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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-10 BAA MINUTES• • • MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO JUNE 10, 1992 The regular meeting of the Englewood Board of Adjustment and Appeals was called to order by Chairperson Cohn at 7:15 p.m. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Seymour, George, Smith, Cohn, Clayton, and Waldman. Welker. Dan Brotzman, Assistant City Attorney Harold Stitt, Planning Administrator The Chairperson stated that with six members present, five affirmative votes would be required to grant an appeal or a variance. She stated the Board is authorized to grant or deny a variance by Part 3, Section 60 of the Englewood Municipal Code. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Board Member Seymour moved that the minutes of May 13, 1992, be approved as written. Board Member Clayton seconded the motion. Upon the call for a vote on the motion, all members voted in the affirmative. The Chairperson ruled the Minutes of May 13, 1992, approved as written. APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT: Board Member Seymour moved that the Findings of Fact for Case #7- 92, Jeffrey Gorman of 4306 South Washington Street, be approved as written. Board Member George seconded the motion. All six members voted in favor of the motion, and the Chairman ruled the Findings of Fact approved as written . 1 PUBLIC HEARING -CASE #6-92: 1285 West Dartmouth Avenue The Chairperson explained the procedure for the meeting, stating for variances at hand, the request would be identified by City Staff, and the applicant and those that wish to speak would then have the opportunity to be heard. The Chairperson opened the Public Hearing stating she had proof of publication and posting. Harold Stitt Staff Advisor was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Stitt identified the request stating that the applicant, Gary Scott for Advantage Advertising, was representing The Drapery Factory in their request for a variance from the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 16-4-19:10,E,4. Joint Identification Signs, in order to erect a free standing joint identification sign on the same frontage as an existing sign. Mr. Stitt explained that the issue at hand for the Board's consideration, was the relocation of a free standing sign on the South Platte River Drive frontage to the West Dartmouth Avenue frontage. Mr. Stitt entered into the record three documents from Import Car Parts concerning the removal of their existing sign from West Dartmouth Avenue: a letter from the State Highway Department stating they had purchased the sign for the purpose of an easement and road improvements; a "memorandum of agreement" from the Colorado Department of Highways and their bill of sale; and a letter from the Colorado Department of Transportation stating the removal of the sign is scheduled for the spring of 1993. The Chairperson asked the applicant to come forward for testimony. Gary Scott Advantage Advertising 2001 South Bates Avenue, was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Scott stated he was representing The Drapery Factory of 1265 West Dartmouth Avenue, in assisting them with the erection of an identification sign for their business and their request for a free standing sign on the West Dartmouth Avenue frontage. Mr. Scott stated that in his opinion the proposed placement of the sign would direct attention from west and east drivers on Dartmouth to the business. 2 • • • • • • Mr. Scott entered into the record an exhibit of the proposed sign. Mr. Scott explained that the sign would be a double- faced, free standing sign, with seventy-two square feet for signage, and would be fifteen feet in height. Mr. Scott added that the column structure was designed to accommodate additional signage for future tenants should they choose to participate. The Chairperson asked if there were any persons in the audience who wished to testify for or against the request. Barbara Talmadge 1265 West Dartmouth Avenue was sworn in for testimony. Ms. Talmadge stated she was owner and manager of The Drapery Factory. Ms. Talmadge stated that the main reason she moved her business to the subject property was for more exposure for her business. Ms. Talmadge stated that they needed the pole sign on the West Dartmouth Avenue frontage in order to attract attention to the business from persons going east and west on West Dartmouth Avenue. There were no further questions, and no other speakers for or against the variance. The Chairperson incorporated the Staff Report and exhibits into the record and closed the Public Hearing. BOARD MEMBER WALDMAN MADE A MOTION THAT FOR CASE #6-92, THAT MR. GARY SCOTT, REPRESENTING THE DRAPERY FACTORY LOCATED AT 1265 WEST DARTMOUTH AVENUE, BE GRANTED A VARIANCE FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 16-4-19:10,E,4, IN ORDER TO ERECT A FREE STANDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN. Board Member Clayton seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked the members to lock in their votes. The members locked in their votes and gave their findings as follows: Board Member Clayton voted "yes" stating that with the memorandums from state authorities that the Import Car Parts would be removed, that the proposed sign for The Drapery Factory would be the only sign on the Dartmouth Avenue frontage. Board Member Seymour voted "no" stating that the new sign for The Drapery Factory should not be erected until the sign from Import Car Parts is vacated. Board Member Smith voted "yes" stating that with the other sign from Import Car Parts being eliminated that The Drapery Factory should have their sign. Board Member Waldman voted "yes" stating that it was evident by the different state agencies that it would only be until the spring of 1993 that two ground signs would be on the West Dartmouth frontage . 3 Board Member George voted "yes" stating that in her opinion the conditions for granting a variance were met. Board Member Cohn voted "yes" stating that the short time that there will be two signs outweighs the benefit it will give The Drapery Factory. When the votes were displayed, five members voted in favor of the motion, with one member, Mr. Seymour, voting in opposition. The Chairperson announced the decision and directed the applicant to proceed with applying for the appropriate permits. PUBLIC HEARING -CASE #8-92: 3177 South Vine Court The Chairperson opened the Public Hearing stating _she had proof of posting and publication and asked the staff to identify the request. Harold Stitt Staff Advisor stated that the applicant, Edgar R. Berg, for the property at 3177 South Vine Court, was requesting a variance to construct a detached garage two feet into the required five foot side yard setback, Section 16-4-2:M,l,c. Side Yard Setback, of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The Chairperson asked the applicant to come forward to testify. Edgar Berg 3177 South Vine Court was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Berg entered into the record an exhibit to assist with illustrating his property. Mr. Berg pointed out that the north side of the property was the only location possible for the garage due to the five foot easement in the rear of the property, and the limited 6.5' area on the south side. Mr. Berg explained that when they purchased the house they were assured by the realtor that a variance could be obtained to construct a garage, adding that his property was the only one in the neighborhood having no garage. Mr. Berg stated he presented the proposal to his neighbor to the north, Lucy Orr, and that she originally agreed with the proposed garage. Mr. Berg entered into the record photographs to assist with illustrating the location of the proposed garage. Mr. Berg directed the Board 1 s attention · to the photographs of the dilapidated fence and retaining wall between his property and the property at _3167 South Vine Court, stating that he has offered to repair the retaining wall and fence between the two 4 • • • • • • properties, at an estimated cost of $2,000 . Also entered into the record were statements from three of Mr. Berg's neighbors stating they have no objection to the proposed garage. Mr. Berg stated that the proposed two car garage would replicate the existing style and lines of the house. Mr. Berg submitted for the record copies obtained from City files, variances requested from his immediate neighborhood of 3100 block of Vine Court, and the approval of those variances for the properties at 3127, 3155, 3167, and 3199 South Vine Court. The Chairperson asked if there were any speakers who wished to testify in favor of the variance request. Charlotte Bevier 3176 South Vine Court was sworn in for testimony. Ms. Bevier stated that she was one of the three neighbors who had signed a statement in favor of the variance request. Ms. Bevier stated that she had no objection to the request, adding that the Berg's were the only property owners in the neighborhood without a garage. The Chairperson asked if there were any speakers who wished to testify in opposition to the variance request. William Orr 3167 South Vine Court was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Orr stated that his wife, Lucy Orr, owns the house and that he resides at the subject house on a part-time basis, having an apartment during the interim of his separation from Lucy Orr. Mr. Orr entered into the record two letters. Mr. Orr discussed contents from the first letter, Synergy Mortgage Inc. , explaining that the letter discusses the distance between the two properties; that they were of the opinion that the proximity between Mr. Orr's kitchen and the living room area would be subject to a high level of noise and emission pollution; and that the proposed garage will depreciate the value of Mrs. Orr's property.· Mr. Orr discussed the contents of the second letter from A & A Environmental Engineering, explaining that the company had performed a radon mitigation test and devised a program requiring that the southwest window remain open, in order for the exhaust fan to draw air in from the outside·. Mr. Orr stated he is extremely sensitive to radon and that he is in agreeance with A & A Environmental Engineering, that having 5 the garage built so close to the house, particularly the living room window, would affect the air drawn in from the • living window, and agreed with their conclusion that the proposed garage would impose an extreme hardship upon his health. The applicant was asked to approach the podium. Edgar Berg 3177 South Vine Court responded to the Board's inquiry about alternatives if the garage did not encroach into the side yard, explaining that there was not enough area to place it on the south side of the property, reiterating that the five foot easement in the rear easement of the property was a limitation; and that if they moved the garage any farther towards the house, they would have to remove a section of the crawl space. Mr. Berg concluded that their proposal was drawn up with minimum footage in order to situate the garage in the proposed location. Mr. Berg entered into the record a photograph of the carport at 3167 South Vine Court to assist in illustrating that there was more than the nine feet as stated by Mr. Orr. Mr. Berg added that he refuted that number stating that the living center of the Orr's to the middle of the garage would be more accurate at twenty feet. Mr. Berg concluded by stating his prime concern was to remove his two vehicles off the street, adding that he does not use his car daily because he bicycles or takes the bus to work. There were no further speakers for or against the variance. The Chairman incorporated the Staff Report, photographs, miscellaneous exhibits, and neighbor's statements into the public record. BOARD MEMBER SEYMOUR MADE A MOTION THAT FOR CASE #8-92, THAT MR. EDGAR BERG, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3177 SOUTH VINE COURT, BE GRANTED A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 16-4-2:M,1,c. OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE, WHICH STATES THE MINIMUM SIDE YARD SHALL BE FIVE FEET, IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED GARAGE WHICH WOULD ENCROACH TWO FEET INTO THE REQUIRED FIVE FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK. Board Member Waldman seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. The members locked in their votes and gave their findings as follows: 6 • • • • • Board Member Seymour voted "yes" stating he was in favor of garages in order to get cars off the street . Board Member Smith voted "yes" stating the property is a unique lot, shallow and narrow in back, creating undue practical difficulties for the owner of the property. Board Member Waldman voted "yes" stating that granting the variance observes the spirit of the ordinance. Board Member George voted "yes" stating that in her opinion having two cars is not unusual and that she did not think they would generate excessive amounts of noise. Board Member Clayton voted "yes" stating the record shows that four neighbors have been granted variances for the same or similar requests within the block. Board Member Cohn voted "yes" stating in her opinion two· feet would not have a great impact with the presence of the retaining wall and the fence between the two properties. When the votes were displayed, all six members had voted in favor of the variance. The Chairperson announced the decision and told the applicant that the variance is in effect for six months, and to proceed with applying for the appropriate permits from the Building and Safety Division. PUBLIC HEARING -CASE #9-92: 4822 South Broadway The Chairperson opened the Public Hearing stating she had proof of publication and had the applicant state under oath that he had posted the property for fifteen days. Harold Stitt Staff Advisor stated that the applicant was Richard Harding, owner of Highwood Auto Body, and that the request was for a variance from the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 16-6-l:E. Nonconforming Uses, to enlarge the existing nonconforming use. Richard Harding owner of Highwood Auto Body 4822 South Broadway was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Harding stated that his present building was too small to install a new spray booth, and entered into the record an exhibit of the proposed booth. Mr. Harding explained that it was his intention to install the new upgrade spray booth, purchased from California where these 7 particular booths are mandatory because of their environmental • safety features, and to install it before the environmental equipment becomes law in · Colorado. In addition to the installation of the booth, Mr. Harding explained he would like to upgrade the office area for his employees. Mr. Harding discussed the adjacent lot north of his property, explaining that the lot is currently being used for a used cars sales business, but that he is negotiating the purchase of that lot for the expansion of his business. Mr. Harding stated he has been at the subject property and owner of the business for fifteen years, during which time, approximately ten years later, rezoning occurred and his property become a nonconforming use. · Mr. Harding entered into the record statements from four owners of businesses in the area stating they have no opposition the request. The Chairperson asked if there were any persons who wished to testify. Tom Gerlick 1155 West Princeton Place was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Gerlick testified that his place of business was at 4808 South Broadway. Mr. Gerlick • stated that he was present to testify in favor of the variance request, stating that he has personally known Mr. Harding for twelve years. Mr. Gerlick stated there has not been any noise or parking problems and that Mr. Harding has always kept his place of business clean. Mr. Gerlick stated that he owns the business north of Highwood Auto Body, and that currently he leases the lot between his business and Highwood Auto Body, and is currently trying to buy the property with Mr. Harding. Mr. Gerlick concluded that in his opinion the variance should be approved because that particular side of Broadway is all auto related, and that remodeling the facility would be a positive factor for the area, and not be detrimental to the businesses in the neighborhood. The Board asked the City Staff to answer questions concerning nonconforming issues. 8 • • • • Harold Stitt Staff Advisor approached the podium. Mr. Stitt stated the intention of the nonconforming uses is to provide protect for the community so that the use could not expand, with the theory that in time the nonconforming use would gradually revert to the conforming use. Mr. Stitt explained some of the instances that result in a nonconforming use occurs with rezoning, changes made in the ordinance, annexation, etc. In conclusion, Mr. Stitt stated that Mr. Harding's nonconforming status resulted with a change in the ordinance. Mr. Clayton requested when that change occurred at which time a recess was called so that Mr. Stitt could research for the answer. The Chairperson called for a short recess at 8:45 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. with same persons present. Mr. Stitt Staff Advisor approached the podium. Mr. Stitt stated that in 1982 an amendment was made that changed the conditional use provisions for auto repair to exclude · body repair in the B-2 Zone District; therefore, in 1982 Mr. Harding's auto body operation became nonconforming. Mr. sti tt stated that the zoning records show that Mr. Harding registered as a nonconforming use in 1986 and that he has kept current with the registration. The Board asked the applicant to approach the podium. Mr. Harding Highwood Auto Body approached the podium. In response to a question concerning if the new paint booth could be installed in his existing building, Mr. Harding stated it would not be feasible in his existing building. In response to the difference between his present booth and his new booth, Mr. Harding stated the difference is between 1980 technology versus 1990 technology; and that the new booth was technically more advanced with environmental control features. The Chairperson incorporated the staff Report, neighbor's statements, and exhibits into the record and closed the Public Hearing . 9 BOARD MEMBER WALDMAN MADE A MOTION FOR CASE #9-92, THAT MR. • HARDING, OWNER OF HIGHWOOD AUTO ·BODY, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4822 SOUTH BROADWAY, BE GRANTED A VARIANCE FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 16-6-l:E, NONCONFORMING USES, IN ORDER TO ENLARGE AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING USE. Board Member Clayton seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. The members locked in their votes and gave their findings as follows: Board Member Smith voted "yes" stating that primarily it is an extraordinary circumstance because Mr. Harding needs to install an environmentally safe booth, and that he had testified that the new unit would not fit in his existing building. Board Member Waldman voted "yes" stating that in his opinion Mr. Harding is making the effort to have a viable business, and exceeding the current regulations by installing a state of the art spray booth before our state requires him to do so by law. Board Member George voted "yes" stating that in her opinion it was better to have a viable business operating at the subject site, than to have the business possibly move out of the city, leaving • the building vacant. Board Member Clayton voted "no" stating that in his opinion he does not consider anything unique about the property and that the City Council has specifically targeted this type of business to be fazed out of the zone area. Board Member Seymour voted "yes" stating that in his opinion he does consider the business exceptional because Highwood Auto Body was operating legally before the ordinance changed the provisions that resulted in the business becoming nonconforming. Board Member Cohn voted "yes" stating that in her .opinion an exceptional circumstance exists with the business. When the votes were displayed, five members had voted in favor of the variance, with one member, Mr. Clayton, voting in opposition. The Chairman announced the variance had been approved. 10 • • • • PUBLIC HEARING CASE #10-92: 3054 West Tufts Avenue The Chairperson opened the Public Hearing stating she had proof of publication and posting and asked the staff to identify the request. Harold Stitt Staff Advisor stated that the applicant, Herman Moser, the owner of the subject property at 3054 West Tufts Avenue, is requesting a variance from the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 16- 4-2 :M, l, c. Minimum Side Yard, in order to construct a garage which would encroach two feet into the required five foot side yard setback. The Chairperson asked the applicant to come forward for testimony. Herman Moser 3054 West Tufts Avenue was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Moser stated he was proposing to construct a 24 by 26 foot garage to house his truck and to store his tools. Mr. Moser explained the request for encroaching into the side yard, stating that a large oak tree was centered in the rear of the yard and in order to avoid disturbing the root system, he proposes to locate the garage to the side of the house and six feet from the house in the rear yard. Mr. Moser explained the existing attached, ten by thirteen foot, garage would be converted into living space after the new proposed detached garage is constructed. Mr. Moser entered into the record the statements of two neighbors stating they have no opposition to the proposed garage. There were no further speakers for or against the variance. The Chairman incorporated the Staff Report, and neighbor's statements into the record, and closed the Public Hearing. BOARD MEMBER WALDMAN MADE A MOTION THAT FOR CASE #10-92, THAT MR. HERMAN MOSER, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3054 WEST TUFTS AVENUE, BE GRANTED A VARIANCE FROM SECTION l6-4-2:M,l,C. OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO ENCROACH TWO FEET INTO THE SIDE YARD SETBACK FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A GARAGE. Board Member George seconded the motion. Discussion ensued . 11 The members locked in their votes and gave their findings of fact: Board Member Waldman voted "no"· st;:ating the request did not meet any of the conditions for granting the variance; that the property was not exceptional or unique; and that there were other options for the placement of the garage. Board Member George voted "no" stating she agreed with the previous stated reasons. Board Member Clayton voted "no" exceptionally large lot, and stated plenty of room to place the garage setbacks. stating Mr. Moser has an that in his opinion there is without encroaching into the Board Member Seymour voted "yes" stating the neighbor's did not object to the proposed garage. Board Member Smith voted "no" stating that being a large lot, in his opinion there are other locations to place the garage. Board Member Cohn voted "no" stating she was not convinced that the proposed garage needed to be placed into the side yard setback. When the votes were displayed, five members voted in opposition to the motion, with one member, Mr. Seymour, voting in favor of the variance. PUBLIC HEARING CASE #11-92: 4675 South Inca Street The Chairperson opened the Public Hearing stating she had proof of publication and a picture of the posted property but no signed affidavit from the applicant that the property was posted for fifteen days. Robert Johnson, property owner of 4675 South Inca Street, was sworn in by the recording secretary. Mr. Johnson stated that the property was posted for fifteen days and signed the affidavit before the Chairperson. The Chairperson asked the staff to identify the request. Harold Stitt Staff Advisor stated the request was filed by Mr. Robert Johnson, the owner of the property at 4675 South Inca Street, requesting a variance from the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 16- 4-2:M,2, b. Storage Sheds, to permit an oversized shed. The Chairperson asked the applicant to come forward for testimony . 12 • • • • • • Robert Johnson 4675 South Inca Street submitted for the record photographs to assist in illustrating the 10 foot by 12 foot metal shed that was present when he purchased the house, that later collapsed under the weight of snow; a photograph illustrating the replacement of the metal shed with a wood shed of the identical size (10 1 X 12') and the addition of a new 12' X 12' shed. Mr. Johnson stated he contracted out to Armstrong Construction to construct the 12' X 12 1 addition to the shed, and stated the combined footage of the new and existing shed is 264 feet. Mr. Johnson said the electrical power to the shed existed when he purchased the house. Mr. Johnson concluded that he has had no complaints about the structure and added that he needs the room for storing yard equipment and his power tools because he does not have a garage. Mr. Johnson entered into the record statements from two (2) of his neighbors stating they have no opposition to the oversize structure. The Chairperson asked if there were speakers in the audience for or against the request . Tim Armstrong Armstrong Construction 180 East Hampden Avenue was sworn in for testimony. Mr. Armstrong stated that when he was roofing the house he also constructed the 144 .additional feet to the existing shed. Mr. Armstrong stated that in the city of Denver you can build a shed under 150 feet without a permit and was under the impression that the city of Englewood would be the same. Mr. Armstrong explained that when an inspector from the Building Department was at the subject property the Building Inspector noticed the oversize shed and issued a stop work order. Mr. Armstrong stated that in his opinion the shed is not an eyesore; that it has been solidly constructed, roofed, and siding applied; and that with the absence of alleys, the lots have additional footage in the back property. There were no further speakers for or against the variance. The Chairperson incorporated the Staff Report, photographs, and neighbors statements into the record, and closed the Public Hearing . 13 BOARD MEMBER SEYMOUR MADE A MOTION THAT IN CASE #11-92, MR. ROBERT JOHNSON, FOR THE PROPERTY AT 4675 SOUTH INCA STREET, BE GRANTED A VARIANCE FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 16-4- 2:M,2 ,b. WHICH SECTION STATES THAT A STORAGE SHED SHALL NOT EXCEED 100 SQUARE FEET, IN ORDER TO PERMIT A 244 SQUARE FOOT OVERSIZE SHED. Board Member George seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. The members locked in their votes, and gave their findings as follows: Board Member George voted "yes" stating that what was replaced is attractive and the fact that there were no complaints from neighbors about the structure. Board Member Clayton voted "no" stating that the ordinance specifically states the maximum square footage for a shed cannot exceed 100 square feet; and that testimony reflects that it is a temporary structure so it should be changed to conform to the zoning regulations. Board Member Seymour voted "yes" stating that in his opinion the shed is attractive; serves the purpose for the applicants storage; and is placed behind a fence within the property. Board Member Smith voted "no" stating that the shed is two and half times the acceptable square footage as defined by the ordinance. Board Member Waldman voted "no" ·stating that the construction occurred with out getting approval beforehand and checking with zoning regulations, and that there are alternatives. Board Member Cohn voted "no" stating if the applicant had come before the Board for an oversize shed of 264 square feet, that most likely it would have been denied. When the votes were displayed, four (4) members voted in opposition to the motion, with two members, Ms. George and Mr. Seymour, in favor of the motion. The Chairperson announced the variance request had been denied, and instructed the applicant to comply with bringing the shed into compliance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 14 • • • • • • STAFF CHOICE: Mr. Stitt informed the Board that the Planning Commission will be 6onsidering a rezoning of the area located between the 1800 and 2300 blocks of West Evans Avenue, formerly Kurtz's business. Mr. Stitt stated that two (2) issues to be discussed were the creation of a new zone district to be called B-3, and to rezone the area where Mr. Kurtz operated his business. Mr. Stitt explained the auto repair which is in the B-2 Zone District as a Conditional Use would now be a Permitted Use in the B-3 Zone District, permitting auto body and painting as a Permitted Use instead of a Conditional Use. Mr. Stitt concluded the reason for the rezoning was to reflect the businesses located east and west of the subject property in Denver, eliminating the problem with the Kurtz property and to hopefully spur the development on the property. CITY ATTORNEYS CHOICE: None. BOARD MEMBERS CHOICE: None. With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cathie Mahon, Recording Secretary 15