HomeMy WebLinkAbout05201976 ZBA Minutes
REGULAR MEETING OF ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
May 20, 1976
The Zoning Board of Adjustment convened in regular session at the City Hall on
Thursday, May 20, 1976, 7:30 p.m., with the following. members present: Chair-
man Casey, presiding; members Ayres, Billings and Wilkins. .Alternate member
Doughty had been designated to sit as a member in the absence of Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Casey requested that the Board. secretary read the Notice of Public Hearing.
„~ Motion by Mr.,Wilkins, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the Public Hearing was now
~ open to consider application Docketed 76-5, filed by Mr: Ted G. Pate, 4222
Tennyson, for permission to construct a carport on the property line.
Voting Aye: Ayres. Voting No: None
t~0 Billings
Casey,
', Doughty
Wilkins
Chairman'Casey ascertained from the secretary that Notice of Public Hearing had
been published in the Southwestern Argus on Wednesday, April 28, 1976, and that
notice was mailed to all property owners within 200' radius of the property in
question'on April 30, 1976. In accordance with the provisions of Article 6252-17
V.T.C.S.',notice was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on May 17, 1976, advis-
ing the public of a meeting on Thursday, May 20, 1976, thereby fulfilling legal
requirements for holding the Public Hearing.
Chairman'Casey introduced himself and. identified his residence in the city, fol-
lowed by'each member of the Board.
Mr. Casey administered the Oath to P1r. Pate and Assistant Building Inspector Wayne
Perry after advising that the procedure of the Zoning Board of Adjustment provided
for hearing the applicant and anyone supporting his position to present their evi-
dence; questions to the. applicant and his supporters; presentation of any evidence
by opponents, including the Inspection Department; and questions to the opponent.
Mr. Pate', advised the Board that it was his desire to`construct a carport over his
existing driveway which is located approximately one (1') foot from the property
line inasmuch as a portion of his 12-car garage is used for storage of tools and
toys and there is a large oak tree on the adjoining lot which is harmful to any
automobile left parked under it.
In respomse to a question .regarding building the carport in front of his existing
garage Mr. Pate stated that such construction would eliminate much of the sunlight
in his back yard and was not desirable in his opinion.
After being administered the Oath. by Mr. Casey, Mr. Eddie Cossman, 4223 Tennyson,
stated that he had no objection to the proposed carport construction conditioned
upon the addition of gutters and a downspot to assure drainage of water onto Per.
Pate's property.
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Mr. Casey read the following correspondence received regarding the application:
"The carport that Dr. Ted Pate wants to have put up is perfectly agreeable with
me. Dr. Ted Pate lives next door to my home. His address is 4222 Tennyson."
Mrs. Thelma Putnam Jackson
Mr. Casey noted that Mrs. Harold Moffatt had called to state that she had no objec-
tions to the proposed construction.
Asst. Building Inspector Wayne Perry advised the. Board that a permit for construc-
tion of the carport had been denied by the Inspection Department inasmuch as the
proposed construction with within the required three (3') foot side setback as
required under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance,
Motion by Mr. Doughty, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the Public Hearing be closed.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
"Wilkins
Mr. Casey requested that the Board secretary read the Notice of Public Hearing.
Motion by Mr. Wilkins, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the Public Hearing was now
open to consider the application Docketed 76-6, filed by Mr. Joel Hebert, 5815
Charlotte, for permission to locate a load carrying post of approximately four
(4") inches diameter, at a point approximately two (2") feet, six (6") inches
from the north property line.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Chairman Casey ascertained from the secretary that Notice of Public Hearing had
been published in the Southwestern Argus on Wednesday, April 28, 1976, and that
notice was mailed to all property owners within 200' radius of the property in
question on April 30, 1976. In accordance with the provisions of Article 6252-17
V.T.C.S. notice was posted on the City Ha17 bulletin board on May 17, 1976, advis-
ing the public of a meeting on Thursday, May 20, 1976, thereby fulfilling .legal
requirements for holding the Public Hearing.
Chairman Casey introduced himself and identified his residence in the city, fol-
lowed by each member of the Board.
Alternate Member Frank Burge arrived at the meeting at this time.
Mr. Casey administered the Oath to Mr. Hebert and Mr. Perry after advising that
the procedure of the Zoning Board of Adjustment provided for hearing the appli-
cant and anyone supporting his position to present their evidence;.questions to
the applicant and his supporters; presentation of any evidence by opponents, in-
cluding the Inspection Department; and questions to the opponent.
Mr. Hebert advised the Board that plans for remodeling of his residence included
location of a support post outside the three (3') foot side setback line was
included in the overall design as a safety precaution inasmuch as the post was
to support the upstairs portion of his home and if hit by an automobile-would
result in .expensive repairs.
Mr. Danny Sawyer, Incahoots, Inc., architects for the proposed remodeling project;
advised the Board that it would be possible to cantelever the construction but was
not desirable inasmuch as the adjoining area was of glass. Mr. Sawyer stated that
any alternative to the location of the support post would be much more expensive
and it was the desire of Mr. Hebert to do the construction at as reasonable a
price as was possible.
'~ Mr. Perry advised the Board that a permit for the construction was denied by the
~ Ins ection De artment inasmuch as the ost was to be located within the re uired
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-~ three (3') foot side setback line.
~0 Mr. John Armstrong, 5801 Charlotte, stated that it was his belief that the con-
struction could be cantelevered and would make a much better appearance and also.
eliminate the possibility of being hit by an automobile.
Mrs. G.M. Ballard advised the Board that she .had brought her son-in-law, Roy
Winters, who is an architect, to speak for her.
Mr. Winters stated that he was. not too familiar with the proposed construction,
but it was his opinion that the use of a cantelever would eliminate the necessity
for locating the support post within the side setbacks and would make a more at-
tractive project upon completion.
Mrs. Lucie Mae Barnette, 5821 Charlotte, stated that she did not want to see the
Zoning Ordinance broken and agreed with the decision of the Building Inspector to
reject the application for a permit.
Mr. Gary Tucker,. 5811 Charlotte, referred to his letter dated May 14, 1976, ad-
dressed to the Board setting forth his objections to granting the variance re-
quested by Mr. Hebert.
Mr. Casey read the following correspondence that had been received concerning
the application filed by Mr. Hebert:
"Dear Sir:
Thank you, first of all, for your letter and notice of 24 April, 1976. I consider
it a privilege to be given an opportunity to express my views on the proposed vari-
ance requested by our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hebert. To set the record
straight, my wife and I are basically against the proposed variance, but such de-
viations from the building code must be .considered to see if they are really
necessary and to see if they would create a potential safety hazard.
By profession. I am a mortgage banker, and consequently, I have the good fortune
to be able to ask builders their .opinion on such matters. I am to understand such
a load bearing post could also be built into the main addition of the home and
achieve the same results. Possibly this is not desirable from the Hebert's point
I~os
of view for aesthetic, cost, or design reasons. None of these reasons, I believe,
justify such a variance. I believe the proposed load bearing post can be designed
without breaking the restrictions. Secondly, I am to understand this post will be
located near the driveway. Is this a safe place for such an important structural
beam? What if someone inadvertently drove into the load bearing post? This would
indeed cause a problem to the occupants of the car as well as the structure itself.
Zoning ordinance section 24(2) was. created in the first place for a good reason.
I have furnished two personal reasons why I believe such a variance should not be
granted. I believe both problems could be solved by placing the load-carrying
post elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Gary and Kathy Tucker
We do thoroughly appreciate the fact that the Hebert's are upgrading our neighbor-
hood with their proposed home improvement."
TELEGRAM:
We are against amending or changing the 3 foot building distance law for any reason.
Dr. and Mrs. W. 0. Milligan
I am much .opposed to any variance of, or breaking of the Zoning Ordinance in this
area and go on record herewith by this signature.
Mrs. Wesley A. Kuenemann
I am against the installation of a load carrying post be placed (2') feet six (6")
on the north property line located, 5815 Charlotte Street. This is against the
Zoning Ordinance. Section 24(2) states that no building or structure of any kind
shall be constructed or erected within (3') feet of the side property line.
As a property owner I have stayed within this Zoning Ordinance and I do respect and
appreciate the Building Inspector for denying this permit. Please keep this zoning
ordinance in force. I am against Mr. Joel Hebert violating this zoning ordinance.
Mrs. Grace M. Ballard
5813 Charlotte Street
Many thanks for your notice of requested variance from the city Zoning Ordinance.
As the Building Inspector has denied the permit, I am in full agreement with his
recommendations--laws are made to be kept, not bent or broken. blest University's
zoning ordinance has made the city the number one city in Texas.
Robert E. Beaven
5812 Charlotte
I agree with the Building Inspector. I object to changing of Zoning Ordinance.
S.E. Humphreys, Jr.
5820 Charlotte
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Our Zoning Ordinances, Section 24(2) protecting the property owners certainly
should not be broken as requested by Mr. Joel Hebert.
Mrs. S. W. Blewster
5816 Charlotte
I am opposed to any change in the existing zoning laws now in force in West
University Place.
Mrs. E. P. Schwerdtfeger
5909 Charlotte Street
"~ I am very much opposed to application.
d-+
Mrs. Ruth A. Murphy
~q 5910 Charlotte
I would prefer no change in zoning laws.
Lillian M. Callahan
5905 Charlotte
This is to advise I have no objections to this slight variance.
Eugene S. Jones
I have
no obj
ction t
the 5812 Annapolis
t the decision of the Board
aria
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I will acce
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v
n
e.
J. Clark Wheefield
5808 Charlotte
I have no objections to the variance on this property.
John R. Loberg
5818 Annapolis
This is to advise I have no objections to this slight variance.
Rita Kay Beneke
5908 Charlotte
This is to advise that I concur with our Building .Inspector's denial of a permit
to Joel Hebert for installation of a load carrying post approximately 4 inches in
diameter to be located approximately 2 feet 6 inches-from the .north property line
at 5815 Charlotte.
Please do not issue the requested permit to Joel Hebert, which would be in viola-
tion of Section 24{2) of the Zoning Ordinance for West University Place.
It is imperative that the Zoning Ordinance be complied with; otherwise our city
will begin to deteriorate. There are only 6 feet between my house (to the south
of 5815 Charlotte) and the residence of Joel Hebert, and I would certainly object
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to his building on any part of that 6 feet, but if he is permitted on variance
he might attempt another.
Thank you for your consideration.
Lucie Mae Barnette
5821 Charlotte
We the property owners are against. Mr. Joel Hebert located at 5815 Charlotte
Street for the installation or erection of a load carrying post being placed
(2') feet six (6"O on the. north property line .5815 Charlotte Street. This is
against. the zoning ordinance Section 24(2). This states that no building or
structure of any kind shall be constructed or erected within 3' at side of
property line. We as property owners are against Mr. Joel Hebert tt~ying to
violate this zoning ordinance.
NAME STREET N0. TELEPHONE
Mrs. Grace M. Ballard 5813 Charlotte 665-6080
Lucie Mae Barnette 582] Charlotte 668-4008
Mrs. Minne Blewster 5816 Charlotte 668-3014
Mr. S.E.. Humphreys, Jr. 5820 Charlotte 668-7968
Mrs. S.E. Humphreys, Jr. 5820 Charlotte 6fi8-7968
Vivian Flynn 5902 Charlotte 664-3318
Mrs. Kirksey Young 6001 Charlotte 668-8756
Mrs. E.P. Schwerdtfiger 5909 Charlotte 668-2603
P1rs. Wesley A. Kuenemann 2711 Tangley 668-6649.-
Robert E. Beaven 5812 Charlotte 667-7298
Mrs. Gladys E. Little 2724 Tangley 664-9190
Mr. & Mrs. John H. Armstrong 5801 Charlotte 661.-5700
Lillian M. Callahan 5905 Charlotte 665-2616
Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Measom 3129 Robinhood 666-3366
Mr. & Mrs. Gary B. Tucker 5811 Charlotte 667-4188
Mrs. Donald H. Bond 2728 Tangley 668-6860
Mrs. Ruth A. Murphy 5910 Charlotte 668-3479
Motion by Mr. Ayres, seconded by Mr. Doughty, that the Public Hearing be closed.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Mr. Casey pointed out to all those in attendance that he appreciated their hav-
ing taken time to attend the meeting and that members of the Board would reach
a decision that would be best for all of the city.
Mr. Casey requested that the Board Secretary read the Notice of Public Hearing.
Motion by Mr. Wilkins, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the Public Hearing was not
open to consider the application Docketed 76-7, filed_by Mr. Jesse J. Jones,
3920 Tennyson, for permission to enclose an existing porch gabled to the front .
of his house to allow entrance from the east side and enlarge an existing
living area.
-:.,
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey.
Doughty
Wilkins
Mr. Casey ascertained from the secretary that Notice of Public Hearing had been
published in the Southwestern Argus on Wednesday, May 5, 1976, and that notice
was mailed to all property owners within 200' radius of the property in question
on May 3, 1976, In accordance with the provisions. of Article 6252-17, V.T.C.S.
notice was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on May 17, 1976, advising the
public of a meeting on Thursday, May 20, 1976, thereby fulfilling legal require-
ments for holding the Public Hearing.
'~ Chairman Casey introduced himself and identified his residence in the city, fol-
lowed by each member of the Board.
Mr. Casey administered the Oath to Mr. Jones and Mr. Perry after advising. that
the procedure of the Zoning Board of Adjustment provided for hearing the appli-
cant and anyone supporting his position to present their evidence; .questions to
the applicant and his supporters; presentation of any evidence by opponents, in-
cluding the Inspection Department; and questions to the opponent.
Mr. Jones advised the Board that enclosure of the porch was considered as a part
of his over-all remodeling plans, but that he was advised that such enclosure
would not be permitted inasmuch as the porch extended into the front building
set-back. Mr. Jones further stated that it was his belief that changing the
entrance into his home to the east side of the porch would enhance the beauty
of the house as .well as provide added area to the living area of the house.
Plans include leaving a porch swing in the area end providing space for plants.
Mr. John Martin advised the Board that he owned the house located at 3913
Tennyson-and had no objections to plans for enclosure of the existing front
porch, adding that completed portions of the remodeling had added much to the
house and neighborhood.
Mr. Perry stated that a building permit had been denied Mr. Jones for enclosing
the porch because of the extension and infringement of the porch into the front
bud ding setback as required by the Zoning Ordinance,
Motion by Mr. Billings, seconded by Mr. Wilkins, that the Public Hearing be closed.
Voting Aye: Ayres' Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
~~li 1 ki ns
The application filed by Mr. Ted Pate, 4222 Tennyson, for permission to construct
a carport extending to the property line was reviewed by the Board.
Motion by Mr. Ayres, seconded by Mr. Wilkins, that the application Docketed 76-5
filed by Mr. Ted Pate, 4222 Tennyson, for permission to construct a carport ex-
tending to the property line be denied inasmuch as no hardship was established
by Mr, Pate.
I~io
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Voting Aye: Ayres
Billings
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Voting No; None
The application fil:dd by Dr. Joel .Hebert, 58.15 Charlotte Street, for permission
to install a load carrying post of approximately 4" diameter approximately
2'6" from the north property line was reviewed.
Motion by P1r. Billings, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the application Docketed 76-7
filed by Dr. Joel Hebert, 5815 Charlotte Street, for installation of a load
bearing post in the side setback be denied inasmuch as Dr. Hebert failed to
show any hardship and the availability of many alternatives to the proposed
construction.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Mr. Jesse J. Jones' application, Docketed 76-8, requesting permission to enclose
an .existing front porch as an addition to the living area of the residence,
was reviewed by the Board.
Motion by Mr. Billings, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that the application filed by
Mr. Jesse J. Jones bearing Docket No. 76-8 be approved subject to the following:
1) That no future structure be added to the existing front building
line which is 27` from the south property line.
2) That the enclosure granted by this application shall not be increased
in size.
3) That no porch, stoop or deck be added in front of the enclosure
granted by this application.
4) That the applicant be required to file an affidavit agreeing to the
above conditions.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Minutes of the recessed meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 22,
1976, were presented for consideration and the following action taken: Motion
by Mr. Billings, seconded by Mr. Ayres, that minutes of the recessed meeting of
April 22, 1976, be corrected to show that prior to the testimony in the hearing
held on the application filed by Mr. Richard Nuffer, 2701 Cason, Mr. Billings
suggested that the application was in fact an application requesting that the
Board interpret the city ordinance under its power of interpretation and Mr.
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Nuffer agreed. With this. correction the minutes be approved as submitted.
Voting Aye: Ayres Voting No: None
Billings.
Casey
Doughty
Wilkins
Mr. Casey advised members of the Board that he had been requested to appear before
the City Commission on Monday, May 24, 1976, to review activities of the Board and
invited any members wishing to do so to attend such meeting.
With no further business to come before the Board at this time, upon motion duly
made, seconded and carried the meeting adjourned at 70:00 p.m:
~_ _
Chairman
ATTEST:
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