HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-Board of Zoning Appeals (minutes) BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
June 1, 1988
PRESENT: Gary Ruhl, Scott McDonald, Kevin McGee and Dave Neu
STAFF: Susan K. Moore, Principal Planner; and Diane Witzke, Recording Secretary
Chairperson McGee called the meeting to order at 3:40 PM. Roll call was taken and a
quorum declared present.
Due to a four member Board present, Mr. McGee informed the applicants that four
affirmative votes would be required to approve a request. A 3 -1 vote for approval
would be an automatic lay over.
The minutes of May 18, 1988 were approved as distributed.
I. 82 E. WAUKAU AVENUE - Tom Shepeck, agent for James F. Steiner
Ms. Moore explained the applicant is requesting a variance to permit an unattached
garage on a lot with no principal structure present or under construction; whereas
Section 30 -3(C) of the City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance requires that an unattached
garage be located on the same lot with a principal structure present or under
construction.
In answering questions from the Board Mr. Shepeck explained the following: his
situation is unique because the property is situated near the channel. The garage
itself is worth $7- 8,000.00 and it is at least 7 -8 years old. They are trying to
sell three lots and hope someone would want to buy a lot with a garage on it.
The Board was concerned that this situation did not meet the specific conditions
that allow a garage without a principal structure. The Board also felt there was
a viable alternative of replatting the lots.
Motion by Neu to move approval of the variance as requested. Seconded by Ruhl.
Motion denied 0 -4.
Regarding the findings of fact, Mr. Neu stated the hardship is economic in nature.
There is the alternative of replatting the lots. He could combine the garage lot
with another lot to make it larger.
I I . This item was heard at the end of the meeting since no applicant was present.
III. 801 RANDALL PLACE - Bruce and Casey Neubauer
Ms. Moore explained the applicant is requesting a variance to construct a deck extending
4 ft. into the side yard setback; and 21'12 ft. into the front yard setback; whereas
Section 30- 15(B)(1)(b) of the City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance requires a 7Y2 ft.
side yard setback and Section 30- 15(B)(1)(c) requires a 25 ft. front yard setback.
In answering questions from the Board Mr. and Mrs. Neubauer explained the following:
Their lot is substandard in size and the house has a two car garage. They had to
replace the front entrance on the house because it became delapidated. They would
like to connect the proposed fence to the deck to prevent a dead space. They
would like to keep the deck to one side of the yard to leave as much yard space as
possible.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES PAGE TWO JUNE 1, 1988
Discussion ensued as to how the front yard was determined by the staff.
Mr. and Mrs. Neubauer continued, they have owned the property about 2 years. The
proposed fence would be a 3' /2 ft. rail fence. No lighting on the deck is planned.
The 11' x 12' section of the deck is to be 3'/2 ft. and the 6' x 6' section is to be
about 1 ft.
Mrs. Nancy Ludwig, 805 Randall Place, came forward and objected to the deck. She
displayed several pictures and stated they will have no privacy if the proposed
deck is built. She felt the value of their home would depreciate.
Mr. Kurt Redlin, 825 N. Main St., stated he is helping the Neubauers build the
deck. The house predates the Ordinance. He felt the Neubauers should be given
credit for trying to upgrade the neighborhood. He thought the deck looked fine.
Mr. Jake Gafner, 1525 W. Murdock, stated he owns property at 835 N. Main St. and
he has no objection to the proposed deck. He thought the Neubauers were doing a
good job with their property.
The Board felt there was a viable alternative to the 3 1/2 ft. portion of the deck
if it was lowered to 1 ft. It would be considered a patio and therefore would not
need a variance. Also, the immediate neighbor might not feel it would be invading
their privacy.
Mr. Neubauer stated he could lower the 12' x 11' section of the deck down to the
6' x 6' section which is about 12 inches high.
Motion by Ruhl to move approval of the variance as requested. Seconded by Neu.
Motion denied 0 -4.
Regarding the findings of fact, Mr. Neu stated there are other alternatives to the
deck. The reason for the variance is self- imposed.
IV. 426 W. 16TH AVENUE - Robert J. Warnke
Ms. Moore explained the applicant is requesting a variance to permit a side yard
setback of 1 ft. for a deck around a pool; whereas Section 30- 16(B)(1)(b)(v) of
the City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance requires a 2 ft. minimum side yard setback.
Prior to the meeting, six neighbors telephoned to say they do not object to this
variance request.
In answering questions from the Board Mr. and Mrs. Warnke explained the following:
he mistakenly measured from the wrong place when determining the setback from the
lot line. From the front yard the deck is barely visible because it is set back
so far on the lot. They intend to put on a proposed fence with a gate. They do
not have plans to put any type of roof enclosure on the deck and will have no
light fixtures on it.
The Board felt since the pre- existing structure was built with a permit that there
was a bonafide effort to meet the Code.
Motion by Neu to move approval of the variance as requested. Seconded by McDonald.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Regarding the findings of fact, Mr. Neu stated the applicant made a bondafide
effort to build the deck with what he assumed were the right measurements. The
applicant is making an effort to beautify the area and is willing to put a fence
around the area.