HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Boards of Adjustment - Meeting Date: 7/11/2002 MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF GLENDALE
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
GLENDALE COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUILDING
CONERENCE ROOM B-3
5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE
GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85301
THURSDAY,JULY 11,2002
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. by the Chairperson,Doug
Ward, with the following members and representatives present:
BOARDMEMBERS PRESENT: Douglas Ward, Chairperson 4.
Tommie Beck
Carl Dietzman, Vice-chairperson
David Iwanski
Carol Marx
Richard Schwartz
BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT: None
CITY STAFF: Ray Jacobs, Zoning Administrator
Jim Flenner,Deputy City Attorney
Tabitha Perry, Associate Planner
John Fukasawa, Associate Planner
•
Ricardo Toris, Senior Planner
Sally Millward, Recording Secretary
Chairperson Ward explained the Board's policies and hearing procedures.
Chairperson Ward called for approval of the June 13, 2002 minutes.
Boardmember Dietzman made a MOTION to APPROVE the minutes from the June 13,
2002 meeting. Boardmember Schwartz SECONDED the MOTION. The motion PASSED
by a vote of 6-0.
Chairperson Ward called for Business from the Floor. There was none.
Chairperson Ward asked staff if there were any requests for withdrawals or continuances. There
were none.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 2
Chairperson Ward explained four out of the six members present have to vote in the affirmative
for a motion to pass.
Chairperson Ward called for public hearing items.
APPLICATION NO.: ZV-02-10
REQUEST: A variance request by Jennifer O'Dell to reduce the side
yard setback to 8 feet where 50 feet is required and
increase the lot coverage to 15% where 10% is the
maximum allowed in the A-1 (Agricultural) zoning
district. The property is located at 5304 West Beck Lane.
Staff Contact: Tabitha Perry (Sahuaro District).
Ms. Perry presented the application,reviewing the site and request.
Don O'Dell, applicant, explained the addition is used for storage and the RV cover in the back
shields his race car and truck.
Chairperson Ward opened the meeting up for public comment on this case. As no comments
were made, he closed the public hearing portion of the case.
Boardmember Schwartz made a MOTION to APPROVE ZV-02-10, subject to the
stipulations contained in the staff report. Boardmember Dietzman SECONDED the
MOTION.
Chairperson Ward opened the floor to discussion. No further comments were made.
Chairperson Ward called for a Roll Call Vote. The MOTION PASSED by a vote of 6 to 0.
Chairperson Ward stated anyone wishing to appeal the Board's decision on this item may do so
by contacting the Planning Department within 15 calendar days of the date of this action.
APPLICATION NO.: ZV-02-11
REQUEST: A variance request by Auburn Wood to reduce the rear
yard setback to 14 feet where 20 feet is required in the R1-
8 PRD (Single Residence, Planned Residential
Development) zoning district. The property is located at
8123 West State Avenue. Staff Contact: Tabitha Perry
(Yucca District).
Ms. Perry presented the application, reviewing the site and request.
Boardmember Dietzman asked if other homes in the area have similar situations. Ms. Perry
responded yes, noting, however, some of the lot depths meet the standards.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 3
Boardmember Schwartz asked if the property is associated with an HOA and, if so, has the HOA
approved the plan. Ms. Perry stated the HOA has been contacted and approved the plan.
Chairperson Ward said there appear to be areas on the lot where a patio could be located and
remain within the zoning ordinance. Mr. Jacobs agreed the total building envelope is not being
used at this point. He expressed his opinion the PRD is intended for deeper lots.
Ms. Perry confirmed for Boardmember Dietzman that the addition is an extension to the already
existing patio.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood, applicants, showed pictures of a similar structure in their neighborhood.
Chairperson Ward opened the meeting up for public comment on this case. As no comments
were made, he closed the public hearing portion of the case.
Boardmember Dietzman made a MOTION to APPROVE ZV-02-11, subject to the
stipulations contained in the staff report. Boardmember Schwartz SECONDED the
MOTION.
Chairperson Ward opened the floor to discussion. No further comments were made.
Chairperson Ward called for a Roll Call Vote. The MOTION PASSED by a vote of 5 to 1
(Chairperson Ward voted nay).
Chairperson Ward stated anyone wishing to appeal the Board's decision on this item may do so
by contacting the Planning Department within 15 calendar days of the date of this action.
APPLICATION NO.: ZV-02-13
REQUEST: A request by Randell Ewers on behalf of Yvonne Knaack
for multiple variances in the C-2 (General Commercial)
zoning district to allow: 1) Front setback of five feet
where twenty-five feet is required along Glendale Avenue,
2) Side setback of zero feet where fifteen feet is required
along the east property line, 3) Street side setback of zero
feet where twenty-five feet is required along the west
property line, 4) Eleven parking spaces where twenty-four
parking spaces are required, and 5) Thirteen percent on-
site landscaping where twenty percent is the minimum
required. The property is located at the southeast corner
of 55`h Drive and Glendale Avenue at 5525 West Glendale
Avenue. Staff contact: Ricardo Toris (Ocotillo District).
Mr. Toris presented the application,reviewing the site and request.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 4
Mr. Torts confirmed for Chairperson Ward that they are adding three off-street parking spaces,
for a total of four. He reviewed the preliminary landscape plan for the site, stating they will
more closely consider the plan during Design Review.
Boardmember Schwartz said the applicant will be generating a substantial need for parking. He
asked where employees and visitors would park. Mr. Torts explained there are 11 onsite parking
spaces located along the southern portion of the site. He further explained the zoning ordinance
parking requirements are calculated on the use and the amount of floor area. He said the
basement of the subject building was included in its square footage, resulting in seven additional
parking spaces. He noted the owner of the building and her staff will take up 1,200 square feet
of the floor area. Boardmember Schwartz asked if underground parking has been considered.
He also asked how many spaces would be needed for retail space. Mr. Torts stated if 1,200
square feet of office use were changed to retail use it would require five parking spaces.
Boardmember Dietzman asked if there would be a wall or shrubbery along the south and east
property line. Mr. Toris stated there is an existing building wall along the south property line.
Shrubbery and trees will also be included along the southern property line and along the
retention basin that runs along the east property line. He confirmed the east property line would
be open to the alley. Boardmember Dietzman expressed concern about security with regard to
parking in the back. Mr. Torts stated a person could not drive through the alley from the parking
lot. He said the applicant could install a wall at a later date if they so desire.
Boardmember Iwanski asked what number of parking spaces would be required if the
basement's square footage were not included in the calculation. Mr. Torts stated eliminating the
basement would reduce the number of parking spaces needed to 17. He said the proposed
project provides a total of 15 parking spaces, which is the number of spaces needed if the
building is used as office space rather than retail space.
In response to Boardmember Beck's question, Mr. Torts explained off-site parking cannot be
included in the calculations.
Chairperson Ward asked if the Commission could stipulate that the basement not be used for
anything other than storage. Mr. Flenner explained the Board could not eliminate the basement
because it would require rezoning the basement area.
Chris Myers, applicant's representative, stated the applicant intends to use the basement for
storage and would be amenable to a stipulation restricting the basement to such use. He said
2,100 square feet will be designated for Office use. He explained that, while the applicant would
like to designate 918 square feet for Commercial use, it is not set up for a commercial use and
has no street access. He stated everyone involved wanted the building positioned closer to
Glendale Avenue, creating a pedestrian friendly environment. He noted there is no room on
Glendale Avenue for an entrance, stating vehicles have to enter off 55th Avenue. He said the
shape of the lot does not support additional parking spaces. He stated notices were sent out to
residents and business owners within a 600 foot radius and only received two responses.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 5
Yvonne Knaack, applicant, stated she wants to be part of the changes taking place in downtown
Glendale.
Mr. Meyers stated the project is part of the VIP program and the City Council has indicated their
support by approving funds for use towards its development.
Boardmember Iwanski asked how many visitors the applicant anticipates would visit the building
during a typical work day. Ms. Knaack said there would be no more than a couple visitors at any
given time. She noted she currently only has one parking space.
In response to Chairperson Ward's question, Mr. Meyers explained they are required to retain all
storm water on site. Chairperson Ward asked if another parking space could be accommodated if
the landscaping on 55th Avenue were modified. Mr. Meyers said design standards require a
certain amount of space between parking spaces and the intersection.
Boardmember Dietzman asked about the transition between the existing business and the
applicant's building. Mr. Meyers said the transition will be addressed during Design Review.
Ms. Knaack stated the building would be vacant at night, therefore security should not be a
problem.
Mr. Meyers concluded, stating the floor area ratio falls within the guidelines, however, the lot's
odd size will not support additional parking spaces.
Mr. Jacobs stated the elimination of the basement's square footage would reduce the number of
parking spaces required. He confirmed the Board could add a stipulation restricting the leaseable
area to the main floor.
Chairperson Ward opened the meeting up for public comment on this case. As no comments
were made, he closed the public hearing portion of the case.
Boardmember Dietzman made a MOTION to APPROVE ZV-02-13, subject to the
stipulations contained in the staff report, adding a stipulation restricting the leaseable area
to the main floor and modifying the percentage of landscape to 17 percent. Boardmember
Marx SECONDED the MOTION.
Chairperson Ward opened the floor to discussion.
Boardmember Schwartz pointed out the basement could be used for parking.
Chairperson Ward expressed his opinion the project is a nice effort to beautify the downtown
area.
No further comments were made.
Chairperson Ward called for a Roll Call Vote. The MOTION PASSED by a vote of 6 to 0.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 6
Chairperson Ward stated anyone wishing to appeal the Board's decision on this item may do so
by contacting the Planning Department within 15 calendar days of the date of this action.
APPLICATION NO.: ZV-02-14
REQUEST: A request by Ismael Cortez to allow 5-foot and 10-foot
side yard setbacks where a 20-foot perimeter setback is
required in the R-4 (Multiple Residence) zoning district.
The property is located at 7154 North 55th Avenue. Staff
contact: 'John Fukasawa (Ocotillo District).
Mr. Fukasawa presented the application, reviewing the site and request.
Chairperson Ward asked if the city has considered rezoning all of the lots that do not meet the
zoning standards. Mr. Jacobs responded yes, stating, however, meeting the various different
objectives of the property owners often is a significant task.
Ms. Cortez, applicant, stated the variance would allow her to build a single family home on a 50-
foot wide lot. She offered to answer questions.
Chairperson Ward opened the meeting up for public comment on this case. As no comments
were made, he closed the public hearing portion of the case.
Boardmember Schwartz made a MOTION to APPROVE ZV-02-14 as recommended by
staff. Boardmember Dietzman SECONDED the MOTION.
Chairperson Ward opened the floor to discussion.
Chairperson Ward stated filling in small lots increases the value of surrounding properties and
enhances the neighborhood.
No further comments were made.
Chairperson Ward called for a Roll Call Vote. The MOTION PASSED by a vote of 6 to 0
(Chairperson Ward voted nay).
Chairperson Ward stated anyone wishing to appeal the Board's decision on this item may do so
by contacting the Planning Department within 15 calendar days of the date of this action.
Chairperson Ward called for Other Business.
July 11, 2002
Board of Adjustment
Page 7
APPLICATION NO.: ZV-02-06
REQUEST: The Board of Adjustment will reconsider a request by Mel
Smith to allow five (5) and ten (10) foot side setbacks in
the R-3 (Multiple Residence) zoning district where twenty
(20) foot perimeter setbacks are required. On June 13,
2002, the Board of Adjustment voted 2-3 to approve this
request. The motion failed, however, since 4 votes are
required for approval. As a result, the request was denied.
Mel Smith is asking that this application be reconsidered.
The property is located at 6742 North 54th Drive. Staff
contact: John Fukasawa (Ocotillo District).
Chairperson Ward explained the Board originally heard and voted against Mr. Smith's request on
June 13, 2002. He explained a Motion to Reconsider must be made by a Board member who
was on the prevailing side of the vote, specifically Boardmember Dietzman.
Boardmember Dietzman reiterated his position that the request does not meet the criteria for
Finding No. 4. He stated, therefore, he could not in good conscience make a motion to
reconsider Mr. Smith's request.
Chairperson Ward called for the Planning Staff Report.
Mr. Jacobs welcomed the new Board members and congratulated them on their appointment. He
noted a seventh appointment is expected July 23.
Mr. Jacobs announced a training workshop is scheduled for September 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Chairperson Ward called for Board Comments and Suggestions. No comments were made.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
AAtiWZ
Sally llward, Recording Secretary