HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned 6-19-2023 Board of Adjustments MinutesJune 19, 2023
Board of Adjustments Minutes
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The Board of Adjustments met Monday, June 19, 2023, at 5:00 PM at the City Municipal Complex,
161 N. Section Street in the Council Chambers.
Present: Anil Vira, Chairman; Cathy Slagle, Vice-Chair; Frank Lamia; Donna Cook; Ryan Baker;
Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Director; Mike Jeffries, Development Services Manager;
and Cindy Beaudreau, Planning Clerk.
Chairman Vira called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.
Approval of Minutes
Ryan Baker made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2023, meeting.
Donna Cook seconded the motion and the motion carried with the following vote:
Aye: Chairman Vira, Cathy Slagle, Frank Lamia, Ryan Baker, and Donna Cook.
Nay: None.
BOA 23.03 Public hearing to consider the request of the Owner, William Wiggins, for a
front setback variance for principal structures for property zoned R-2, Medium Density
Single-Family Residential District. The property is approximately 12,600 SF and is located
at 358 Kumquat Street. PPIN#: 44288
Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Director, explained that this is a case of existing non-
conforming structures and a legal one. A pergola is different from a front porch. Today, you can
build a pergola if it is open air, at the ground and not elevated. That is a legal structure. Some of
the interpretation in the case is that the pergola is a porch which needs to be replaced. Staff does
not have a survey of the property to determine where the dimensions are. Mr. Simmons presented
the case summary. The lot is 70’ wide instead of the required 75’. The square footage is larger than
that required in R-2. This lot is in the Fruit and Nut area where many of the lots are 66’ wide. The
site plan shows the legal non-conforming home which is approximately 29’ front the front property
line. The required front setback is 35’. There is a pergola which extends further into the front
setback which is not shown on the site plan. The site plan shows a proposed covered front porch
which places it approximately 14’ from the front property line. Mr. Simmons showed pictures of
the existing structure, which includes the porch which can be repaired but not replaced. The
pergola is separate from that. Mr. Simmons stated that there is no hardship based on the definitions
listed in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Simmons explained the option available to the Applicant that
the front porch can be repaired which does not require a front setback variance; however, the
existing front porch does not extend 15’ beyond the primary structure, whereas the proposed new
porch does. The pergola can be torn down and replaced with a permit or remove it and add pavers.
Ryan Baker asked if the pergola had a roof. Mr. Simmons stated no. Mr. Baker then asked about
the house to the south being closer to the street than the project house. Mr. Simmons answered that
the house on the south has a side setback, and the project house has the front setback.
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of Case BOA 23.03; however, the Applicant may replace the existing
pergola and/or repair the existing covered porch.
William Wiggins discussed just replacing the pergola, but the slope of the front yard creates a
standing water issue under the pergola which rots the wood on the deck. He is concerned that just
replacing the pergola and the decking would only last about five to ten years if that. Mr. Wiggins
requested the ability to install a concrete porch to prevent the standing water and rot and divert the
water around the home.
Frank Lamia asked if Mr. Wiggins was suggesting replacing the pergola and instead of a wood
deck place a concrete slab. Mr. Wiggins answered yes. Mr. Simmons suggested using a pervious
material, but that concrete would be allowed and that a building permit would be required.
Chairman Vira opened the public hearing at 5:11pm. Having no one present to speak, the public
hearing was closed at 5:11pm.
Motion:
Ryan Baker made a motion to deny Case BOA 23.03.
Frank Lamia seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
Aye: Anil Vira, Cathy Slagle, Frank Lamia, Ryan Baker, and Donna Cook.
Nay: None.
B. BOA 23.05 Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, Paul Marcinko,
on behalf of the Owners, Emily and Klyce Hansen et al, for a 15’ side setback variance for
principal structures for property zoned R-2, Medium Density Single-Family Residential
District. The property is approximately 12,400 SF and is located at 686 Greenwood Avenue.
PPIN#: 61116
Mike Jeffries, Development Services Manager, presented the case summary stating that the
property is on the southeast corner of Patlynn Drive and Greenwood Avenue. Mr. Jeffries
continued that the recorded plat reflects a 35’ setback along Patlynn Drive and Greenwood
Avenue. Corner lots are allowed a 20’ side street setback on the lot line with the greatest dimension
per the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is square having two lot lines with equal distance
abutting a street. The variance request is to establish the front line and the side street lot line. The
request matches the current orientation of the existing home. Mr. Jeffries shared an image showing
six properties in the neighborhood that comply with the 20’ Zoning Ordinance requirement. The
variance request of the applicant for a 15’ street side setback is compliant with the requirements
of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed setback relief also establishes the front lot line as being
adjacent to Greenwood Avenue.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of Case BOA 23.05, with a 15’ setback variance on the western
property line abutting Patlynn Drive.
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Chairman Vira asked for confirmation that the front of the house faces Greenwood Avenue. Mr.
Jeffries confirmed. Mr. Baker asked if that was typical of the others that were done. Mr. Jeffries
explained that they are not all the corner of Greenwood Avenue, but they all follow the front
setback on Greenwood Avenue.
Paul Marcinko spoke on behalf of the owners, stating that he and the owners are available for any
questions.
Chairman Vira opened the public hearing at 5:16pm. Having no one present to speak, the public
hearing was closed at 5:16pm.
Motion:
Donna Cook made a motion to approve Case BOA 23.05.
Cathy Slagle seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
Aye: Anil Vira, Cathy Slagle, Frank Lamia, Ryan Baker, and Donna Cook.
Nay: None.
C. BOA 23.06 Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, S.E. Civil, on
behalf of the Owners, Stoic Equity Partners, LLC, for a special exception for indoor kennels
on property zoned M-1, Light Industrial District. The property is approximately 23,061 SF
and is located east of Greeno Road S and south of Nichols Ave Ext. PPIN#: 276903
Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Director, presented the case summary showing the aerial
of the vacant lot. A site plan of that property was approved a few years ago for storage that was
never built. Mr. Simmons shared a zoning map depicting the areas all around this lot being
residential. The proposed property is zoned M-1 which is intended to provide a suitable protected
environment for manufacturing, research and wholesale establishments which are clean, quiet and
free of hazardous or objectionable emissions, and general little industrial traffic. Industrial parks
should be encouraged. Locations should be in accordance with comprehensive plans. On July 25,
2022, the City Council amended the Zoning Ordinance to allow a Kennel or Animal Hospital in
the M-1 Zoning District as a use “Permitted only on appeal and subject to special conditions.” This
was not allowed ‘by right’ because some M-1 locations would not be suitable for a dog kennel,
especially those adjacent to residential zoned property. Restaurants have been allowed in the M-1
Zoning District, but also must appear at the Board of Adjustments meeting for approval. Mr.
Simmons shared the conceptual site plan for the kennels along with the City of Fairhope Municipal
Code that covers noise in residential districts and sound thresholds. The daytime threshold is 85
db(a) and the evening threshold is 50 db(a). Staff, working to be unbiased, used a 2018 article
titled, A Barking Matter: Reducing Noise in Pet Boarding and Daycare Centers, which states that
“A single dog barking can reach 80-90 decibels (there are dogs that can reach over 100dB). When
you have a group of dogs such as those in a kennel or daycare center, the typical noise level can
reach an alarming 115 decibels.” Georgia State created a calculator for estimating sound levels
with the inverse square law. When using that calculator, 320 feet was needed to drop 115 decibels
below 85 decibels. The City of Fairhope ordinances do not address a specific separation distance,
but Fort Worth, TX, requires a dog kennel to be at least 100’ from any residentially zoned property
and 300’ from any residential habitat. Staff used a 300’ buffer between the proposed dog kennel
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location and neighboring residential zoned property. There are 18 homes and 5 apartment buildings
within the buffer. Mr. Simmons stated that he spoke with the police department who field
complaint calls for The Haven.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of Case BOA 23.06 due to the incompatibility with adjacent properties.
Larry Smith, S.E. Civil, spoke on behalf of the Applicant. Mr. Smith stated that he and the
Applicant were looking for a property for the kennels and asked where it could be placed in the
City. He believes that the M-1 district is the proper place. Mr. Smith stated that his neighbor’s dog
barks all the time which should put them in violation of the ordinance. Mr. Smith continued that
the Applicant is cognizant of the surrounding homes and will have indoor kennels with an outside
play area for the dogs to use the bathroom. The kennel will have overnight boarding, but all the
dogs will be back inside by 7:00pm. Mr. Smith shared a proposal, that was prepared by the
Applicant, with the Board. Mr. Smith asked the Board if they are going to deny this proposal, to
please put some thought into where a kennel may be located within the City because there is a
need for one.
Frank Lamia stated that there is a big difference between one dog in a yard and a whole kennel.
Mr. Lamia stated that an appropriate place for a kennel is not in a neighborhood.
Mr. Simmons stated that Staff met with the Applicant to discuss some more appropriate locations.
Mr. Smith stated that the City of Fairhope has a very limited light industrial sector. He had a very
hard time finding a property that did not fall within the 300’ proximity to residential.
Ryan Baker asked whether the City had received any complaints about Bay Animal Hospital since
there is residential in that area also. He asked about how many decibels would get through the
walls of an indoor kennel. Mr. Simmons stated that there was a possible site that was discussed
with the Applicants within the same M-1 district which was a larger site that had some woods
nearby. There is also a property down by the airport. Mr. Simmons stated that a B-2 zoned area
would also work. Mr. Smith acknowledged the other properties, but with the kennel also being a
daycare, it may not be as good of a business model for it to be so far away. The Applicant is
working towards being more centralized.
Mr. Baker asked if the Board had to approve or deny today. Mr. Simmons stated yes. Staff has
also looked at ways to soundproof a building, but the outside portion of this application, causes
the noise level to be addressed. Mr. Lamia stated that since the property butts right up to residential,
he does not believe that there is a way to acoustically solve the problem.
Chairman Vira opened the public hearing at 5:35pm.
Eugene Levert, 116 Spring Park Drive, Vice-President of the HOA, stated that his neighborhood
backs up to the proposed project. He has a petition signed by 26 of the residents. He read a
paragraph from his petition. They are very concerned that the facility is being considered for this
space. They are opposed to the project and ask the Board to deny.
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Anthony Wonsick, 219 Hawthorne Circle, is on the Board of Hawthorne Glen. He stated that
everyone is his development is opposed to the project.
Randy Niemeyer, 216 Hawthorne Circle, represents the other portion of Hawthorne Glen. He
stated that there are 11 properties within 100’ of the project. He and the residents do not believe
this is the right spot and that there are other spots that could be used.
Frank Leatherberry, 12744 River Creek Drive, Belle Shain Kennels, stated that he has been in
Fairhope all his life. This Board did not approve his request several years ago. He was forced to
go out into the ETJ. His kennel does boarding, training and daycare, but his application was denied
for the same reasons that have been listed.
Ken Graves, 120 Reilly Circle, lives within 75’ of the property. This project is not suited for the
area. The brewery is the next street over and Hope Farms is across the street. These businesses
crank the music up very loud, and it is not suitable for dogs who can hear a pin drop. Some of the
properties are 15’ from an 8’ fence. He requests denial.
Bob Tarabella, 212 Grants Way, is the owner of the 2-story building immediately to the west of
the subject property. His office is approximately 10’ from this property. He loves the location that
his building is on and the zoning. His business does assembly and light manufacturing and had to
find an area that would be suitable. He took special consideration when building his business to be
good neighbors. The restaurants have invested money to make them look nice. He makes sure that
his work is complete by 3:30pm. He stated that just because you can put something in a certain
zone does not mean you should. He thinks that the City should be respectful of the residents that
are nearby, and he encourages the Board to deny the application.
The public hearing was closed at 5:43pm.
Chairman Vira stated that there were additional comments in the packages.
Motion:
Cathy Slagle made a motion to deny Case BOA 23.06.
Donna Cook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
Aye: Anil Vira, Cathy Slagle, Frank Lamia, Ryan Baker, and Donna Cook.
Nay: None.
Old/New Business
Chairman Vira asked if there were any items for the next meeting. Mr. Simmons answered that
there is one case.
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Adjournment
Ryan Baker made a motion to adjourn.
The motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
Aye: Anil Vira, Cathy Slagle, Frank Lamia, Ryan Baker, and Donna Cook.
Nay: None.
Adjourned at 5:44 p.m.
____________________________ ________________________
Anil Vira, Chairman Cindy Beaudreau, Secretary