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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-20 MINUTES ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MAY 20, 1999 The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustments was called to order by Chairman Bill Williams at 6:30 p.m. for consideration of scheduled items in the Council Chambers in Building "B" of the Municipal Building. MEMBERS AND STAFF PRESENT: ABSENT: Chairman Bill Williams Eddie Price Vice-Chairman Gene Sloan Roger Bates John Deithloff Victor Blood Alex Wong Kevin Mercer, Development Services Manager Donna Brown, Admin. Secretary Dolores Tijerina, Staff Secretary VISITORS: Martin van Wolfswinkel Line Constantineau Keith Wood THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation was given by Board Member John Deithloff. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice-Chairman Gene Sloan made the motion to approve the minutes of March 25, 1999, Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting as presented and the motion was seconded by Board Member Alex Wong. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Bill Williams, Board Member Gene Sloan, John Deithloff, Alex Wong Nays: None Absent: Board Members: Eddie Price, Victor Blood, Roger Bates The motion carried. REGULAR AGENDA Zoning Board of Acbustments Page 2 May 20, 1999 ITEM I. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING - #ZBA-99-03- 2900 Block State Highway 360 - A-1550, Tract 1A3, E. Taylor Public input regarding the request of Mr. Martin van Wolfswinkel, President of Newport Holdings, 2900 State Highway 360, Abstract 1550, Tract 1A3, E. Taylor Survey, for a variance to the required minimum off-street parking requirements. The applicant is requesting the variance to allow for the construction of townhomes with single car garages instead of two car garages. Chairman Bill Williams opened the Public Hearing and asked Kevin Mercer, Development Services Manager,for the presentation. Kevin Mercer stated that the townhome standard does require a minimum of a two car garage in front of the unit and the townhome standard also allows for a alternate design of constructing a two car covered parking area in the rear that may be by virtue of a carport or could also be within a garage. He also stated that Mr.van Wolfswinkel's request is to allow for single car garages in front of the unit with front excess with an additional two (2) parking spaces in a front driveway which would be uncovered. Chairman Bill Williams asked the applicant to come up and give his presentation. Mr. van Wolfswinkel, President of Newport Holdings, Inc., 2120 Far Harborway, Arlington, Texas, stated that the zoning ordinance did require two covered places located in front of the units, however, if the spaces are located behind the units then they can be uncovered. He stated that he could have uncovered parking in the rear but believed that this would be very unsightly Mr. van Wolfswinkel also stated that the townhouse ordinance in Euless provides for a twenty-two (22') feet wide lot with a minimum depth of a hundred feet which could be exceeded. He also stated that the normal two car garage is twenty(20)feet wide allowing for a two (2')foot door and if exceeded by ten (10%) percent the outcome would be a three (3')foot door and if exceeded by twenty (20%) percent the outcome would be a five (5') foot front door, either way this would mean a long narrow tunnel leading to the front door which would be very unsightly and unsafe. Mr. van Wolfswinkel also stated that physically the lot width cannot accommodate a two car garage and that the alternative would be to have two uncovered or covered parking places behind the units. Board Member John Deithloff asked Mr.van Wolfswinkel the acreage of the land and how many units were being planned for this piece of property. Mr. van Wolfswinkel replied that the property is 3.46 acres and the plan was for thirty (30) or so units. Board Member Deithloff stated that this would mean about ninety (90) cars parking on this property. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that was correct and that each unit would have covered parking for one car,and additionally,in front of each unit there would be an eighteen(18)feet driveway which accommodates two more cars. He also stated that within the interior of the subdivision there is a piece of land that is 40 by 150 to 200 feet that is going to be a "green belt" which will have a swimming pool and small club house heavily landscaped. Chairman Bill Williams asked Mr. van Wolfswinkel the alternative to decreasing the number of homes to be built and increasing the width. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that its a question of degree. He stated that he did not have a problem in increasing the lots to maybe 24 feet,but even in doing that,there would be a twenty (20')feet garage with six feet, six inches outside walls, that's twenty-one feet(21') and would still only have three feet left for a front door. J J - - -- j Zoning Board of Adjustments Page 3 May 20, 1999 Chairman Bill Williams asked for proponents of the variance to come forward. There being none Chairman Bill Williams asked for opponents of the variance to come forward. Keith Wood,404 Lexington Lane, stated that he was not sure if he was for or against the variance and felt that he needed more information on the issue. Mr. Wood stated that if the ordinance did allow for uncovered parking in the rear of the units then it would effect their backyard activities because of the removal of most of the trees. He also stated that he was concerned with the time frame on construction. Chairman Bill Williams stated the Zoning Board of Adjustment did not have authority over the time schedule of construction, but that the issue of economic interest and the Development Department would address the time phase of construction. Chairman Bill Williams closed the public hearing and opened up discussion among the Board Members. Alternate Board Member Alex Wong asked Kevin Mercer, Development Services Manager, if any request for a variance to the ordinance after its approval in 1997 has been received. Kevin Mercer stated that this request is the first. Board Member John Deithloff asked Mr. van Wolfswinkel if the garage doors would be facing inside or outside the project. Mr.van Wolfswinkel replied that the project condition would be that the doors be facing the inside of the project. Chairman Bill Williams called for a motion. Vice-Chairman Gene Sloan made the motion to deny the variance request ZBA#99-03. Alternate Board Member Alex Wong seconded the motion. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Bill Williams, Board Members John Deithloff, Gene Sloan, Alex Wong Nays: None Absent: Board Members Eddie Price, Victor Blood, Roger Bates The motion carried: ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 P.M. C air an Bill Will ams Date dthwwinhninuteshnmee:ea