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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08141980 ZPC Minutes50 REGULAR MEETING ZONING AND PLAPdNIPNG COMMISSION AUGUST 14, 1980 The Zoning and Planning Commission of the City of West University Place convened in regular session at the City Hall, Thursday, August l4, 1980, 7:45 p.m., with the following members present: Vice-Chairman Farrell, presiding; Members LaCook and Norton. The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that notice of meeting had been post- ed on 8-8-80 and notice of amended agenda posted on 8-11-80, 11:35 a.m., meeting requirements of posting at least three days before a meeting. Mr. Bob Bergin, 2604 Talbot, appeared before the Commission and asked that they consider accepting another application to subdivide East 114 ft. x 100 ft. of Lot 6 Block 13 West University Place 1st Addition 6402 Belmont. He explained that an application from Mrs. Eloise Lee to subdivide this property was denied by the Commission a few weeks ago (3-13-80), but that he wanted to state that if subdivided he planned to purchase one-half of the lot on which to build a house for his daughter and son-in-law and the Lees planned to build a house on the other half. He also stated that he lived on a corner lot which was a 50 ft. lot and there were other 50 ft. lots all over the city, therefore, he could not see why this particular lot could not be subdivided into two 50 ft. x ll4 ft. lots. Mr. Farrell asked „the secretary to explain the requirements for accepting an application for a subdivision on one which had previously been denied. She. explained that the procedure for the Zoning and Planning Commission requires that there be a "substantial change in the circumstances affecting such pro- perty since the prior decision on the same piece of property and said changes shall be presented by the applicant". It was also stated that interpretation of "substantial" change could be open for interpretation; that on .the occasion of the Lees application. for subdivision, although. a previous Commission had denied the subdivision on application of former owners, their application-had been accept- ed because of a change in ownership and to givem them an opportunity to present what evidence they might. have affecting the property. Mr. LaCook briefly gave a history of the lot as far as request for subdivision, stating that a previous Commission had denied the subdivision to two brothers who owned the property and this .Commission denied the subdivision .application from the Lees.. Mr. Farrell advised that during the public hearing .two residencts spoke for the sub- division, 5 against, and written communications showed 3 for, 4 against and that the application was denied by a vote of 4 ,:with Mr. Casey abstaining, and that there were no grounds from his point of view which would warrant a rehearing.. Mr. LaCook stated that he voted against it before and after receiving the agenda for this meeting he had gone by the lot again and in his opinion it is a very nice lot with trees which would not have to be removed to construct a single family dwelling and is a very marketable lot as it stands. `51 Mr. Begin asked Mr. Norton if he would also vote agains it again and he stated that he would. He explained that from the viewpoint of the Commission they-must look at subdivision and make decision in the best interest of the City of West University Place. He further stated that traditionally planning includes a mix- ture of various .sized lots which helps the environment, regulates density and that they do not subdivide lots for montary advantages or disadvantages, if this happem- ed there would. inevitably come a time when all the lots in the city could be 50 ft. lots and that the burden should be on the applicant to provide an overriding reason to subdivide. Mr. Bergin asked Mr. Farrell if his vote would remain against the subdivision and he advised that it would. Mr. Bergin thanked the Commission members for their time and left the meeting at this time. Mr. Donald Kirkland, representing Westover Corporation, and Mr. Bob Atkinson, planner, appeared before the Commission with final plans for the construction of Q townhouses on Lots 1 ~ 2, Block 4 West University Place 1st Addition 3100 Block of Bellaire Blvd. Northwest corner of Vanderbilt and Bellaire. Members of the Commission reviewed the plans with Messrs. referring to motion accepting preliminary plans presented July 10, 1980 which approved preliminary plans "subject t~ Chief concerning access to units for firefighting without in the rear north units, subject to submittal of drawings and setbacks and modification :of fence line". Kirkland and Atkinson at the meeting on ~ approval by the Fire the five foot separation, showing property lines The. following letter form Fire Chief Ben Wilcher was presented for review: "July 15, 1980 Zoning and Planning Commission City of West University Place Gentlemen: At your rec{uest, I have reviewed the preliminary plans submitted for the construction of twelve townhouses on Lots 1 ~ 2, Block 4 West University Place 1st Addition 3100 block of Bellaire Boulevard Northwest corner of Bellaire and Vanderbilt. I can see no problem as far as entry of fire fighting apparatus nor the laying of lines on the site. There is afire plug located at the northwest corner of Bellaire and Vanderbilt. The interior street and cul-de-sac allow more than enough manuevering room for entry and exit. The layout of he adjacent project 52 with the driveway directly west of this project make it even more accessible if access was .needed from that direction. Wooden fences present no problem for fire fighting as an entry can readily be gained through them. The north (rear) section of the project could be reached from the adjacent drive- way or from Vanderbilt St. and the twenty foot setback is more than ample for the laying of lines. Respectfully submitted, /s/ BEn F. Witcher Fire Chief' Discussion included the above letter which showed no objection from the Fire Department in not requiring the five foot separation as outlined, plot plan meeting require- ments of motion and setback requirements in accordance to Ordinance nO. 1025. Mr. Atkinson also stated that the swimming pools shown on the drawings. wereonly architectural "pretty up" and that they did not plan any swimming pools for the project, but if requested by a specific owner any pools constructed would adhere to the city's swimming pool code. Motion by Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. LaCook, that plans for the construction of twelve townhouses on Lots 1 ~ 2, Block 4 West. University Place 1st Addition 3100 block of Bellaire Blvd. Northwest corner of Bellaire and Vanderbilt 1 be approved, subject to compliance with all building codes, or other governing ordinances, whether or not herein specified, for any subsequent construction, and specifically contingent that any swimming pool construction would comply with all city ordinances. Vesting Aye: All Voting No: None The secretary was instructed to attach-a copy of the letter from Fire Chief Wilcher to each approved plan to become apart of the package approved. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Zo~ing and Planning Commission on 'July 10, 1980 were approved as submitted. With no further business to come before the Commission, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. t , ~, .~ Chairman