HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-2020 Board of Adjustments Agenda PacketKarin Wilson
Mayor
council Members
Kevin G. Boone
Robert A. Brown
Jack Burrell, ACMO
Jimmy Conyers
Jay Robinson
Lisa A. Hanks, MMC
c,ty Clerk
Deborah A. Smith, CPA
Ci(Y Treasurer
161 North Section Street
P.O. Drawer 429
Fairhope, Alabama 36533
251-928-2136
251-928-6776 Fax
www.fairhopeal.gov
Pn"ntcd on recycled paper
1. Call to Order
City of Fairhope
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
5:00 PM
City Council Chambers
June 15, 2020
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Consideration of Agenda Items:
A BOA 20.06 Public hearing to consider the request of William and
Patricia Dorgan for a variance to the front setback
requirements for accessory structures at 22585 Main
Street.
PPIN #: 89453
4. Old/New Business
5. Adjourn
May 18, 2020
Board of Adjustment Minutes
The City of Fairhope Board of Adjustments and Appeals met on Monday, May 18,
2020 at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at the City Administration Building,
located at 161 N. Section Street.
Members Present: Anil Vira, Chairman; John Avent, Vice-Chair; Dick Schneider;
Cathy Slagle; Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Manager; Carla Davis,
Planner; Samara Walley, Planner; and Emily Boyett, Secretary.
Absent: Christina Stankoski and Troy Strunk
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM.
The minutes of the March 16, 2020 meeting were consi
motion to accept the minutes as written. Dick Schnei
carried with the following vote: A YE -Cathy Sla
. Cathy Slagle made a
he motion and the motion
chneider, and Anil Vira.
NAY -none. ABSTAIN John A vent.
BOA 20.03 Public hearing to conside
variance to the front yard
structures at 861 Creek Driv
Mrs. Walley gave the staff report
Residential District. The applicant 1
setback for a property located in an
The Zoning Ordinan a 40' fi
Family Residentia
The subject prope
the southeastern come
ned R-1-Low Density
o allow a 25' front yard
amily Residential district.
1, Low Density Single
r along wetland boundaries.
e prope 1s comprised of wetlands near
f the wetland buffer requirement, lot
acks, the applicant would have
nted an unnecessary hardship.
lar shap owever, the subject property essentially
loses si
buffer requ
that would al
granted approva
for a Front and Rea
the location of the wetlands and the resulting
t, h er, has previously been approved for a variance
le area for the proposed dwelling. The applicant was
Loning Adjustment at its November 18, 2019 meeting
ck Variance allowing a 35' Front Yard setback. At that
ted by Wetlands Resources Environmental Consulting. It
should also be noted that e applicant would have nearly 5,000 square feet ofbuildable
area based on previously approved variance. Relief, if granted, would not cause any
detriment to the public nor impair the intent of this ordinance. However, the property
could be developed without relief from the setbacks that were previously granted.
Staff recommends Denial of BOA 20.03 because the applicant has not proven a
substantial hardship that would not allow the construction of a dwelling that would meet
the required setbacks. If it is the position of the Board to approve the above application,
the following conditions should be required:
1. The northwest side setback shall be revised to 15' in lieu of 10' shown on survey.
2. Subdivision re-plat approval reflecting the revised setbacks prior to the issuance
of a Final Certificate of Occupancy.
1
May 18, 2020
Board of Adjustment Minutes
Mr. Vira opened the public hearing.
Tricia Niemeyer of 3 02 Poplar Place submitted a letter in support of the proposal.
Brian Metcalf of 720 S. Mobile Street voice his support of the application.
Having no one else present to speak, Mr. Vira closed the public hearing.
Mr. Schneider stated the applicant is doing the best with what he has.
John A vent made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve with the
following conditions:
1. The northwest side setback shall be revised to 1
2. Subdivision re-plat approval reflecting the re
·eu of 10' shown on survey.
backs prior to the issuance
of a Final Certificate of Occupancy.
Dick Schneider 2nd the motion and the motion
vote: AYE Dick Schneider, John Avent,
BOA 20.04 Public hearing to consider
variance to the maximum lot
Loop.
Ms. Walley gave the staff repo
Coverage variance •
sly with the following
agle. NAY -none.
esting a Maximum Lot
-3 PGH High Density
licant is requesting a Single Family/ P
variance to allo
the total lot cove
32.5% site
one o
Hing that will be 43.4% of
ning Or nance requires a maximum of
-3 PGH district. The subject property is
ent. With building site coverage as set
forth have significant limitations regarding
the al
development wi
Staff recommends
ropose elling. The subject property essentially
on a curved street. Relief, if granted, would not
ic no air the intent of this ordinance. The property is
e area as set forth by the requirements. The proposed
quired setbacks.
fa maximum lot coverage variance to allow a dwelling
-3 PGH zoning district.
Tom Stokes ofTruland es, LLC addressed the Board saying the covenants for the
subdivision require 1,400 square feet (sqft.) for the footprint and the allowable square
footage with the requirements only allows for 1,200 sqft. He stated the proposed
structure will not encroach the required setbacks.
Mr. Vira opened the public hearing.
Mrs. Boyett stated two letters of opposition have been received regarding this case.
Having no one present to speak, Mr. Vira closed the public hearing.
Mr. Simmons stated all the lots in the subdivision are over the lot coverage requirements.
Cathy Slagle made a motion to accept the staff recommendation for approval of a
maximum lot coverage variance to allow a dwelling to occupy 43.4% of the lot at 247
Divot Loop.
2
May 18, 2020
Board of Adjustment Minutes
John Avent 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
A YE -Dick Schneider, John A vent, Anil Vira, and Cathy Slagle. NAY -none.
BOA 20.05 Public hearing to consider the request of Haney Jones on behalf of
Pookie n Boo, LLC to allow a Massage Therapy and Spa as Use Not
Provided For at 50 S. Greeno Road.
Ms. Davis gave the staff report saying the subject property is located at 50 S. Greeno
Road and is zoned B-4 Business and Professional District. The applicant is requesting to
have a massage therapy and day spa. Currently, massage therapy and day spas are not
listed in the City's chart of permitted uses; nor are they all
based on the current Zoning Ordinance. Massage thera
identified in the chart of permitted uses; however, th
is the category in which it would most likely fit. T
is defined as: "a business that provides includi
shop or beauty salon, film processing, small
other similar service. Any personal servic
from this use ". The applicant is currently o
in Fairhope zoned B-2. The applicant provide
Mountain Massage & Day Spa h n operatin
Mountain Massage provides mas y and s
The applicant is proposing interior to the
treatment rooms with additional upg Th
the restrooms to be h cessibl
Staff recommends e BOA:
to operate at 50 S.
Mr. Vira opened the p
ed anywhere in the city
day spa is not currently
I personal services category
Personal Service Category
ost office, bank, barber
• r, office support, or
escribed is excluded
another property
most y 1 clients.
allow for four
t also plans to update
tain Massage and Day Spa
Mrs. Boy
Havin
Cath
BOA2
ceived regarding this case.
e public hearing.
ecommendation for approval of case
e and Day Spa to operate at 50 S. Greeno Road.
and t otion carried unanimously with the following
hn Avent, Anil Vira, and Cathy Slagle. NAY -none.
e meeting was adjourned at 5:46 PM.
3
1 BOA 20.06 22585 Main Street– June 15, 2020
Board of Adjustment
June 15, 2020
Case: BOA 20.06 22585 Main Street
Variance: Accessory Structure Setback
Project Name:
22585 Main Street
Property Owner / Applicant:
William Dorgan
General Location:
West side of Main Street approx.
600’ ± from Parker Road
Request:
Accessory Structure
Setback Variance
Project Acreage:
1.33 Acres
Zoning District:
R-1 - Low Density
Single-Family Residential District
PPIN Number: 89453
Report prepared by:
Carla L. Davis
City Planner, QCI
Recommendation:
Approval
N Subject
Site
Subject
Site
N
Parker Rd
R-1 -LcwDen:-.i • 3 5 tySmg"ittamity
2 BOA 20.06 22585 Main Street– June 15, 2020
Summary of Request:
The subject property is located at 22585 Main Street and is zoned R-1, Low Density Single-Family Residential
District. The applicant is requesting an accessory structure setback variance. The applicant’s property is
located along Mobile Bay and thus is considered a waterfront lot. An amendment was made to the Zoning
Ordinance on June 10, 2019 (Ordinance # 1652) that defines a waterfront lot as “any lot or parcel adjacent to
Mobile Bay”. Properties fronting Mobile Bay must adhere to front yard setbacks where the property abuts the
bay, and rear yard setbacks where the property abuts the street. The applicant has constructed a new boat
house and pier in what is now considered to be within the front yard setbacks which is not allowed.
Prior to new construction of the boat house and the ordinance amendment; the applicant had a gazebo/ pier
house on the property that met the rear and side yard setback requirements. However, it appears that new
construction and renovations took place without permits after the zoning amendment was adopted which
now places the boathouse and pier house within the 40’ front yard required setback. The applicant is now
asking the board to provide relief to allow structures to be located within the 40’ front yard setback on this
waterfront property. The applicant states that the new pier house does not interfere or obstruct any views
out towards the bay, nor does the pier house reduce the well-established character of the Montrose bluff
neighborhood. The applicant also states that there are many other properties along the bluff that have similar
structures within what is now their front yards. Staff is aware that similar lots within the surrounding area also
have structures located along the waterfront and thus approval of this request would not seem out of
character with the uniqueness of the surrounding area.
Comments:
The Board of Adjustments is authorized to grant variance through Article II.A.d(3) which says the following:
d. Duties and Powers: The Board shall have the following duties and powers:
(3) Variances - To authorize upon appeal in specific cases variance from the terms of this ordinance not
contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of
this ordinance will, in an individual case, result in unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of this ordinance
shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.
Prior to granting a variance, the Board shall find that:
(a) There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular piece of property in
question because of its size, shape, or topography;
(b) The application of this ordinance to the particular piece of property would create an unnecessary hardship;
(c) Such conditions are peculiar to the particular piece of property involved; and,
(d) Relief, if granted, would not cause substantial detriment to the public good or impair the purpose and
intent of this ordinance; provided however, that no variance may be granted for a use of land or building or
structure that is prohibited by this ordinance.
The Ordinance provides guidance for variance requests through the following criteria:
Article II.C.3.e.
Criteria – (1) An application for a variance shall be granted only on the concurring vote of four Board members
finding that:
(a) There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular piece of property in
question because of its size, shape, or topography;
(b) The application of the ordinance to this particular piece of property would create an unnecessary hardship.
Personal financial hardship is not a justification for a variance.
(c) Such conditions are peculiar to the particular piece of property involved; and
3 BOA 20.06 22585 Main Street– June 15, 2020
(d) Relief, if granted, would not cause substantial detriment to the public good and impair the purpose and
intent of this ordinance; provided however, that no variance may be granted for a use of land or building or
structure that is prohibited by this ordinance.
When a variance is granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment it has the following effect:
Article II.C.3.g.
Effect of Variance - Any variance granted according to this section and which is not challenged on appeal
shall run with the land provided that:
(1) The variance is acted upon according to the application and subject to any conditions of approval within
365 days of the granting of the variance or final decision of appeal, whichever is later; and
(2) The variance is recorded with the Judge of Probate.
Analysis and Recommendation: Variance Criteria
(a) There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular piece of property in
question because of its size, shape, or topography.
Response: The site is located along Mobile Bay and the previously identified rear yard is now classified
as the front yard based on the amended definition of waterfront lots.
(b) The application of the ordinance to this particular piece of property would create an unnecessary hardship.
Personal financial hardship is not a justification for a variance.
Response: Applying the required 40’ front yard setbacks would prohibit the existing gazebo and boat/
pier house from being allowed although other surrounding neighbors have similar structures on their
properties.
(c) Such conditions are peculiar to the particular piece of property involved; and
Response: The site is unique, and as proposed the new structures will be more aligned with the existing
structures located on similar waterfront properties.
(d) Relief, if granted, would not cause substantial detriment to the public good and impair the purpose and
intent of this ordinance; provided however, that no variance may be granted for a use of land or building or
structure that is prohibited by this ordinance.
Response: Relief, if granted, would not cause any detriment to the public or the character of the
surrounding area.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff Recommends approval an accessory structure to be placed within the required 40’ front yard setback at
22585 Main Street.