HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD OF APPEALS
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OJHKOJH
City of Oshkosh
Dept. of Community Development
Planning Services Division
215 Church Ave., PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1I30
(920) 236-5059 (920) 236-5053 FAX
http://www.cLoshkosh.wi.us
Jackson R. Kinney
Director
Dept. of Community Development
Darryn Burich
Director
Planning Services Division
February 23, 2006
John Sherer
1366 Otter Avenue
Oshkosh WI 54901
Re:
1366 Otter Avenue
Dear Mr. Sherer:
On February 22, 2006 the Board of Appeals approved your request to create accessory structure space
totaling approximately 1,500 square feet with the following conditions:
1. There shall be no further accessory buildings pennitted on the site.
2. The proposed multi-use structure is architecturally compatible in design and material with the
existing home on the site.
The decision of the Board was filed in the Plarming Services Division Office of the Department of
Community Development on February 23, 2006. Per Section 30-6(C)(3) and (4) of the City of Oshkosh
Zoning Ordinance, your variance will expire on August 22, 2006 unless you have started construction
for the activity allowed by the variance. If you fail to begin construction by this date, you must reapply
for a variance if you intend to go ahead with the activity allowed by the variance.
Please be advised that any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Appeals may
commence action in Circuit Court within thirty (30) days after the filing of the decision. Permits may
be issued on approval of the Board, but you should be aware that further action could take place
until as much as 30 days after the date of the decision.
Building pennits may be applied for ftom the Inspection Services Division in Room 205 at the Oshkosh
City Hall between 7:30 - 8:30 AM and 12:30 - 1:30 PM, Monday thru Friday, or call (920) 236-5050 for
an appointment. Please bring all required building plans and infonnation necessary for review when
obtaining your building pennit.
If you have any questions, feel ftee to call me at (920) 236-5059.
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Associate Plarmer
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City of Oshkosh
Planning Services Divisioo
215 Church Ave" PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130
(920) 236-5059 (920) 236-5053 FAX
http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Jackson R. Kinuey
Director
Dept. of Community Development
Darryn Burich
Director
Planning Services Division
BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
3:30 PM
To Whom It May Concern:
PLEASE NOTE the City of Oshkosh Board of Appeals will meet on WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 22,2006 at 3:30 PM in Room 404 at the Oshkosh City Hall to consider the following
agenda.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 8, 2006 MINUTES
I.
1366 OTTER AVENUE
John Sherer, owner, requests a variance to create accessory structure space totaling approximately
1,500 square feet. Section 30-19 (B)(4) ofthe Oshkosh Municipal Code: R-2 Two Family Residence
District allows a maximum area for accessory uses and structures of 1,200 square feet.
OTHER BUSINESS
Discussion of BOA procedures
ADJO~NT
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE PLANNING SERVICES DIVISION AT
(920) 236-5059, BETWEEN 8 AM - 4:30 PM, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
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PRESENT:
Dan Carpenter, Robert Cornell, and Moss Ruedinger
EXCUSED:
Dennis Penney, Vice Chainnan Larry Lang, Edward Wilusz and Chainnan Cheryl
Hentz
STAFF:
David Buck, Associate Plarmer, and Patty LaCombe, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Buck. In the absence of the Chainnan and Vice
Chainnan Mr. Buck called for a motion for a Chainnan pro tem. Motion was made by Mr.
Carpenter to nominate Mr. Cornell, seconded by Mr. Ruedinger. Unanimous.
Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present.
Motion by Mr. Carpenter for approval of the February 8, 2006 meeting minutes, seconded by
Mr. Cornell. Motion carried 3-0.
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1366 OTTER AVENUE
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John Sherer, owner, requests a variance to create accessory structure space totaling
approximately 1,500 square feet. Section 30-19 (B)(4) of the Oshkosh Municipal Code: R-2
Two Family Residence District allows a maximum area for accessory uses and structures of
1,200 square feet.
Mr. Buck introduced the item and passed around colored pictures. Mr. Buck also stated the
subject property is approximately Yz acre of land and the subject site is adjacent to Lake
Winnebago. The applicant is requesting a variance ftom the zoning code to allow construction
of a detached combination structure of a garage and boathouse totaling 720 sq. ft. It is proposed
to be located on the northwest corner of the site utilizing the existing driveway that runs along
the side of the property and along the back almost to the lake. The site currently contains a
single family home of approx. 4,000 sq. ft with about 780 sq. ft. of attached garage space. It is
important to state the application is for a combination of a detached garagelboathouse as our
code allows up to 1200 sq. ft. of garage space per site of which he has 780 sq. ft. of his current
attached garage. The code also allows an additional of 500 sq. ft. of boathouse.
Mr. John Sherer, Owner/applicant, 1366 Otter Avenue.
Mr. Sherer stated he is primarily adding boathouse space but 500 sq. ft. wouldn't be enough
room for his small sail boat and 22 ft. power boat that he is building. Mr. Sherer also stated the
neighbor to the north is planning on landscaping the lot line between the two properties.
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Mr. Cornell asked ifthe new structure would be blocking the view of the lake ftom the neighbors
to the west. Mr. Sherer stated he wasn't sure. Mr. Cornell then asked if the structure would be
used for a garage or for mostly working on the boats and storing of the boats. Mr. Sherer stated
it would mainly be used for working on the boats. Mr. Cornell then asked if it has the capability
of being used as a garage. Mr. Sherer then stated a new owner could use it as a garage.
Board of Appeals Minutes
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February 22, 2006
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Mr. Carpenter motioned to approve the item with staffs recommendations,
(a)
(b)
There shall be no further accessory buildings permitted on the site.
The proposed multi-use structure is architecturally compatible in design and
material with the existing home on the site.
Seconded by Mr. Ruedinger, motion carried 3-0.
Finding of Facts:
Mr. Carpenter stated a single structure is better than two structures. Mr.
Cornell stated there is no uniqueness or any adverse impact on the
neighborhood.
DISCUSSION OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS PROCEDURES
No discussion was held at this time.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Unanimous.
157ßL
David Buck
Associate Plarmer
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STAFF REPORT
BOARD OF APPEALS
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
ITEM I: 1366 OTTER AVENUE
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
John Sherer, owner, requests a variance to create accessory structure space totaling
approximately 1,500 square feet. Section 30-19 (B)(4) of the Oshkosh Municipal Code:
R-2 Two Family Residence District allows a maximum area for accessory uses and
structures of 1,200 square feet.
The subject 0.49 acre property is zoned R-2 Two Family Residence District and is
developed with a single family home. The general area can be characterized as a low-
density residential neighborhood of single and two family homes with the land use
predominately single-family. The subject site is adjacent to Lake Winnebago on the east.
ANALYSIS
In reviewing a variance request, the following questions should be addressed:
When considering an area variance, the question of whether unnecessary hardship
or practical difficulty exists is best explained as "whether compliance with
the strict letter of the restrictions governing area, set backs, frontage,
height, bulk or density would uureasonably prevent the owner from using
the property for a permitted purpose or would render conformity with such
restrictions unnecessarily burdensome."
Are there any unusual or unique physical limitations ofthe property, which create a
hardship?
Will granting of a variance result in harm to the public interest?
The applicants are requesting a variance ftom the Zoning Code to allow the construction
of a detached combination garagelboathouse totaling 720 sq. ft. of area, to be utilized by
the single-family residence on the lot. It is proposed to be located on the northwest
corner of the site utilizing an existing driveway from Otter Avenue, which follows the
western property line then turns east following the northern property line. The site
currently contains a single family home with a footprint of approximately 4,000 sq. ft., of
which 780 sq. ft. is attached garage space.
As mentioned, this structure is proposed to be a combination of boathouse and detached
garage. This is important to discuss, because if the requested structure is considered a
boathouse, it is limited to 500 sq. ft. and is 220 sq. ft. gteáter than allowed. If the
structure is considered garage, the addition of the 720 sq. ft. of accessory structure would
create a total of 1,500 sq ft of accessory structure space, which is 300 sq ft greater than
allowed by code. The requested variance is to combine the additional allowed garage
space and the allowed boathouse space into a single structure.
The applicant contents that it is a practical difficulty to divide up the two functions into
two separate buildings, thereby being an unnecessary burden when both functions can be
better accomplished in one smaller structure. Staff agrees that the ability to combine the
uses into one structure will help to maximize the open space on the lot as well as to better
:il.
STAFF REPORT
ITEM I
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BOARD OF APPEALS
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
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preserve lake views. Additionally, staff agrees with the petitioner in that the location
proposed for the structure has the least impact on surrounding property owners as well as
utilizes the existing pavement on site.
With the exception of its the proximity to the lake, the site itself does not have any
unusual or unique characteristics that create a hardship. However, the applicant has
stated that the allowed 500 sq. ft. stand-alone boathouse would be insufficient for his
needs and additional garage space would be required that would most likely have to be a
separate structure as attempting to convert and or expand the existing garage would
jeopardize the design and style of the Otter Street façade.
In regard to harm to the public interest, the petitioners have stated that the neighbors they
have spoken with prefer a single outbuilding to two. Staff believes that the applicants
have requested the minimum amount of space needed for functionality as stated and
agrees that the use of one multifunction structure is preferable to multiple structures and
the possibility of outdoor storage, which is often a reason of complaint within the city and
has been suggested to negatively affect property values and the quality of living of
adjoining and nearby property owners.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the infonnation provided within this report, staff recommends approval of the
variance to create accessory structure space totaling approximately 1,500 square feet with
the following conditions:
(a) There shall be no further accessory buildings pennitted on the site.
(b) The proposed multi-use structure is architecturally compatible in design and
material with the existing home on the site.
Please TvDe or Print in BLÁ CK INK
Return to: Department of
Community Development
215 Church Ave.
P.O. Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130
CITY OF OSHKOSH
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE
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Please write legibly with black ink and also submit a complete reproducible site Dlan (maxiIniunsize 11" x 17"), (A
complete site plan includes, but is not limited to, all structures, lot lines and streets with distances to each.) There is a
$125.00 fee for each variance application. The fee is payable to the City ofOsbkósh and due at the time the application
is submitted.
Address of Parcel Affected:
Petitioner: :fo""" Scherer-
Petitioner's Address: / 36b o.¡...{e;-- Aile
Signature Required: ~ ~
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HomePhOne: 9 2cJ~237-'O7:;-P
Work Phone: 92C1~92-4 ~2(}?{,
Date: 1/23/06
OWner (ifnot petitioner):
Home Phone:
OWner's Address:
Work Phone:
Signature Required:
Date:
In order to be granted a variance, each applicant must be able to prove that an nnnecessary hardship wonId be created if
the variance is not granted. The burden of proving an nnnecessary hardship rests nþOn the applicant The attached sheet
provides information on what constitutes a hardship. (Attach additional sheets, if necêssaìy, to provide the information
requested. Additional information may be requested as needed.)
1. Explain your proposed plans al!d why you are requesting a variance:
I am seeking approval for a detached combined garagelboathouse accessory structure of
720 square feet. My existing attached garage is 780 square feet. If the new building
were treated as a garage the property would exceed the maxinlum allowable 1200 square
feet of garage area. Ifit were treated as a boathouse, it would exceed the allowable 500
square feet. The variance would allow me to combine allowable square footage ftom
garage and boathouse allocations to put up one structure that makes better use of the
prop~!o/ t~an ~~_s~!'!I!~tesP:u~~~s_F<?1:11g; . . '.
2. í>esèribe b~~ the variance wOl,!ldIlot~ave a,n ä~yer~,~n:!:Cto~s,lÌtt~tffi~i!l~jjm¡j~rnes:
- . --'-H~--TliëïocãÜoîifõ¡:ihe-Sifùct;jrë~šiíië-bacrcörner ofìhe lot. This 10cat1ûÌiwilllïavetIïe-'--_.
smallest impact on the neighboring properties. There is a garage opposite this location on
the property to the North and is at the back of the neighboring lot to the west. The
property to the Northwest also has a garage near the back of the lot between the residence
and my proposed structure.
There is already paved access to this location on the property ftom Otter Ave. and along
the back of the lot. Some of the pavement will be replaced by the structure. As part of
the acceptance of this variance, I would be willing to forgo the option of putting up two
separate structures that could total 920 squ¡¡¡:e feet f()rgne ~!æÇllite.9f 720 square feet.
(ContiÌ1u~d ~n R,eyérse Si~e)
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'3. Describe the special conditions that apply to your lot or structure that do not apply to surrounding lots or
structures:
The lot is on the Lake Winnebago waterftont allowing it to have a boathouse in addition
to a garage. I am seeking space to store and work on my powerboat and smallsailboat.
The proposed 20' x 36' structure will provide adequate space for this and, I believe, is
reasonable given the size öfmany boats today. The flexibility of the structure would
allow any future owner to make good use of it as well.
4. Describe the hardship that would result if your variance were not granted:
As a boat owner I would like to have a place to store and work on my boat on my
property. I think it's likely that future owners would have similar needs as well. A
stand-alone boathouse of 500 square feet would not be sufficient to accommodate my
needs. The existing garage is not configured for this use and would be unusable for
vehicles if converted to this use. 'The architectural style of the house would be degraded
by any garage modification as well.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY - ADJACENTPROPERTY OWNERS \VITa MAILING ADDRESSES
/
JOHN SITTER
1358 OTTER AVE
OSHKOSH WI 54901-5453
,WILLIAM/ELIZABETH WYMAN
1373 WAUGOO AVE
OSHKOSH WI 54901-5324
WILLIAM/ELIZABETH WYMAN
1361 WAUGOO AVE
OSHKOSH WI 54901-5324
2)
MERCEDES DEMPSEY
1357 OTTER AVE
OSHKOSH WI 54901-5452
MR & MRS RAYMOND RUETTER
1363 OTTER AVE
OSHKOSH WI 54901-5452
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ATTACHMENT TO BOA PACKET
1366 Otter Avenue
FEBRUARY 22,2006
View looking ftom the area to the south
View to the west
10f2
ATTACHMENT TO BOA PACKET
1366 Otter Avenue
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
View to the east
View of area ftom the south
2of2
DISCLAIMER
City of Oshkosh Wisconsin
Community Development
OJHKOfH
ON THE WATER
N
A
This map is neither a legally recorded map nor
a snrvey and it is not intended to he nsed as one.
This drawing is a compilation of records, data
and information located in vadoos elly, coonty
and state offices and other sources affecting
the ma shown and it is to he nsed for reference
purposes only. The City of Oshkosh b not re-
sponsihle for any inaecuracies herein contained.
If discrepencies are fonnd, please contact the
City of Oshkosh.
1366 Otter Avenue
1" = 60'
Created by - pI
2/14/06
DISCLAIMER
1366 Otter Avenue
.
OJHKOJH
ON TIlE WATER
N
Â
This map is nehher a legally recorded map nor
a sumy and it is not intended to be used as one.
This drawing is a compilation of records, data
and information located io various city, county
and state offices aud other sources affecting
the area shown and h is to be used for reference
purposes only. The City ofOshkosb is not re-
spoosible for any inaccuracies herein contained.
If discrepencie~~eo~o~~:k~:~~se contact the 500
I
City of Oshkosh Wisconsin
Community Development
0
500 Feet
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Created by - pI
02/14/06