HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem IITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 1
PLAN COMMISSION STAFF REPORT JUNE 15, 2021
ITEM I: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW WINDOW
AREA REDUCTIONS AND MATERIALS NOT THE SAME AS THE
MATERIALS ON THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AT 505 E NEW YORK
AVENUE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant L12 Properties LLC
Owner: StayNeitz Properties LLC
Action(s) Requested:
The applicant is requesting approval of a variance from the City’s Residential Design Standards
to allow window area reductions and materials not the same as the materials on the original
building at 505 E New York Avenue.
Applicable Ordinance Provision the Variance is being requested:
Code Reference Regulation
Section 30-241(B)(1) Existing window openings on front facades including gables shall
not be closed or filled (totally or partially).
Section 30-241(D)(3) The exterior materials used for new additions and changes shall
be the same materials or combination of materials as used on the
original building.
Property Location and Background:
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ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 2
The subject property is a residential lot located at 505 E New York Avenue and is approximately
5,310 square feet in area. The property is at the corner of E New York Avenue and Broad Street.
The property contains a 964 square foot 1 story single-family residential structure and garage
which were built in 1947 according to the City of Oshkosh Assessor website. The surrounding
area consists primarily of single-family uses. The immediate properties to the south and east of
the subject property are single-family uses with varying character and similar scale. The
property to the north is a multi-family property. The railroad runs north-south just across
Broad Street from the subject property. The subject property and the properties on the north,
south, and east are zoned Single-family Residential-5 (SR-5). The railroad to the west is zoned
Two Flat Residential-10 (TR-10).
The owner and applicant plan to convert the existing 4 season part of the home into a master
bedroom with a bathroom. The work will involve window area reductions and new siding for
this portion of the home. Applicable ordinance prohibits window reductions greater than 10
percent of each window’s area on front or street side facades. The applicant also proposes cedar
shake siding for the area currently occupied by the four season room. The cedar shake is
different than the existing cladding materials on the home. Therefore, Plan Commission review
and a design standards variance are necessary.
Subject Site
Existing Land Use Zoning
Single-family Residential SR-5
Recognized Neighborhood Organizations
Menominee North Neighborhood
Adjacent Land Use and Zoning
Existing Uses Zoning
North Multi-family Residential SR-5
South Single-family Residential SR-5
East Single-family Residential SR-5
West Fox Valley and Western Railroad TR-10
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Recommendation Land Use
2040 Land Use Recommendation
Light Density
Residential
VARIANCE CRITERIA
The City’s Zoning Ordinance establishes design standards for single and two-family homes
with the overall purpose/intent to:
“Maintain the basic architectural quality of residences within the community, to minimize adverse
impacts on adjacent properties and neighborhoods resulting from architectural and building construction
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ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 3
practices that may detract from the character and appearance of the neighborhood as a whole, and to
ensure compatible design between existing and new homes.”
The standards apply to all single and two-family structures within the City and include the
regulation that “Existing window openings on front façades including gables shall not be closed or
filled.” These standards seek to prevent blank monotonous facades on the front and street side
facades of residences. Oftentimes these front, street facing facades are the most prominent
portions of the properties. The current Broad Street façade at the subject property has several
window openings. The work proposed would significantly reduce the window area on the
façade. Additionally the standards state that “The exterior materials used for new additions and
changes shall be the same materials or combination of materials as used on the original building.”
The Plan Commission is authorized to grant variances from the strict application of the
standards when it is determined that one or more of the following apply:
1. The variance will not be contrary to the public interest.
2. Substantial justice will be done by granting the variance.
3. The variance is needed so that the spirit of the ordinance is observed.
4. Due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship.
5. The variance will not allow an alteration of a historic structure, including its
use, which would preclude its continued designation as a historic structure.
ANALYSIS
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ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 4
The above images show the current Broad Street-facing façade on the subject property. The applicant
proposes reducing several existing window openings and creating new openings.
The above elevation is the proposed Broad Street elevation with the new window openings.
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ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 5
The owner and applicant would like to remodel the home. Work will include a second floor
addition, moving the location of the existing front door, and moving the location of the window
openings. The applicant will also be residing and reroofing the home. The owner and applicant
would like to obtain architectural symmetry. Staff informed the applicant that Plan
Commission review and a design standards variance were necessary for the window closures.
Staff has had some email discussions with the applicant. Staff generally asks for window and
door areas for the façade(s) in question either at the time of application submittal or afterwards
during the process of preparing a recommendation. The applicant provided the total proposed
window areas for the façade in question and this helped staff during the process. Staff
estimated the total current window area on the façade.
505 E New York Street Side Façade
Existing Proposed
Window Area
157.5 sq.
ft.
62.35 sq.
ft.
% of Façade
Area 55.67% 15.64%
The applicant informed staff that he plans to convert the four season room into a master
bedroom with bathroom. The conversion will necessitate the proposed window reductions.
The elevation proposed does meet the ordinance minimum of 15% of the street facing façade
being dedicated to window and door areas. The applicant proposes cedar shake siding for the
section of façade where window reductions are proposed.
Staff evaluated the completed work previously described and the impact on the design of the
home in regard to the purpose and intent of the residential design standards. The standards
relate to preserving the home’s architectural integrity and the potential impact on adjacent
properties, the neighborhood character and “curb appeal” of the block. In working with the
applicant, staff considered:
Potential impact of the completed modifications on the architectural integrity of the
home
Potential impact on neighborhood character
Whether the proposed work met the intent of the Residential Design Standards
Page 5
ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 6
The two above images show some of the surrounding residential properties. The top image shows the
view looking south along Broad Street and the image just above shows the view looking north.
Staff considers the work the applicant has proposed to be a change to an existing building
under the zoning ordinance. Per Section 30-241(D)(1) a change includes any alteration to
existing architectural features (in this case windows or doors) on a wall plane. After evaluating
the petitioner’s application, examining the property and surrounding context and discussing
the property internally, staff is of the opinion that the proposed work will not have a
significantly detrimental impact on the architectural integrity of the front façade and house
overall. The proposed openings combined would meet the ordinance requirement for street
side window and door area. The cedar shake does contrast with the color palate on the existing
façade. However, if the applicant clads the entire corner of the current four season room
(including the Broad Street and south facades) staff would not have concerns with the variance
request.
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ITEM I-505 E New York Avenue - Design Standards Variance 7
Staff recommends as a condition of approval that the applicant clad the entire corner with cedar
shakes as mentioned above.
As is shown in the two above street view images, the surrounding neighborhood consists of
varied architectural styles. In looking at the neighboring context no one style prevailed. If the
applicant resides and reroofs the entire house staff does not have concerns with the work as
proposed. Staff is of the opinion that the work as conditioned is supportable and is aware that
window area reductions are required as part of the conversion from a four season room to a
master bedroom suite.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of a variance from the City’s Residential Design Standards to allow
for window reductions on the front façade with the following conditions and finding:
Conditions:
1. Variance is for the work as proposed and window closures necessary to complete the
proposed work.
2. All siding on the portions of the existing four season room corner in question (the Broad
Street and south facades) shall match and be consistent in appearance throughout.
3. All current and future work on the house shall meet the Residential Design Standards
and any work not in compliance with the standards shall be filed as separate requests
for Plan Commission review and approval.
Finding:
1. The variance will not be contrary to the public interest.
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PAPER SIZE
DWG NO.
PROJECT TEAM:
DWG SCALE
SHEET NO:
of
Arch A
PROJECT NAME:
DRAWN BY
MGR. APPR.
CUST. APPR.
DATE
Unless otherwise specified all of the dimensions are in millimetres. Angles and dimensions X.XX unit standards.
LOGO
ARCHITECTS
ENGINEERS
CUSTOMER INFO:
REVISIONS DATE
26'8"
L12 Properties
LLC
Jason
2 2
1/4”=1’
1'
Grade
1'
9-5/64"9-5/64"
04/03/21
1'
5'5-1/2"
3'5-31/32"
505 E New York ave
oshkosh WI 54902
1
3'6"
R-20 close cell foam coated in mortar
Grade
33'11-5/64"
2'4-3/4"
9'4-3/16"
2751 sq in
57,387 sq in
Total Facade
1'8"
45'9-7/64"
5'11"
2'10"
2'10"
2'6"
2'10"
4'6"4'6"2'4'6"1836 sq in 1836 sq in 1836 sq in720 sq in
Total window area
and percentage
(8979 sq in) 15.64% of
total facade.
wood siding
(sealed) Page 10
DSV 505 E NEW YORK AVE
PC: 6-15-2021
NATHADIUS CAINE MACY
504 GEHRES CT
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
KATHERINE A DREXLER
506 GEHRES CT
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
DALE W COOK
514 GEHRES CT
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
JANICE M RETELLE
509 E NEW YORK AVE
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
SUSAN D HAIDLINGER
1312 ALGOMA BLVD
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
FOX VALLEY & WESTERN LTD
17641 S ASHLAND AVE
HOMEWOOD, IL 60430
KOOPMAN PROPERTIES LLC
PO BOX 575
OSHKOSH, WI 54903
PATTI WALDECKER
920 E MELVIN AVENUE
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
DEE WALTER
511 PYLE AVENUE
OSHKOSH, WI 54901
L12 PROPERTIES LLC
448 W 7TH AVE
OSHKOSH, WI 54902
STAY NEITZ PROPERTIES LLC
1042 BUTTERMILK CREEK DR
FOND DU LAC, WI 54935
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E NEW YORK AVE NEW YORK AV
GRAND STGRAND STPOWERS STPOWERS STBROAD STBROAD STBALDWIN AVBALDWIN AV MONROE STMONROE STE TENNESSEE AVE TENNESSEE AV
GEHRES CTGEHRES CT
BALDWIN AVBALDWIN AV BROAD STBROAD STE TENNESSEE AVE TENNESSEE AV
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\2020 Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template.mxd User: hannahs
Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI
Printing Date: 5/14/2021
1 in = 120 ft1 in = 0.02 mi¯505 E NEW YORK AVE505 E NEW YORK AVE
City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identification purposes only, andthe City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Those using theinformation are responsible for verifying accuracy. For full disclaimer please go towww.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer
Page 12
SR-5
TR-10
SR-9
UI
SR-9
UMU
I
UMU
I
I
I
UMU-PD
TR-10-PD
I
UMU-PD
MR-12
UI-PD
I
TR-10
SR-5
UMU-PD
MR-12
N MAIN STN MAIN STBOWEN STBOWEN STE NEW YORK AVE NEW YORK AVHARRISON STHARRISON STEVANS STEVANS STGROVE STGROVE STOAK STOAK STGRAND STGRAND STBROAD STBROAD STE NEVADA AVE NEVADA AV
EASTMAN STEASTMAN STPOWERS STPOWERS STE MELVIN AVE MELVIN AV
BALDWIN AVBALDWIN AV
E CUSTER AVE CUSTER AV
E TENNESSEE AVE TENNESSEE AV
FULTON AVFULTON AV
E LINCOLN AVE LINCOLN AV MONROE STMONROE STE BENT AVE BENT AV
JEFFERSON STJEFFERSON STSTERLING AVSTERLING AVMT VERNON STMT VERNON STPYLE AVPYLE AV
BONG CTBONG CTROCK PLROCK PL
GEHRES CTGEHRES CT
BALDWIN AVBALDWIN AV MONROE STMONROE STE CUSTER AVE CUSTER AV
STERLING AVSTERLING AV
OAK STOAK STE MELVIN AVE MELVIN AV
JEFFERSON STJEFFERSON STE LINCOLN AVE LINCOLN AVE LINCOLN AVE LINCOLN AVBROAD STBROAD STPPOOWWEERRSSSSTTMT VERNON STMT VERNON STC:\Users\Public\Desktop\2020 Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template.mxd User: hannahs
Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI
Printing Date: 5/14/2021
1 in = 500 ft1 in = 0.09 mi¯505 E NEW YORK AVE505 E NEW YORK AVE
City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identification purposes only, andthe City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Those using theinformation are responsible for verifying accuracy. For full disclaimer please go towww.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer
Page 13
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\2020 Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template.mxd User: hannahs
Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI
Printing Date: 5/14/2021
1 in = 100 ft1 in = 0.02 mi¯505 E NEW YORK AVE505 E NEW YORK AVE
City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identification purposes only, andthe City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Those using theinformation are responsible for verifying accuracy. For full disclaimer please go towww.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer
Page 14