1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:00,080 Eight. We appreciate everybody's patience as we make quorum. 2 00:00:06,680 --> 00:00:06,680 good evening. With quorum present. I will now call the meeting of the zoning board of Adjustment to order at 6:57 p.m.. 3 00:00:14,520 --> 00:00:18,240 the first item on our agenda is to call any visitors to speak to the board. Do we have anyone here who would like to address the board? 4 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:23,720 all right. Am I missing a part of kind of the 5 00:00:33,440 --> 00:00:33,440 preamble here? Because what I've got. So what I've got is just the 6 00:00:44,560 --> 00:00:44,560 this is about the the non you know, anything that's not a public hearing. 7 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:50,240 but then it goes to I think just. His opening remarks. 8 00:00:59,120 --> 00:00:59,120 a leaked. Well, it sounds like it addresses like the the non public. 9 00:01:07,320 --> 00:01:07,320 okay. Sure. If there are any, then please, before you speak, I will read a statement. 10 00:01:17,040 --> 00:01:17,040 please come forward. State your name and address. Okay. There's there's nothing with Regard to like the methodology with the cases and things like that. 11 00:01:35,480 --> 00:01:39,120 this right here, the methodology with respect to the cases. So the opening remarks that he typically reads that have I can look for them on my end, But I'm sorry. 12 00:02:00,230 --> 00:02:00,230 administration. 13 00:02:39,830 --> 00:02:39,830 all right. Sorry. After all this time, you'd think I would have memorized it. 14 00:02:47,070 --> 00:02:47,070 yeah, that's all right. So here's the written portion. 15 00:02:54,910 --> 00:02:54,910 so we have. Good evening. With the quorum, present the public comment portion scheduled The beginning before you speak on the statement. 16 00:03:01,590 --> 00:03:01,590 come forward. Say your name and address for the record. As our proceedings are recorded, Speakers asked for public comment cards. 17 00:03:08,910 --> 00:03:12,430 okay, so we. So that part I skip and that's when. That's the. Yeah. Ordinances. 18 00:03:39,070 --> 00:03:39,070 all right. Good evening. Now that we have a quorum present all over notes, I will I will now call the meeting of the zoning board of adjustment to order at 7:01 19 00:03:47,650 --> 00:03:47,650 p.m.. Our first item on our agenda is to call any visitors to speak to the board. 20 00:03:52,950 --> 00:03:52,950 do we have anyone who would like to address the board? All right. 21 00:03:57,830 --> 00:03:57,830 so this board meets to consider and act upon request for variances to the zoning Ordinances, 22 00:04:02,390 --> 00:04:02,390 ordinances of the city of richardson and appeals from a determination by an administrative Official in the enforcement of zoning ordinances. 23 00:04:09,750 --> 00:04:12,390 it derives its power from the state of texas. The board also hears and acts upon request for special exceptions to defense regulations. 24 00:04:17,030 --> 00:04:17,030 in the event that you wish to appeal a decision of the board, Your recourse is to file an action in the state district court within ten days following 25 00:04:23,070 --> 00:04:23,070 the date of the board's decision. The test, used to determine approval or denial is Whether a situation exists that is not created by you, 26 00:04:30,190 --> 00:04:30,190 which prevents you from using your property in the desired way, And that if the variance is not granted, 27 00:04:34,790 --> 00:04:34,790 will result in a hardship which the board considers unnecessary, Taking into account permissible factors. 28 00:04:41,030 --> 00:04:41,030 we are not permitted to grant a variance of the hardship is self-imposed, Or a failure to achieve the variance results only in an economic hardship, 29 00:04:48,310 --> 00:04:48,310 asking for a variance to ratify something that was already done or done in a manner that Circumvents the law might also be self-imposed. 30 00:04:54,980 --> 00:04:54,980 we also cannot grant a variance that is whimsical or interferes with the safety and Well-being of the community. Each case is divided into two parts. 31 00:05:02,140 --> 00:05:02,140 the first part is the presentation of the case by the city staff, And testimony and comments are taken from the proponents and the opponents of the request. 32 00:05:10,180 --> 00:05:10,180 the second part occurs in the members of the board discuss and consider motions as they Are made during the second part. 33 00:05:15,660 --> 00:05:15,660 no further data or information will be taken from the participants unless so requested by A board member. 34 00:05:20,860 --> 00:05:20,860 then the board board votes on the motion. A decision to grant or deny the motion or to Take other action concludes the case for this session. 35 00:05:30,060 --> 00:05:30,060 let's see. It is the intent of the board to give all interested parties a chance to speak. 36 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:37,500 each participant is cautioned, however, to confine his or her remarks to the specific Issues of the case. 37 00:05:42,860 --> 00:05:42,860 repetitive comments will be limited and unruly or disorderly conduct will not be permitted At any time during these proceedings. 38 00:05:50,180 --> 00:05:50,180 I would now like to introduce the representatives of the city and the members of the Board. Tina fergus, 39 00:05:55,140 --> 00:05:55,140 director of development services. Andrew bogda, Assistant director of development services planning. 40 00:06:00,220 --> 00:06:03,820 derrick peters, senior planner, and christine ross, Planner, two. And norma rosa, board secretary, who will be the recorder of the proceedings. 41 00:06:08,860 --> 00:06:12,460 board members are jason lemons, chair. Scott rooker, Vice chair. Moussa mata, alternate, and mohammad hafeez, Alternate. 42 00:06:15,900 --> 00:06:15,900 by law, at least four of the five voting members must approve a motion before the request Can be granted, 43 00:06:20,660 --> 00:06:20,660 and it should be noted that alternates will be voting on both both items tonight. 44 00:06:26,100 --> 00:06:26,100 since we we have a narrow narrow board. First item on the agenda we have is for the Approval of the minutes of the regular business meeting of march 18th, 45 00:06:35,540 --> 00:06:35,540 2026. Are any revisions needed or is there a motion to approve? 46 00:06:41,300 --> 00:06:41,300 I'll move to approve. All right. So mr. Mata moves to approve the minutes. 47 00:06:45,980 --> 00:06:45,980 I second it and mr. Hafiz moves to second. All in favor of the motion, Please say aye. 48 00:06:52,140 --> 00:06:52,140 aye aye. All opposed? And that motion carries unanimously. 49 00:06:56,340 --> 00:06:56,340 all right. Second item on the board today is or I guess it would be. 50 00:07:01,980 --> 00:07:01,980 the third item is the public hearing on sc 2601 or. 51 00:07:07,220 --> 00:07:10,220 no, that's that's actually that's the that's the minutes. Sorry. This is actually. No, it is 26. Yeah. It's variance. 52 00:07:15,620 --> 00:07:15,620 2601 v 2601. All right. All right. Thank you, Mr. 53 00:07:20,460 --> 00:07:20,460 peterson. This is a request for a variance to article four, Section four of the comprehensive code zoning ordinance to allow seven foot 54 00:07:30,340 --> 00:07:30,340 side yard setback in lieu of the required ten foot side yard setback on the northwest Property line at 1202 cheyenne place. 55 00:07:38,820 --> 00:07:38,820 the property and neighborhood is zoned r 1500 m residential in the neighborhood has been Developed with single family residential homes. 56 00:07:51,130 --> 00:07:51,130 the subject site is outlined in yellow. Here's a photo that was captured by google a few Years ago. 57 00:07:58,330 --> 00:07:58,330 the home was previously developed with the. The property was previously developed with the House you see in the picture on the top. 58 00:08:04,850 --> 00:08:04,850 in 2025, the house was demolished and today that property sits vacant. 59 00:08:12,890 --> 00:08:12,890 to give you some background, the original house on this property was developed in 1962. 60 00:08:18,490 --> 00:08:18,490 it was developed with a 3200 square foot house that adhered to the required side yard Setbacks. 61 00:08:25,490 --> 00:08:25,490 at the time, the house was built up to a 7.3ft side yard setback on the south east Property line and up to 26ft from the side yard setback on 62 00:08:35,530 --> 00:08:35,530 the north west property line. At the time, the minimum side yard setbacks were seven feet, 63 00:08:41,250 --> 00:08:41,250 so the the plane of the wall of the building of the house on the southeast side, As I mentioned, 64 00:08:48,490 --> 00:08:48,490 is up to 7.3ft on the northwest side. The house could have maximized more of the available Buildable area at the time. 65 00:08:57,970 --> 00:08:57,970 it could have been developed up to seven feet from that northwest property line. 66 00:09:02,450 --> 00:09:02,450 however, you see in the picture, the house was served by a j swing garage, And there is that larger gap between the northwest wall of the building and the 67 00:09:12,090 --> 00:09:12,090 northwest property line. The property was demolished in 2025. 68 00:09:20,170 --> 00:09:20,170 last year, as I mentioned, the applicant submitted building plans with the intent of Building a 4500 square foot new house on the property. 69 00:09:28,730 --> 00:09:28,730 the applicant designed the house, as you see here, With the yellow footprint on the southeast side, 70 00:09:34,530 --> 00:09:34,530 similar to what was developed before, the new house is going to be up to 7.3ft from the Southeast property line. 71 00:09:42,370 --> 00:09:42,370 that is allowed by right, because that matches the previous structures set back. 72 00:09:48,730 --> 00:09:48,730 however, on the northwest side, the house is also proposed to be built up to 7.3ft from The property line. 73 00:09:55,610 --> 00:09:55,610 today, the side yard setbacks are required to be ten feet, So the applicant is requesting a 2.7ft encroachment into 74 00:10:05,610 --> 00:10:05,610 the northwest property line. Again on the southeast with the green check here. 75 00:10:11,410 --> 00:10:15,370 down here on the right side. We are not considering that side yard setback. That is okay. It's more so the northwest that we are focused on to provide some more Background and history. 76 00:10:22,010 --> 00:10:22,010 in 1962, when the house was constructed, the required setbacks were seven feet on either Side. 77 00:10:28,370 --> 00:10:28,370 the house was built up to 7.3ft from the southeast side, And again 26ft from the northwest side. 78 00:10:34,170 --> 00:10:34,170 in 2004, the comprehensive zoning ordinance amended most of the single family residential Zoning districts to adjust the allowable allowed side yard 79 00:10:43,570 --> 00:10:43,570 setbacks. Now it is a tiered system with setbacks based on the range of the lot width, With the intent of allowing the buildable area to be more proportionate to lots 80 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:53,480 of different and varying widths. So this lot now has this requirement where lots are Created or combined. 81 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:04,160 so the resulting lot is 80ft or more in width. I'm sorry 80ft, but less than 120ft in width. 82 00:11:07,400 --> 00:11:10,240 the minimum side yard setback shall be ten feet. And we included the following exception the reconstruction of a single family dwelling on An existing platted lot of record may utilize the side setback established for the 83 00:11:20,120 --> 00:11:20,120 previous dwelling on that lot. However, in no instance shall the side setback be less than Seven feet in width, 84 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:26,920 nor less than the side setback of the previous dwelling. 85 00:11:32,680 --> 00:11:32,680 here's a comparison of the previous footprint shown in blue and then the new footprint Shown in orange. 86 00:11:42,680 --> 00:11:42,680 here's the applicant's justification. Going back to that reconstruction provision I just Read, 87 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:47,640 the applicant interpreted the provision as allowing the new home to match not only the Previous setback on the southeast side at 7.3, 88 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:58,920 but also to apply that to the northwest side. The applicant has stated this design is consistent with the historic site condition, Side yard conditions and aligns with the established character of the property and 89 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:06,600 neighborhood. The applicant has invested $50,000 in architectural plans based on this Interpretation. 90 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:16,920 also, they go on to say there is a physical property hardship. The law is not rectangular shaped, it is irregular, Has seven sides and it's located within a cul de sac, 91 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:23,640 which they say creates physical constraints that limit conventional building placement. 92 00:12:28,080 --> 00:12:28,080 also, this house is buffered by two creeks in the rear that encumber the property, Which the applicant says creates significant floodplain restrictions that reduce the 93 00:12:37,240 --> 00:12:37,240 buildable area. So taking a look at that last comment in the floodplain comment, Staff took a look at the floodplain 94 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:50,760 that runs along the east and west side of that creek. So we took a look at the homes that are on the same side of the block on cheyenne drive, As well as homes on waterview drive, 95 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:56,760 which are on the east side of the creek, and staff evaluated how much of their each Respective lot is encumbered by floodplain. 96 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:05,400 what we found was, of 49 properties, this ranks 18th and most encumbered. 97 00:13:10,440 --> 00:13:10,440 it is encumbered by approximately 3,538% of fema mapped floodplain area, And that covers both the creeks that converge in the back of the property. 98 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:21,480 the average encumbrance for all 49 lots was 38%, And the subject lot is also at 38% encumbrance. 99 00:13:29,640 --> 00:13:29,640 we focused in on similar cul de sac type lots in this development. 100 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:33,720 so ten of those are highlighted here. Of the ten, There are six that are more encumbered than the subject lot. 101 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:39,480 the average encumbrance for these is 48. Again, The subject law is encumbered by 38% floodplain. 102 00:13:47,760 --> 00:13:50,160 we also took a look at the net buildable area. We applied the side yard, front yard and rear yard setbacks and the floodplain and found That the calculated buildable area is 103 00:13:59,520 --> 00:13:59,520 11,800ft² of buildable area within the allowed building envelope, And that's shown in orange here. 104 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:10,600 to summarize our analysis, the r 1500 m zoning district requires properties to be a Minimum of 1500ft². 105 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:17,520 this property has previously been developed with a 3200 square foot house, And assuming a new single story house, 106 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:24,120 an attached two car garage is constructed. We found the calculated area of 11,829ft² of Buildable area is greater than the minimum requirements needed to 107 00:14:33,920 --> 00:14:33,920 construct a 1500 square foot house. As such, The property can be developed in a manner commensurate with other parcels in the same 108 00:14:40,710 --> 00:14:40,710 zoning district, and staff has determined that the property does not exhibit a hardship Related to its physical characteristics that would limit its reasonable use. 109 00:14:53,150 --> 00:14:53,150 as a reminder, these are the five criteria issued by the state texas local government code As grounds to determine whether compliance would result in unnecessary 110 00:15:02,510 --> 00:15:02,510 hardship. The board may authorize a variance if the variance is not contrary to public Interest and due to special conditions, 111 00:15:09,790 --> 00:15:09,790 a literal enforcement of ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship. And so the spirit Of the ordinance was observed and substantial justice is done. 112 00:15:17,830 --> 00:15:17,830 I'm going to go through each of these five to say what staff found. 113 00:15:22,270 --> 00:15:22,270 and as a reminder, in this case, compliance means the applicant would build up to the ten Foot side yard setback and no further. 114 00:15:31,790 --> 00:15:31,790 so first we found the financial costs of compliance does not exceed 50% of the value of The structure compliance would not result in a loss to the developable 115 00:15:41,590 --> 00:15:41,590 area of the property. Compliance would not result in the structure. 116 00:15:45,710 --> 00:15:45,710 being non-compliant with any other code. Compliance would not impact adjacent properties Or easements, 117 00:15:51,790 --> 00:15:51,790 and the encroachment is not necessary to bring a non-conforming structure into compliance. 118 00:15:59,910 --> 00:15:59,910 and finally, for those reasons I mentioned, based on the information provided by the Applicant applicant, 119 00:16:05,430 --> 00:16:05,430 applicable codes and ordinances, it is staff's opinion that a physical property hardship Does not exist and the request should therefore be denied. 120 00:16:13,230 --> 00:16:13,230 and this was a public hearing and we have not received any response from the public in Response to the request. 121 00:16:19,270 --> 00:16:21,830 and that concludes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have any questions for miss peters at this time? 122 00:16:25,510 --> 00:16:25,510 mr. Rucker? So going back to the exception section for f1d reconstruction of a single Property dwelling on existing platted 123 00:16:35,270 --> 00:16:35,270 lot. Your record may utilize a side setback established for the previous. 124 00:16:40,310 --> 00:16:40,310 dwelling on that lot. However, in no instance shall the side setback be less than seven Feet in width, 125 00:16:46,150 --> 00:16:46,150 nor less than the side setback of the previous dwelling. 126 00:16:51,110 --> 00:16:51,110 so is it. The second half of that underline is what the issue is. 127 00:16:55,830 --> 00:16:55,830 because they built the the side was 26ft. That's right. 128 00:17:00,950 --> 00:17:00,950 that's how we would interpret that part of the code. So they could either they could still Go up to ten feet though that is still allowed, 129 00:17:11,270 --> 00:17:11,270 but they would not be able to go any more than less than seven is what that's saying. 130 00:17:26,630 --> 00:17:26,630 so where it is now is with the proposed setback 7.3. 131 00:17:35,620 --> 00:17:35,620 yes. So you're saying they'd still be? If that was a seven foot setback on the northwest, They'd still be not in compliance. 132 00:17:45,180 --> 00:17:45,180 am I getting these numbers correct or no? I'm not sure I understand the question. 133 00:17:52,300 --> 00:17:52,300 so this property, they're allowed to go to exhibit two here, But they can't. 134 00:17:58,100 --> 00:18:01,500 they can only go ten foot, but previously they go seven. Yeah. Previously. Correct. So the the ordinance was acknowledging that previously they Could have built to seven 135 00:18:11,480 --> 00:18:15,100 feet when the setbacks were seven feet at that time. But since the zoning changed, the setbacks are now ten feet. 136 00:18:19,980 --> 00:18:19,980 and but there was the exception that was allowed to be able to go less than ten feet, But not less than what was previously built. 137 00:18:28,540 --> 00:18:28,540 so in this case, from that northwest property line, The. 138 00:18:33,580 --> 00:18:33,580 the prior house was actually 26ft off of the property line. 139 00:18:39,580 --> 00:18:43,300 they're allowed to now go up to the ten foot setback line. If that northwest side of the house was originally constructed where it was something less Than ten feet, 140 00:18:49,820 --> 00:18:49,820 let's say it was maybe built at five feet. The ordinances acknowledge that will. 141 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:54,300 now, today you can only go to seven. So it's if. 142 00:18:59,020 --> 00:18:59,020 and correct me if I'm wrong. But it's my understanding in our application of the Ordinance, 143 00:19:04,860 --> 00:19:08,740 there was acknowledgment of where the prior house used to sit. If the prior house was non-compliant with the zoning requirements that exist today, That prior house on that northwest property line, 144 00:19:17,620 --> 00:19:21,100 it complied because it was 26ft off the property line. But now that that house has been torn down, the new owner is trying to maximize their Buildable area, 145 00:19:26,620 --> 00:19:26,620 which is understandable. But because the zoning setback is today, Now ten feet, that's what they're having to comply with. 146 00:19:33,340 --> 00:19:33,340 so they're they're asking for similar relief on that northwest property line to be 7.3ft Off to match what they had on the other. 147 00:19:41,500 --> 00:19:41,500 because it's as I understand it, their understanding was because they had a seven foot Three setback established on one side that that applied to all of the property lines. 148 00:19:51,140 --> 00:19:51,140 but but that's not the case. So if the previous house was not built to 7.3 on that south East side, 149 00:20:02,260 --> 00:20:02,260 the southeast side is compliant the way it's designed because it's seven feet, Right? 150 00:20:08,500 --> 00:20:08,500 because would it be ten if it was less the the prior house was built at that reduced Setback. 151 00:20:16,020 --> 00:20:16,020 and so it was that house could have been set back at seven feet originally when it was Constructed back in the day, 152 00:20:23,860 --> 00:20:23,860 it was actually set at 7.3ft. So the property owner today is holding that 7.3ft setback That was allowed for because 153 00:20:33,770 --> 00:20:33,770 they're reconstructing the house. But that 7.3 setback only applies to that southeast Property line. 154 00:20:39,930 --> 00:20:39,930 but would it now be ten feet? It would normally be ten feet if if there was no house on The property previously, 155 00:20:48,970 --> 00:20:48,970 and it was just a vacant tract of land and somebody created this lot, They would have a ten foot side yard setback on the southwest side and or excuse me, 156 00:20:56,250 --> 00:20:56,250 on the southeast side and the northwest side. That's what it is today. That's what I'm Getting. So because the previous house was built up to the side, 157 00:21:04,450 --> 00:21:04,450 you utilize the 7.3. They are allowed to go to 7.3 from that property line only. 158 00:21:11,650 --> 00:21:11,650 and because the dwelling did not extend to 7.3 on the northwest side. 159 00:21:17,130 --> 00:21:17,130 you're saying they get ten feet today just because of the dwelling. 160 00:21:22,530 --> 00:21:22,530 correct. So. Yes. Because the the previous house did not maximize their buildable area That was. 161 00:21:31,890 --> 00:21:31,890 that they could have potentially when that house was originally constructed. So now that That house has been torn down. 162 00:21:38,770 --> 00:21:42,290 the setback that they have to comply with is ten feet. So they could they can still maximize their building area up to ten feet. 163 00:21:45,490 --> 00:21:45,490 previously, the old house was at 26ft. But now they can go up to ten feet because that's The setback that is required today. 164 00:21:53,130 --> 00:21:53,130 I know it's confusing. Yeah. I mean just the last portion that says no less than the side Setback of the previous dwelling. 165 00:22:02,130 --> 00:22:02,130 I mean, the side setback of the previous dwelling was seven feet. 166 00:22:06,530 --> 00:22:06,530 it was seven feet on the southeast side, but not the northwest side. 167 00:22:11,490 --> 00:22:14,050 it wasn't seven feet, not on the northwest side. What was it? It was 26ft. That was the. Okay. 168 00:22:18,090 --> 00:22:18,090 hold on. I'm trying to establish 26ft. Was the required setback in 1962. 169 00:22:23,450 --> 00:22:27,130 no, it was seven feet. Right. That's what I'm getting at. But because the house, but because the house wasn't built to that seven foot side yard Setback, 170 00:22:33,170 --> 00:22:33,170 it was actually built 26ft. So the ordinance is not a not allowing them to go back and use An old setback that is no longer available today. 171 00:22:43,690 --> 00:22:43,690 I guess the question that I would have, because I think this is the same question I would Have, 172 00:22:47,850 --> 00:22:47,850 is the way it reads. It says platted lot of record may utilize a side setback established For the previous dwelling on that lot. 173 00:22:55,410 --> 00:22:55,410 and to me, not a lawyer. It reads to me that that side setback would have been seven feet Back then. 174 00:23:03,530 --> 00:23:03,530 but I guess I don't understand what the the legal term established means here. 175 00:23:08,570 --> 00:23:11,130 are you guys saying that established would mean anything? That is that the house was presently constructed, Constructed at that. 176 00:23:15,890 --> 00:23:19,450 that would be what the what is established for that. Yeah. The setback was established with the dwelling is essentially what that what the Ordinance is trying to say. 177 00:23:25,330 --> 00:23:25,330 well, I mean, the side setback was established for the city ordinance. 178 00:23:29,480 --> 00:23:29,480 that's not the dwelling. And I agree with scott on that. 179 00:23:33,720 --> 00:23:33,720 that's that's why I'm just trying to make sure I understand what established means. You Have two phrases setback established for the previous dwelling on that lot. 180 00:23:42,320 --> 00:23:42,320 and then you say side setback of the previous dwelling. 181 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:46,920 use the same phrase twice. But you're saying the first phrase. 182 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:51,680 well, you know, it's just it's not that I don't think this is poorly written. 183 00:23:58,920 --> 00:23:58,920 it's a I think you have conflicting meanings. 184 00:24:03,960 --> 00:24:03,960 is there a way to pull the full language of that portion, Just to see if there's any additional context that we can glean? 185 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:12,960 that's, that's really it from, I guess I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that a Dwelling can dictate a side setback. 186 00:24:24,320 --> 00:24:24,320 that's where I can't. I can't wrap my head around that. 187 00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:29,400 I believe so. The intent was that because you had homes that were built in the Neighborhood and the existing homes that are there set the 188 00:24:39,960 --> 00:24:39,960 the character of the neighborhood, and they were compliant with the setbacks that were in Place at that time. 189 00:24:46,240 --> 00:24:46,240 when we changed the rules, there was probably some concern that the ten foot setback Requirement might make some structures non-conforming. 190 00:24:55,120 --> 00:24:55,120 and so the ordinance was trying to acknowledge then that it's that the existing house was, 191 00:25:05,560 --> 00:25:07,880 if remaining, was allowed to have that encroachment. So on the the southwest, excuse me, the southeast side the fact that it was built at 7.3ft, 192 00:25:16,080 --> 00:25:16,080 you know, it complied the day it was built. But the city came by later on and changed the Rules and made it a more restrictive setback. 193 00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:22,880 and so you have a non-compliant, a non-conforming situation there. 194 00:25:26,960 --> 00:25:26,960 but I think what the writers of the code were trying to achieve was, Okay, we will allow for a home to be replaced on this property, 195 00:25:35,040 --> 00:25:35,040 understanding that that prior residence was built at a lesser setback. 196 00:25:39,760 --> 00:25:39,760 so they weren't going to penalize the property owner for tearing down their prior home and Being able to build new utilizing a setback that was 197 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:49,640 less than ten feet. So if we had that same situation prior to the home being torn down on That northwest property line, 198 00:25:59,360 --> 00:26:01,920 they could have taken advantage of a reduced setback. But because that prior dwelling was constructed at a 26 foot setback off of there, It was compliant at the time, 199 00:26:09,360 --> 00:26:12,240 and it was compliant even after the rules changed. So hence why now they have to follow the building setback that is in place in accordance With the zoning being the ten feet. 200 00:26:30,870 --> 00:26:30,870 and I wanted to also point out to you that we did check with with some more tenured staff That have been here longer and confirmed that we 201 00:26:40,790 --> 00:26:40,790 have historically applied this provision to the non-conforming side. 202 00:26:48,310 --> 00:26:48,310 we have, you know, not granted, we have not extended that relief to the conforming side of The house. 203 00:26:55,870 --> 00:26:55,870 so basically, a setback line is tied in to whatever direction, You know, whatever side it is, 204 00:27:00,830 --> 00:27:00,830 you can't pull it over to the other side. Well, Now that would make sense if it was now legally non-conforming because it was at the 205 00:27:09,110 --> 00:27:09,110 dwelling was at seven. They're not going to penalize you if it's now over. 206 00:27:14,110 --> 00:27:14,110 but I guess I don't understand the the opposite of that. 207 00:27:21,990 --> 00:27:21,990 if the intent was to allow for a non-conforming structure, I don't know how you can move 208 00:27:32,510 --> 00:27:32,510 a setback line. I just I'm having a hard time. 209 00:27:38,030 --> 00:27:38,030 yeah. Because it recognized the nonconformity on the southeast side. 210 00:27:44,030 --> 00:27:44,030 and so it was allowing for the house to be rebuilt. 211 00:27:50,910 --> 00:27:50,910 especially so for example, if like the structure was damaged, Had to, you know you know, it had a fire got struck by lightning, 212 00:27:59,070 --> 00:27:59,070 whatever the case might be, it was allowing, Recognizing, allowing the structure to be built back to. 213 00:28:04,590 --> 00:28:07,790 yeah. That compliance. So that's why that side is still allowed. And I think also trying to be respectful of the existing character within the Neighborhood. 214 00:28:14,310 --> 00:28:14,310 if the northwest side of the house was non-conforming, Where it was built at something less than a ten foot setback. 215 00:28:23,830 --> 00:28:23,830 then they would be able to take advantage of that, As long as it wasn't anything less than seven feet because of the language that's in the 216 00:28:30,750 --> 00:28:30,750 ordinance on the reconstruction provision. The challenge is that northwest side of the House was more than satisfactorily compliant with the 217 00:28:40,350 --> 00:28:40,350 setbacks that were in place. And so that's why we're saying the ordinance allows you now To go up to the ten foot setback if you wanted to maximize that. 218 00:28:49,470 --> 00:28:49,470 but you can't encroach anymore into that. Like what? 219 00:28:55,350 --> 00:28:55,350 because what was happening on the northwest side of the house is a different condition Than what was happening on the southeast side of the house. And, 220 00:29:02,390 --> 00:29:02,390 and if I understand correctly, I think what he's getting at is hindsight being 2020, Is that at any time before 2004, 221 00:29:10,390 --> 00:29:10,390 when the, when the co was changed, they could have you know, They could have added on, on that side of the property up to seven feet, 222 00:29:18,500 --> 00:29:18,500 and then we probably wouldn't be here today. But because that never happened. 223 00:29:23,700 --> 00:29:27,140 and it is it's a little it's a little hard to swallow. I understand that part. Chair lemons. You are correct. 224 00:29:30,100 --> 00:29:30,100 thank you. You have side setback? No. Nor less than the side setback. 225 00:29:42,780 --> 00:29:42,780 the side setback of the previous dwelling was seven feet. 226 00:29:49,540 --> 00:29:49,540 wasn't 26. The side setback for that previous dwelling was seven feet on either side. 227 00:30:00,540 --> 00:30:00,540 pre 2004. Yeah yeah yeah. I think it says no less than seven feet or less than the side Setback of the previous dwelling. 228 00:30:09,980 --> 00:30:09,980 the side setback as defined for the previous dwelling was seven feet. 229 00:30:19,780 --> 00:30:23,380 again, that's the way it reads to me, is the side setback was established. And to me, when I read it the first time, it sounded like the side setback was seven foot. 230 00:30:29,220 --> 00:30:29,220 and I understanding that when you're defining established as what the previous home was On. 231 00:30:34,260 --> 00:30:34,260 but then I think to scott's point, the side setback wasn't 26ft, It was seven feet at the time. 232 00:30:40,780 --> 00:30:40,780 and so I'm just trying to I guess I'm trying to understand it too, Because if I was reading it just like this, 233 00:30:45,380 --> 00:30:45,380 I think I would have fell into the same trap for seven foot on both sides again, As a non-lawyer. 234 00:30:59,740 --> 00:30:59,740 could I understand your point that if establishes is defined as what the construction was, 235 00:31:04,340 --> 00:31:04,340 then yes, but how would they know that? By just reading this. 236 00:31:08,380 --> 00:31:08,380 I guess my question, I don't know if that's in the purview of our what we're supposed to Be doing here, 237 00:31:12,820 --> 00:31:12,820 but it just sounds like that's where the confusion would be. 238 00:31:18,540 --> 00:31:18,540 well, but I think the other thing that we have to keep in mind is that the ceo was changed In 2004, 239 00:31:25,060 --> 00:31:27,980 and that kind of reconfigured everything. I agree. But the way it is written is not nor less than the side setback of the previous dwelling. 240 00:31:37,820 --> 00:31:37,820 the side setback of the previous dwelling was seven feet. 241 00:31:44,340 --> 00:31:44,340 yeah. This was changed in 2004, but that was four f one. 242 00:31:49,500 --> 00:31:49,500 d was part of the co right to to to give relief to anybody who had a home that was seven Foot setback. 243 00:31:56,700 --> 00:31:56,700 and maybe their purpose was that just existing properties would be at seven feet and People weren't going to like if someone had to rebuild their home, 244 00:32:05,100 --> 00:32:05,100 they would just build on the same footprint of their, The home that was there before. 245 00:32:09,940 --> 00:32:09,940 but I don't know, the way that it reads to me is seven foot would be the setback. 246 00:32:18,260 --> 00:32:18,260 but in order to exercise that, it made it contingent on actually building out to that, To that area. 247 00:32:23,820 --> 00:32:23,820 you know, prior to 2004. Yeah. And I just don't see that in the in what's written there. 248 00:32:29,660 --> 00:32:32,180 I'll tell you what, just to keep things moving. If we don't have any other questions for, for city staff, This would be a good point for us to allow the applicant to speak on this as well. 249 00:32:40,100 --> 00:32:43,860 so do you have any other questions? No. Just digest this. Okay. All right. Thank you, miss peters. Thank you. 250 00:32:47,540 --> 00:32:50,340 all right. At this time. So this is a public hearing. And at this time I would invite the applicant to come forward to present their case. Just Remember, 251 00:32:54,540 --> 00:32:54,540 before you speak, provide your name and address for the record and then tell us about your Case. 252 00:33:03,220 --> 00:33:03,220 thank you for having me. Tim cahill 1202. Cheyenne place or aspiring to that location Currently? 253 00:33:12,010 --> 00:33:15,490 oh. Oh, yeah. Sorry. We actually have something else that we do. We. We swear in our witnesses now. I wing it. 254 00:33:22,490 --> 00:33:22,490 oh. Is it? Let me see. I don't know that I have that. 255 00:33:27,970 --> 00:33:27,970 thank you. All right, so at this time, we are we are calling the applicant to speak for The property located at, 256 00:33:36,850 --> 00:33:36,850 what is it? 12021202 cheyenne. Thank you, thank you. 257 00:33:43,130 --> 00:33:43,130 so we're actually we ask any witness who wishes to speak on this to, To testify before, but who will be testifying to be sworn in beforehand. 258 00:33:51,290 --> 00:33:54,610 so you've already introduced yourself and at this time. Do you swear that the testimony you will give before this commission today to be the Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. 259 00:34:00,610 --> 00:34:00,610 all right. You may get started. Thank you. Thank you so much. 260 00:34:05,170 --> 00:34:05,170 I have some points that I'd like to get to, but I think the debate that ensued is exactly The primary point that that we struggled with was the interpretation of a 261 00:34:14,650 --> 00:34:14,650 previous precedent, setting a setback that would apply to the lot. 262 00:34:18,730 --> 00:34:18,730 and so architect presumably not presumably did move forward accordingly. 263 00:34:23,090 --> 00:34:23,090 and there's a couple other exhibits where it shows additional complexities to the lot. 264 00:34:28,330 --> 00:34:28,330 sure. I think looking at each of these in a silo, For example, the floodway cover or the the flood plain coverage a cul de sac. 265 00:34:37,930 --> 00:34:37,930 any of those elements individually are understandable if you compare them in a silo. 266 00:34:42,930 --> 00:34:42,930 you know, there's not as much of an anomaly. But if you look at them in concert, There are unique anomalies. 267 00:34:48,850 --> 00:34:48,850 for example, the back corner of the lot has kind of an l shape that pushes the rear build Line up. 268 00:34:54,890 --> 00:34:54,890 yeah, there you go. So the rear build line with the blue arrow is moves that up. 269 00:35:00,610 --> 00:35:00,610 additionally, you can see the unique orientation of the lot relative to the cul de sac is Not square, 270 00:35:05,410 --> 00:35:09,130 as in most of the other sites that were presented. All had more of a true wedge shape off of those angles. 271 00:35:12,010 --> 00:35:14,450 and so that creates an additional complexity. And as with regard to the historical setbacks in the orientation of the home, I think there are conditions today that are different than were 272 00:35:24,170 --> 00:35:24,170 then. And so I'm going to appeal to you on the basis of the beauty of our city. 273 00:35:28,410 --> 00:35:28,410 there are several giant live oak trees in the front yard that we desperately want to Preserve as many. 274 00:35:34,890 --> 00:35:34,890 there's five in total, and there are over 65 years old, According to the original owner who planted them at the time of the home being built. 275 00:35:43,130 --> 00:35:43,130 and so they come along the driveway on the left side. I don't know if this exhibit shows It, but we're that little j. 276 00:35:48,450 --> 00:35:48,450 can I, can I approach that to show? Okay, so here's a picture if you can go back. 277 00:35:56,610 --> 00:35:56,610 so from the driveway up through this area, it's about right in that shape. 278 00:36:01,890 --> 00:36:01,890 there are giant trees along that. And then the two others right here. 279 00:36:06,130 --> 00:36:06,130 and so it basically runs along here. There's additional complexity because of the power Pole right here as in the picture. 280 00:36:16,520 --> 00:36:16,520 if you go back to that yes, there's a power pole here. 281 00:36:21,760 --> 00:36:21,760 so while you presumably could put a drive in there as complexity, These systems and so forth. 282 00:36:28,440 --> 00:36:28,440 so I think the options thank you. Since we're recording. 283 00:36:37,200 --> 00:36:37,200 I'm sorry. Oh, great. Okay. Thank you. So the options for where the driveway is located is Complex. 284 00:36:46,280 --> 00:36:46,280 and then even once you are inside the lot. Let's see if I can do some of this. 285 00:36:51,520 --> 00:36:51,520 oh, maybe the wrong way. Sorry. First time presentation here at the variance meeting. 286 00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:56,000 so thank you for having me. Great. But even we lived there for ten years. 287 00:37:01,440 --> 00:37:01,440 this is our home. We tore it down with the intent we bought with this long term vision by Experience, 288 00:37:06,160 --> 00:37:06,160 driving up that driveway and turning into the house 26ft may feel like a lot, But it really is a very tight squeeze for an 87 point turn to get back out of that. 289 00:37:15,120 --> 00:37:15,120 and so in an effort to have a more true pull in and pull out scenario, Preserving the trees complexity of the angles of the lot with the rear setbacks pushing 290 00:37:25,120 --> 00:37:25,120 the house up, all these things came into effect for just the practical use of it. 291 00:37:30,120 --> 00:37:30,120 so again, the original presentation with in a silo, These unique variables in and of themselves when compared, 292 00:37:37,120 --> 00:37:37,120 there's a basis for all of those. I think having having validity. 293 00:37:41,800 --> 00:37:41,800 the one other thing that I'd like to call attention to here. 294 00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:46,400 so this 40 foot setback from the front yard, One of the things we did, we did inquire on the setback situation in the beginning, 295 00:37:54,680 --> 00:37:54,680 and it says if it's an 80 foot lot or less measured at the setback, It qualifies as 80 foot 296 00:38:04,520 --> 00:38:04,520 life beyond the setback. It clearly, if you have a ruler clearly goes beyond that. 297 00:38:09,760 --> 00:38:09,760 but at the setback line, if you measure exactly from that point to this point, It is under 80ft. 298 00:38:18,880 --> 00:38:18,880 they declined. They didn't decline. We were not told that that is measured based on the Arch. 299 00:38:24,120 --> 00:38:24,120 so it's actually the radius that's measured for that distance to qualify 80 foot versus The 120 foot kind of window. 300 00:38:33,240 --> 00:38:33,240 so again, with the interpretation of the rule, The setback we designed accordingly with the interpretation of that not being made clear, 301 00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:39,800 the complexity of all these variables collectively is the basis for my primary appeal. 302 00:38:46,720 --> 00:38:46,720 and so I'd like to take those things into account, But really the practical preservation of the beauty and the access and egress of the 303 00:38:55,640 --> 00:38:58,400 vehicles is really what we took into account. And so why not just shift the house or twist the house? 304 00:39:01,040 --> 00:39:03,950 well, it doesn't allow it for the all the complexity. It's not a square lot. We can't just pivot the house the way that it's now been designed. 305 00:39:08,230 --> 00:39:08,230 we'd have to go back and redesign it after significant investment. 306 00:39:14,150 --> 00:39:14,150 and so what we're left with is a garage that truly won't house two vehicles. 307 00:39:18,790 --> 00:39:18,790 now it's a two car garage. And so I don't have a presentation here that I can present to You. 308 00:39:26,430 --> 00:39:26,430 but if I can find maybe the. Plan, you can see where the red and the blue line are Basically between that is 309 00:39:35,950 --> 00:39:35,950 approximately ten feet. So we're basically just going to have to dog ear our garage, Which prohibits two vehicles from being able to pull in to the garage. 310 00:39:44,350 --> 00:39:44,350 the left vehicle or the one closest to the property line would basically hit the wall. 311 00:39:48,830 --> 00:39:48,830 and so in order to avoid redesigning the whole house, Which has, if you've done that before, 312 00:39:54,030 --> 00:39:57,190 significant implications, we're required to cut that. And so it limits our garage space. Again, I don't know that there's one thing that's like, 313 00:40:02,750 --> 00:40:02,750 hey, this is the thing other than maybe the complexity of how the rule was interpreted by Our architect, 314 00:40:07,270 --> 00:40:07,270 which is similar to to the debate earlier, but the complexity of the trees, The angle of the lot, 315 00:40:12,550 --> 00:40:12,550 the uniqueness of the l shape in the back that pushes the 40 foot setback up, The confusion around the width of the lot and where that starts, 316 00:40:19,750 --> 00:40:19,750 and how that's truly measured, and the historical setback being 7.3ft, Which we accommodated, 317 00:40:26,670 --> 00:40:26,670 obviously, by based on that interpretation, there's a collective appeal to that to request Your approval. 318 00:40:35,590 --> 00:40:35,590 and so maybe I rest my case, I don't know. Questions. 319 00:40:40,070 --> 00:40:40,070 well done. Do we have any questions for the applicant at this time? I guess I'll ask one. 320 00:40:46,590 --> 00:40:46,590 I think you've already kind of addressed this, But I mean, have you considered other layouts that maybe go a little further back into the 321 00:40:53,790 --> 00:40:53,790 lot or. I mean, I know garage space and correct me if I'm wrong, But the garage will be kind of front facing at this point, 322 00:41:00,910 --> 00:41:04,430 is that correct? I mean, you tell me. But yes, More or less. Yeah. Yeah. I would say one of the issues here is not only this setback, But there's also additionally a flood plain. 323 00:41:12,790 --> 00:41:15,630 I'm still struggling to get floodway floodplain correct. But there is also a flood plain situation in there that that also impacts just like just Shift the house back or pivot it. 324 00:41:23,590 --> 00:41:23,590 we've legitimately vetted those options. Otherwise we would not have we would not be here. 325 00:41:27,830 --> 00:41:27,830 okay. And then can you use the pointer just to pinpoint where those where those mature Trees are? 326 00:41:34,190 --> 00:41:34,190 yes. They start literally kind of in that little, That pocket right there. 327 00:41:42,030 --> 00:41:45,390 and they run along this driveway up to the front of the road. And then there are two more over over on this side, But there's three and they're almost four feet trunks that run along this, 328 00:41:53,470 --> 00:41:53,470 this line here. And so there would be access maybe be there to go into the lot, But 329 00:42:03,420 --> 00:42:03,420 it creates just challenges within that with being able to build an efficient house. 330 00:42:09,020 --> 00:42:09,020 you've got all these wings, and the h shape of the previous house was horribly Inefficient. 331 00:42:14,580 --> 00:42:14,580 and we it was it was really tough. So that's kind of maybe the alternative is doing that, But then you're building an inefficient house and then you debate on beauty. 332 00:42:23,860 --> 00:42:23,860 but I guess all those are matters of opinion. 333 00:42:29,300 --> 00:42:33,060 sure, sure. Is that kind of answer your. No, No, it's a good answer. Yeah. Okay. No, I understand. So we're trying to maintain the existing driveway that's There. Obviously, the roots have grown around it, and we can put something back there that 334 00:42:40,860 --> 00:42:40,860 won't negatively affect those trees. Otherwise, We're going to be getting the root systems and we just want to preserve them, frankly. Any 335 00:42:49,260 --> 00:42:49,260 other questions? All right. Well you're welcome to to have a seat. 336 00:42:54,140 --> 00:42:54,140 sit tight. We may have additional questions as we as we consider things. 337 00:42:58,220 --> 00:42:58,220 is there anyone else who wishes to speak here in favor of this request? 338 00:43:03,180 --> 00:43:03,180 don't think so. Does anybody wish to speak? If so, I probably should have sworn yet. 339 00:43:07,300 --> 00:43:07,300 but is there anyone who wishes to speak in opposition to this request? 340 00:43:11,740 --> 00:43:11,740 all right. Well, go ahead and have a seat. And we are going to deliberate on this a little Bit. 341 00:43:19,100 --> 00:43:19,100 we may have additional questions for you. So thank you. 342 00:43:23,140 --> 00:43:26,220 all right. So it does not appear that there are any any. There is anyone else who wishes to speak in favor or against this request. 343 00:43:29,500 --> 00:43:29,500 so I'm going to close the public hearing now, Open this up to deliberations and possible motion. 344 00:43:36,580 --> 00:43:36,580 mr. Rooker. So if the house in 1962 or whatever was built like this. 345 00:43:45,580 --> 00:43:49,580 yes, it could go back to their side yard setbacks, Correct. To the seven. Correct. 7.3 but because it was built to a 26 foot. 346 00:43:58,980 --> 00:43:58,980 yeah. It now needs to go to ten, right? That's only because the way it was built. 347 00:44:07,620 --> 00:44:07,620 right. So the interpretation of that last part is no less than the side setback of the Previous dwelling. 348 00:44:16,700 --> 00:44:16,700 so that'd be 26ft. 349 00:44:27,020 --> 00:44:27,020 so why is it not just 26ft? Why can they build the ten? 350 00:44:36,300 --> 00:44:36,300 if we're establishing that the side setback is now 26, They're allowed to go up to ten feet based on provision 351 00:44:45,340 --> 00:44:45,340 f1b the provision d provides that relief valve for the 352 00:44:54,930 --> 00:44:54,930 non-conforming side of the house. Does a provision f1b establish the setback currently as Ten foot? 353 00:45:05,090 --> 00:45:05,090 yes. So I guess the question becomes what provision established a seven foot before and What. 354 00:45:11,970 --> 00:45:11,970 because that established would mean that that ten foot that that f14f1b establishes that Ten foot. 355 00:45:21,530 --> 00:45:21,530 then the way that it reads is the setback was established before at seven feet. 356 00:45:27,610 --> 00:45:27,610 now that I guess it doesn't really make it clear. 357 00:45:32,770 --> 00:45:32,770 and again, I don't know if we're talking about something that doesn't really matter on What we're voting on, but I feel like it doesn't really make it clear that that new 358 00:45:41,850 --> 00:45:45,610 setback was established at ten feet because there was no building there. It just says the side side setback established because the setback is there, Regardless of whether you have a building there. 359 00:45:52,890 --> 00:45:52,890 am I correct in that? Because like, if my house is 20ft away from my side setback, My side setback would still be ten foot. 360 00:46:00,210 --> 00:46:00,210 is that correct in my understanding? Yeah. No, That's typically how setbacks are. 361 00:46:04,850 --> 00:46:04,850 they're they're the requirements that are built in and allow you to go up to certain Distance on, 362 00:46:11,090 --> 00:46:11,090 on either side. But I think in provision d how it's worded, It says the side setback established for the 363 00:46:20,970 --> 00:46:20,970 previous dwelling on that lot. So that's where it gets into the dwelling, Establishing 364 00:46:30,730 --> 00:46:30,730 a setback that may have been less than what was than what would have than what is required Today. 365 00:46:39,010 --> 00:46:39,010 yeah. I was just kind of your question about the 26 foot got me thinking. 366 00:46:44,770 --> 00:46:44,770 I think probably when this code was crafted, The authors were not thinking of houses that had 367 00:46:55,570 --> 00:46:55,570 larger setbacks, right? Where like in this case, Where the original house was built 26ft off the property line, 368 00:47:01,890 --> 00:47:01,890 you usually you don't have that situation. And so they were probably trying to make sure They were protecting 369 00:47:11,690 --> 00:47:11,690 the non-conforming houses because the code changed, But then allowing for the non-conforming houses to be reconstructed, 370 00:47:22,290 --> 00:47:22,290 acknowledging not allowing for less than seven feet in width, Nor less than the side setback, 371 00:47:28,090 --> 00:47:28,090 provision of the previous dwelling. So if the previous dwelling was at eight feet, They would still be able to build at that eight feet because 372 00:47:37,770 --> 00:47:40,210 otherwise the zoning is what establishes the setback. And the zoning is now saying it's ten. So the concern was probably most likely, And this is totally presumptuous on my part, 373 00:47:47,970 --> 00:47:47,970 but it was probably most concerned with making properties non-conforming and probably did Not contemplate this situation that we have 374 00:47:57,720 --> 00:47:57,720 with a house that was overly compliant from their northwest setback. 375 00:48:06,160 --> 00:48:06,160 if it's okay, I'm going to shift gears for a second. But this is a question for city staff As well is how much of a consideration can we give to like existing trees and 376 00:48:16,120 --> 00:48:16,120 things like that. When I know for the most part, You know, when we're looking for exceptions to the setback rules, 377 00:48:22,000 --> 00:48:22,000 we're, we're looking at anomalies and unusual characteristics of the lot. 378 00:48:27,160 --> 00:48:27,160 and a tree by itself is not unusual. But and I don't know that there's anything about Preservation. 379 00:48:33,640 --> 00:48:33,640 so maybe I'm answering my own question. But you're welcome to you're welcome to step in And, 380 00:48:39,600 --> 00:48:39,600 and provide any additional insight you can. That's a great question. 381 00:48:45,440 --> 00:48:45,440 I think. It. You have the ability to acknowledge existing conditions associated with the Lot. 382 00:48:54,280 --> 00:48:54,280 let me know if y'all disagree on this. But usually when we're dealing with property Hardships, 383 00:48:59,000 --> 00:48:59,000 it's what existing conditions are there that is precluding somebody from complying with The ordinance. 384 00:49:05,160 --> 00:49:05,160 in this case, given that the applicant has presented that they have, I believe, five large live oak trees that they're trying to preserve, 385 00:49:13,000 --> 00:49:13,000 and that's causing implications on them from complying. 386 00:49:17,440 --> 00:49:17,440 I think you could take that into consideration, Just like you take into consideration other improvements on the property, 387 00:49:24,160 --> 00:49:24,160 such as floodplain, because I know that that was also a concern that was cited. 388 00:49:28,440 --> 00:49:28,440 and obviously we did a series of analyzes associated with it. 389 00:49:32,920 --> 00:49:32,920 you can also take into consideration the property lines themselves. 390 00:49:37,720 --> 00:49:37,720 is there something unique associated with this property that maybe is not that other Properties are not experiencing that 391 00:49:47,600 --> 00:49:47,600 are on, on, on the cul de sac bulb, right. So it's you have the ability to take into Consideration what you believe may be unique features that are 392 00:49:57,160 --> 00:49:57,160 resulting in a hardship situation. Okay. Thank you. 393 00:50:04,880 --> 00:50:04,880 and just to be clear, the the applicant had mentioned that if he was to comply, He'd have to cut off part of his garage where he would have less than two car garage 394 00:50:14,280 --> 00:50:14,280 space. In doing so, that would be non-conforming and then he'd have to redesign anyways. 395 00:50:18,800 --> 00:50:18,800 is that correct? Yes. They would have to redesign the house in order to be compliant from The garage standpoint. 396 00:50:31,800 --> 00:50:31,800 I think one of the challenges you have is and it's not derek, Do you have the clicker where you can advance to. 397 00:50:41,600 --> 00:50:41,600 keep going. The lot that has all the floodplain, You know, the challenge we have is we have a lot and we do this analysis on all 398 00:50:50,910 --> 00:50:50,910 properties. Is you apply the setbacks and then what's remaining is the buildable area, Right? 399 00:50:58,190 --> 00:50:58,190 so is there insufficient buildable area that that causes the applicant otherwise not to be Able to comply. 400 00:51:05,470 --> 00:51:05,470 sorry that came out rough. Is there when you look at this graphic in this particular case You're looking at the buildable area. 401 00:51:10,950 --> 00:51:10,950 so is the buildable area significantly being impacted where the property is not being able To be used or where the the new residence is not being able to 402 00:51:20,910 --> 00:51:20,910 be constructed on the property. Obviously we evaluated the floodplain because there was a Concern cited that the floodplain encroaches on our on the property. 403 00:51:30,910 --> 00:51:30,910 we have a unique consideration with the confluence of two creeks contributing to the Floodplain. 404 00:51:36,350 --> 00:51:36,350 so as you've seen on some requests that we've had here lately when the floodplain has been Brought up, 405 00:51:41,950 --> 00:51:44,950 we look to see, okay, what are the floodplain applied implications. Is the floodplain creating such a hardship where they're not able to utilize the buildable Area on the lot? 406 00:51:54,830 --> 00:51:54,830 so if you go back to your question about the trees, You know, if the trees are impacting the buildable area where the applicant is not able to 407 00:52:03,070 --> 00:52:03,070 design a house that takes advantage of the buildable area because of where the trees are Placed, 408 00:52:10,790 --> 00:52:13,990 then it's a reasonable consideration. I would agree. Yeah. Well. And I guess I would just say this for the benefit of the record more than Anything. 409 00:52:23,870 --> 00:52:23,870 but one of the one of the considerations that we have here is that the city council Approved the comprehensive zoning ordinance in 2004. 410 00:52:32,750 --> 00:52:32,750 and whether we agree with the ten the ten foot setbacks that were established there and The calculations that they made in establishing those setbacks, 411 00:52:41,590 --> 00:52:45,310 the fact of the matter is that we are a quasi judicial board. If you don't like a decision we make. I mean, You can complain. 412 00:52:48,870 --> 00:52:48,870 you can complain to the city or some, you know, The mayor or the council about the decision that we make made, 413 00:52:54,030 --> 00:52:54,030 but we're just appointed. We're not you know, The idea is, is this is kind of democracy. 414 00:53:00,870 --> 00:53:00,870 101 is, is the idea that we want to be respectful of the changes that have been made in The comprehensive zoning ordinance. 415 00:53:09,030 --> 00:53:09,030 so ordinances. So we try to be very careful making sure that we we consider the criteria Very carefully of, 416 00:53:16,070 --> 00:53:16,070 you know, uniqueness with the lot or other other factors and other considerations here. 417 00:53:22,390 --> 00:53:22,390 because ultimately, you know, the 2004 changes are still the law of the land. 418 00:53:28,030 --> 00:53:28,030 but you know, it's a tough case. Sorry, I don't think that shed any additional light, But yeah. 419 00:53:35,910 --> 00:53:35,910 well, again, I mean, I'll go back to the really, I think it's ambiguous is the way it's written or the intent of it. 420 00:53:43,220 --> 00:53:43,220 I understand the intent was to provide for a legally nonconforming structure to happen. 421 00:53:51,860 --> 00:53:51,860 but just because a previous homeowner took a dwelling to the 7.3, It's not even over. 422 00:54:01,460 --> 00:54:01,460 right? I don't, I'm not squaring up the fact that because they didn't utilize 423 00:54:11,580 --> 00:54:11,580 the full extent of it, like you said, the drafters didn't contemplate something less than What was the 26. 424 00:54:20,380 --> 00:54:20,380 I didn't contemplate that it was for other homes that used the seven foot. 425 00:54:25,940 --> 00:54:25,940 now, again, the setbacks, the setback setback, Side setback, side setback. 426 00:54:30,900 --> 00:54:30,900 there's no other definition of a different side setback. 427 00:54:35,580 --> 00:54:35,580 so the way this is, is honestly is poorly drafted. 428 00:54:40,420 --> 00:54:40,420 so I'll make a motion. Mr. Chairman, I do find that literal enforcement of the ordinance Will result in an unnecessary hardship, 429 00:54:48,340 --> 00:54:52,180 and granting the request will not be contrary to public interest. I therefore move to grant variance, grant the request and variance case 26.01, And that the request be limited to those specifics which the applicant has 430 00:55:02,140 --> 00:55:02,140 presented in his application. All right, so we have a motion on the floor. 431 00:55:07,220 --> 00:55:10,500 do we have someone who wishes to second that motion. All right mr. Huffy. Seconds, seconds that motion. 432 00:55:13,300 --> 00:55:13,300 all in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. 433 00:55:17,340 --> 00:55:17,340 that motion carries unanimously. All right. We thank you very much for coming in. 434 00:55:22,060 --> 00:55:22,060 we wish you the very best of luck with your with your project here. 435 00:55:27,420 --> 00:55:27,420 thank you, thank you. I know. All right, so we have we have one more case in our packet Tonight. 436 00:55:33,420 --> 00:55:33,420 and this is agenda item four. This is special exception 2602 at 3201 canyon creek drive. 437 00:55:42,180 --> 00:55:42,180 and miss ross is going to make her presentation now. All right. Good evening everyone. My Name is christine ross. I'm a planner two here in the development services department. So 438 00:55:49,580 --> 00:55:49,580 this is se2602. A request for a special exception to chapter six of the city's code of Ordinances to allow a wooden fence up to eight feet tall 439 00:55:59,500 --> 00:56:02,860 and the required front yard along glenfield court. The address is 3201 canyon creek drive and is zoned r 1500 m. 440 00:56:08,820 --> 00:56:08,820 the subject property is located at the northwest corner of canyon creek drive and Glenfield court in the canyon creek country club number 21 subdivision. 441 00:56:17,420 --> 00:56:17,420 it was developed in 1972 with a single family residence and is surrounded by residential On all sides. 442 00:56:26,700 --> 00:56:26,700 here are the existing conditions. It is approximately 0.36 acres. 443 00:56:31,780 --> 00:56:31,780 there is a existing approximately six foot tall wooden fence and that is shown in the Orange dashed line, 444 00:56:39,300 --> 00:56:39,300 while the request is to allow an eight foot tall wooden fence for flexibility. 445 00:56:43,900 --> 00:56:43,900 the applicant is proposing to construct a seven foot tall wooden fence and that is Outlined in green. 446 00:56:49,940 --> 00:56:49,940 in the yellow shaded area is the area of the request tonight, So that is outside the 30 foot platted building line which is shown in that black line. 447 00:56:59,700 --> 00:56:59,700 and all the areas of the fence in green that border, That yellow area are the subject of tonight's request. 448 00:57:07,940 --> 00:57:07,940 everything north of that black platted building line is in conformance with the ordinance. 449 00:57:14,340 --> 00:57:14,340 and the applicant is proposing to include a 15 by 25 foot visibility triangle at the Southwest portion of the property to comply with the ordinance. 450 00:57:25,020 --> 00:57:25,020 here's some site photos. So the north photo is taken from the. 451 00:57:29,340 --> 00:57:29,340 the top photo is taken from the east elevation taken from canyon creek drive and the Bottom picture is the south elevation taken from 452 00:57:38,770 --> 00:57:38,770 glenfield court that shows the existing fence. 453 00:57:44,090 --> 00:57:44,090 so the applicant states that they desire to increase the the area of their backyard for Their grandchildren to play in, 454 00:57:50,050 --> 00:57:50,050 and the current fenced in area is too small. When they purchased the house, They assumed they would be able to construct a fence due to numerous corner lots along 455 00:57:57,730 --> 00:57:57,730 canyon creek drive having existing fences. And here I've listed a couple of the lots. 456 00:58:03,810 --> 00:58:03,810 and then recently, at the january 21st meeting, The zoning board of adjustment approved a special exception request for an eight foot tall 457 00:58:11,170 --> 00:58:11,170 fence on a corner lot. So there is precedent in the neighborhood. 458 00:58:18,770 --> 00:58:21,610 special exceptions differ from variance requests. A special exception comes from the code of ordinances, And variance requests come from the comprehensive zoning ordinance, 459 00:58:27,930 --> 00:58:31,410 and an applicant is not required to meet the same strict criteria. Instead, chapter six of the city's code of ordinances states that the special exception Must ensure that public safety and welfare will be substantially served, 460 00:58:40,410 --> 00:58:43,690 and that the use of neighboring properties will not be injured. Therefore, the board of adjustment may grant a special exception, Provided that it will permit reasonable development of the property where the literal 461 00:58:50,850 --> 00:58:50,850 enforcement of the regulations would result in an unnecessary hardship. 462 00:58:56,530 --> 00:58:56,530 and based on the information provided by the applicant and the applicable codes, It's in staff's opinion that the applicant's request tonight does not appear to be 463 00:59:05,090 --> 00:59:05,090 contrary to public safety, and does not appear to negatively impact neighboring Properties, 464 00:59:10,370 --> 00:59:14,010 and it allows for reasonable development of the property. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the requested special exception. 465 00:59:18,170 --> 00:59:18,170 this was a public hearing and staff has not received any correspondence for or against This proposal. 466 00:59:24,410 --> 00:59:24,410 and that concludes my presentation. The applicant is here tonight and or the applicants Are here tonight. 467 00:59:29,570 --> 00:59:32,610 and I'm happy to answer any questions. All right. Do we have any questions for miss ross at this time? I don't believe so. 468 00:59:36,930 --> 00:59:36,930 thank you. So we would invite the applicant applicants at this time if they both wish to Speak to. 469 00:59:44,330 --> 00:59:44,330 he drew the short straw. Drew the short straw. 470 00:59:49,810 --> 00:59:49,810 alright. And so I am going to have to swear you in since this is a public hearing and I am Going to just wing it. 471 00:59:58,850 --> 00:59:58,850 do you want my laptop? I got it right here. If you don't mind, At least at first, just stating your name and address for the record. 472 01:00:05,050 --> 01:00:05,050 my name is jeff hamilton. I reside at 3201 canyon creek drive, Richardson, texas, 75080. 473 01:00:12,370 --> 01:00:16,330 all right. So at this time we are calling variance. Let's see, this is 2602. Or special exception. 474 01:00:20,570 --> 01:00:20,570 2602 for the property located at 3201 canyon creek drive. 475 01:00:25,290 --> 01:00:28,890 and we are because you are going to be testifying, We're going to have you swear in. So at this time, would you please raise your right hand? And do you. 476 01:00:32,040 --> 01:00:32,040 do you swear that the testimony you will give before this commission today would be the Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. All right. Thank you. All right. 477 01:00:39,200 --> 01:00:42,000 you may begin. Okay. So thank you for your time tonight. Thank you, miss ross, for your efforts in preparing the packet. 478 01:00:45,680 --> 01:00:45,680 we moved recently and this past august from ohio to richardson, Texas to be close to our children and our grandchildren. 479 01:00:53,080 --> 01:00:53,080 they live in the canyon creek area. So we narrowed our search to this neighborhood, This subdivision, 480 01:00:58,000 --> 01:00:58,000 and we appreciated looking around, seeing the larger lots and also the proximity to the Family and work. 481 01:01:05,160 --> 01:01:05,160 when considering the purchase of this property, We noted that many of the corner lots on our street and the rest of the canyon creek 482 01:01:11,360 --> 01:01:11,360 subdivision had extended the side yard fences to the sidewalk, Making the side yard then contiguous with their backyard for total enjoyment. 483 01:01:22,280 --> 01:01:22,280 just prior to closing, we received documents from the title agency, Noting we had a two front yard your designation in canyon creek country club number 484 01:01:32,280 --> 01:01:32,280 21 plat. Since so many of the corner lots on the street had already placed fencing to the Sidewalk in that side yard, 485 01:01:41,000 --> 01:01:43,920 we thought that we would be able to do the same. So we're requesting this special exception, as has been granted to other corner lot Properties in our plat. 486 01:01:51,600 --> 01:01:51,600 we believe this will increase the property value as well as add to a better look. 487 01:01:57,400 --> 01:02:00,960 as you can see, the fence is quite deteriorated. Add significant enjoyment and safety to our family for our grandchildren to play in a much Larger area away from the street. 488 01:02:09,440 --> 01:02:09,440 all right. Thank you. Do we have any questions for the applicant at this time? 489 01:02:14,960 --> 01:02:18,440 all right. We appreciate you coming up and stating your case. Hold tight. We may have additional questions for you. You may have a seat. 490 01:02:23,720 --> 01:02:27,520 is there anyone else who wishes to speak in favor of this request? All right. I should have sworn you in. An expert or just a neighbor? 491 01:02:33,720 --> 01:02:37,200 are you. Are you a neighbor or a subject matter expert? I'm. I'm a neighbor. I'm actually 3105 canyon creek drive. 492 01:02:40,760 --> 01:02:44,240 okay. Yeah. So no, no, no swearing in required. Okay. All right. My name is nash rusk, but 3105 canyon creek drive. 493 01:02:48,160 --> 01:02:48,160 I'm the owner of that one. And I was here a couple of months ago for the special Exception. 494 01:02:52,280 --> 01:02:52,280 so appreciate seeing you guys again. Yeah. I mean, On behalf of him, I just yeah, for value purposes for the neighborhood, 495 01:02:59,360 --> 01:03:03,080 get a new fence. Obviously being a neighbor, I'm all for that. And obviously to increase the side yard for the kids to be able to play in as my kids with That one last time. 496 01:03:09,680 --> 01:03:13,280 I'm all for that as well. So yeah, don't see any issues with it. We'd love for him to have that ability to be able to do that with his family. Very good, Very good. Do we have any questions for the witness? All right. 497 01:03:19,560 --> 01:03:19,560 thank you. All right. Does not appear that anyone else wishes to speak with regard to This. 498 01:03:25,360 --> 01:03:25,360 so I'm going to close the public hearing and open the floor to us to deliberation or Motions. 499 01:03:31,350 --> 01:03:31,350 I'd like to make a motion, mr. Chairman. I do find that the public convenience and welfare Will be substantially served, 500 01:03:37,110 --> 01:03:37,110 and that the appropriate use of the neighboring property will not be substantially Injured. I therefore move to grant the request and special exception case 2602 and that 501 01:03:45,190 --> 01:03:45,190 the request be limited to those specifics which the applicant has presented as his his her Application. 502 01:03:52,590 --> 01:03:52,590 all right. So mr. Matta has made a motion. Do we have a second? 503 01:03:57,550 --> 01:03:57,550 second. All right, mr. Brooker, seconds. All in favor of granting this special exception In case 2602, 504 01:04:03,310 --> 01:04:03,310 please say aye. Aye. All opposed? That motion carries unanimously. 505 01:04:08,150 --> 01:04:08,150 all right. Thank you very much. We appreciate you guys coming in tonight. 506 01:04:12,270 --> 01:04:15,550 all right. That is the that appears to be the last item on our agenda. So I'm going to close our meeting. Oh and the time is 8:01 p.m.. 507 01:04:23,110 --> 01:04:23,110 thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.