HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Zoning Appeals (Minutes) - 02/18/1987 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
FEBRUARY 18, 1987
PRESENT: Anne Hintz, Tom Kimberly, James Larson, Kevin. McGee, Dave Neu
STAFF: Chuck Lamine, Associate Planner; Mary Jo Anderson, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Chairman McGee. Roll call was taken and a
quorum declared present.
With regard to the minutes of January 7, 1987, Mr. Neu informed the Secretary
that he was not present at that meeting and the name indicated in the minutes
should be corrected to read Mr. Nitkowski.
With that correction in mind, Ms. Hintz moved approval of the minutes of January
7, 1987. Motion seconded by Mr. Neu. Motion carried.
Ms. Hintz moved approval of the minutes of January 21, 1987. Motion seconded by
Mr. Neu. Motion carried.
1027 WEISBROD STREET - Arthur Druke
Mr. Lamine explained that the applicant is requesting a variance to construct a
detached garage on a corner lot with a 4 1/2 ft. side yard setback, a 15 1/2 ft.
front yard setback from llth Avenue, and a 56.5 ft. front yard setback from
Weisbrod Street. The R -2 Two Family Residence District requires a 7 1/2 ft.
minimum side yard setback and a 60 ft. minimum front yard setback.
Arthur Druke, 975 Honey Creek Road, stated that it is very hard to have a house
without a garage and they would like a garage. The lot is too narrow to build a
garage and meet the regulations.
Ms. Hintz stated that actually he is very close to meeting the setbacks, closer
than we usually get.
Mr. McGee stated that relative to West llth Street that is only 15 1/2 ft.
Mr. Kimberly asked if the side yard setback is 4 1/2 ft.?
Mr. Druke replied yes. That setback is in line with the home.
Mr. McGee stated that it conforms with the type of corner lot garages that the
Board has approved in the past. He has no problem with it.
Ms. Hintz asked if the driveway is on llth Avenue?
Mr. Lamine replied that that is correct.
Mr. Kimberly moved approval of the variance to construct a detached garage on a
corner lot with a 4 1/2 ft. side yard setback, a 15 1/2 ft. front yard setback
from llth Avenue, and a 56.5 ft. front yard setback from Weisbrod Street. Motion
seconded by Ms. Hintz. Motion carried 5 -0.
Ms. Hintz stated for the findings of fact that this is a standard corner lot
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FEBRUARY 18, 1987 PAGE TWO
problem. It is the only possible location on that size and shape lot on a corner
on which to place a garage and infringes the least possible into the setback.
She asked how this conforms to the proposed revisions?
Mr. Lamine replied that the setback would be 2 1/2 ft.
Ms. Hintz replied that under the revisions they would not have to get a variance.
Mr. Larson asked if the setback was 2 1/2 ft. on the left hand side of the lot?
Mr. Lamine confirmed that the proposed setbacks are 2 1/2 ft. to the side yard
and 2 1/2 ft. to the rear. He added that this is a long lot and the rear yard
setback does not come into play here. They would allow him to go no further than
the existing structure is to the street. Twelve feet if it is a very narrow lot.
Not less than 28 ft. buildable width.
Ms. Hintz asked if staff informs the applicant of the revisions to be made.
Mr. Lamine replied that he does let them know to give them an idea of the proposed
changes to the Ordinance, in order to give them an idea of the possibility of their
variance being approved.
Discussion ensued on placement of the garage on the lot.
II. SUMMIT AVENUE BETWEEN CONGRESS AND NEW YORK AVENUES -
Century Investment Fund.XV Limited Partnership w
Mr. Lamine explained that the applicant is requesting a variance to erect a 160
sq. ft. temporary real estate sign with a 5 ft. front yard setback from Congress
Avenue. The Sign Regulations section of the Ordinance requires that real estate
signs not exceed 100 sq. ft. and the R -5 Multiple Dwelling District requires a
25 ft. minimum front yard setback. The Zoning Ordinance requires that real estate
signs advertising the rental of new apartment units shall be removed within one
year of the first occupancy of the building. He noted that they are in the process
of building a multiple family structure at this location.
Tom McDermott, 240 Algoma Boulevard, explained that the location of the property
is on the Fox River where Congress Avenue bridge crosses the river. There is
really only one point on the street where it is appropriate for advertising the
availability of apartments and attracting the attention of prospective renters for
that property. There are two other street approaches. Summit is only one block
long and it is not a through street. New York dead ends at the river and it is
not a through street. The only approach spot is along Congress which does not
face anything residential, and is a commercial zone to the north. They would like
to put up the optimum size to advertise the availability of the apartments in order
to make the project a success. They are financing the project with City Multi -
Family Housing Revenue Bonds which were issued in December of 1986. In respect
to the size of the sign, they consulted with a sign maker and designer. They gave
us the layout of the sign we are proposing. They suggested a 10 x 16 sign would
be appropriate for the information we want to put on it. It will show the architect
rendering and the project when it is completed. With regard to the street setback
at 5 ft. as opposed to 25 ft., they would be willing to move the sign after the
excavation is completed. After the first building to the north is completed and
the fill moved and the area landscaped, it will be no problem. It is still under
construction and there are piles of dirt there. The contractors have equipment
and trailers on the site. The sign would not be seen by people and therefore it
is appropriate to move it closer to the sidewalk where it is not obscured by the
piles of dirt and the contractor's equipment. Once things are completed they
would be happy to move the sign back.