Bennett stated that they were all different, Her house was four feet closer than any other house. Mrs. Fougerat asked when the porch was enclosed had they obtained a permit. Mrs. Bennett stated she had no record, it was done 25 years ago. Mr. Kendrick stated, since you have been disallowed the enclosure of the room has there been anything done. Mrs. Bennett stated that they had installed a temporary wall. Motion by Mr. Kendrick that the Public Hearing on application #82-3 be closed. Seconded by Mr. Formen, Voting Aye: All Voting No: None Discussion by members: It was agreed upon to write a letter to the City Commission requesting the Building Department to consider a procedure for marking submitted plans and drawings as to their disposal. Members discussed the application from Mrs. Bennett docketed #82-3 concerning the existing porch. It was agreed that there were alternatives. i~~ Mr. Kendrick moved to deny the application because-the applicant failed to present evidence of unnecessary hardship or other reasons under which the Board can grant a variance. Mr. McCandless seconded the motion. Voting Aye: Three Voting No: Two Minutes of the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on February 17, 1982 were approved as presented. Minutes of the June 16, 1982 meeting were approved. With no further business to come before the Board, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. ~~> ~- ~ ~ f~ j~ ,~ i~ -~ ~. ~ ~ _ ,~L Chairman ATTEST ~ ~ -~~~ retary r