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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-02-15 400 400 400 ‘'401, Zoning Board of Adjustment February 15, 1979 CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment was called to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall by Acting Chairman James Banks. Members present were Messrs. George Winter, Lucian Holmes, Don Calhoun, Bill Dorsey, and Bill Pasteur. Also present were Director of Planning and Development Rick Barnes and Recording Secretary Maurine Butler. VISITORS Visitor in attendance was Mr. Stephen L. McGregor. PUBLIC HEARING - REQUEST OF SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY FOR A VARIANCE TO THE REAR YARD SET BACK REQUIREMENT OF FIFTEEN (15) FEET TO ALLOW FOR EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES, (PROPERTY LOCATED AT 108 CANNON, LOTS 3 AND 4, ROSS CANNON ADDITION.) Acting Chairman Banks opened the Public Hearing and recognized Mr. Stephen L. McGregor. Mr. McGregor stated he is an architect with Dahl , Braden, Chapman, Inc. and is representing Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in their request for a variance to the rear yard set back to the property located at 108 Cannon. He stated the existing building on the property is within approximately 8'4" to the rear property line; the rear yard set back requirement being 15' . Mr. McGregor stated plans are to add a third story to the existing building and a first floor addition immediately to the west. The parking lot will be increased to accomodate a number of cars based on the parking requirements. He stated the variance is needed in order to get a building permit. Acting Chairman Banks stated he understands the building houses switching equipment and inquired if there is office space in the building. Mr. McGregor stated at the present time there is office space for the head switchman, but with the new equipment that is to be installed, this office will probably be eliminated. He stated South- western Bell is in the process now of centralizing their maintenance operation (Paqe Two, Zoning Board of Adjustment, February 15, 1979) and it will all be computer. If there is a problem, repairmen will be sent to correct it and there will be no more than ten people on the premises at any one time. Mr. McGregor stated they have to build two stair towers for fire escape purposes. There is an existing fire escape on the northeast corner. The big problem is there is cabling coming in from the rear of the existing building and when the building with the improvements goes into operation, there will be cabling coming in at the front. Acting Chairman Banks inquired if this would be underground or overhead cabling? Mr. McGregor stated the cabling would be underground. He stated while the building is under construction it will be necessary to create a second means of egress from the basement area and the variance is necessary to allow a temporary fire escape from the basement. Also, it will become a way for fresh air intake for an emergency generator in the basement. Acting Chairman Banks inquired how long the construction is expected to last? Mr. McGregor stated plans are to have the building ready for Western Electric to begin installing new equipment by March 1980 and the building permit is needed as soon as possible. Mr. Barnes inquired if the main motivation behind this is the new American Airlines improvements? Mr. McGregor stated yes that is one of the reasons and the new electronic switching equipment will be giving direct dial service for the 283 exchange. He stated Southwestern Bell Telephone needs to increase the capacity of their equipment based on the projected growth for this area. (Mr. Pasteur and Mr. Dorsey arrived at this time.) Mr. Holmes inquired the purpose of the 15' rear yard set back requirement? Mr. Barnes stated in a Commercial District the 15' set back is required to provide rear access to the buildings for service entrance and exit. He stated this property is in a "C-2" District and the rear set back would apply. Mr. Barnes asked Mr. McGregor if the rear yard set back is totally eliminated, would that give sufficient flex- ibility? Mr. McGregor stated that would give enough flexibility. Nir (Paqe Three, Zoning Board of Adjustment, February 15, 1979) Mr. Barnes stated he sees no problem in granting the rear set back to zero. This would give flexibility in the design to put in the stairwell for emergency ingress and egress. He stated the stairwell will probably take up the 36" which is required in the building code, and a 6" retaining wall . Mr. Holmes asked if the surrounding property owners were notified. Mr. Barnes stated notices were sent to all property owners within 200 feet of the property. The primary objection to the variance would probably be from the property owners to the rear, and there is none. Acting Chairman Banks inquired about the paving. Mr. Barnes stated in most cases paving is required for rear access for emergency purposes. He stated if the stairwell is put in, he feels sure there will be a sidewalk leading to it for ingress and egress. Mr. Barnes stated the property will have to be replatted before the building permit can be issued. There are lots to be combined on platting process that will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission next week. Mr. Holmes made a motion that the variance to the rear yard set back requirement of fifteen (15) feet to allow for ex- pansion and improvements of existing facilities to property located at 108 Cannon, Lots 3 and 4, Ross Cannon Addition, be granted. Mr. Winter seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Holmes, Winter, Banks, Calhoun, Pasteur and Dorsey Nays: None Acting Chairman Banks declared the motion carried. II . ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Chairman