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BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
October 12, 2011
PRESENT: Robert Cornell, Janet Duellman, Dennis Penney, Robert Krasniewski
EXCUSED: Dan Carpenter, Kathryn Larson, Jane Cryan
STAFF: Todd Muehrer, Associate Planner/Zoning Administrator; Deborah Foland, Recording
Secretary
Chairperson Cornell called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared
present.
The minutes of September 14, 2011 were approved with a correction noted on page 2 describing the
variance request for 1108 Reichow Street as “to permit an 800 sq. ft. detached garage” when it should have
been an 880 sq. ft. garage. The minutes were approved as corrected. (Penney/Duellman)
Mr. Krasniewski questioned if the applicants moved forward with building their garages without the variance
requested.
Mr. Muehrer responded that he was not aware if the property owners proceeded or not as he is not the only
staff person who approves site plans.
ITEM I: 929 WINNEBAGO AVENUE
Washington Elementary School PTO-applicant, Oshkosh Area School District Washington-owner, requests
the following variance to permit a double-sided, internally illuminated ground mount identification and
bulletin board sign in the front yard setback:
Description Code ReferenceMinimum Proposed
Front yard setback 30-19 (B)(2)(c) 25’ 4’
Mr. Muehrer presented the item and distributed photos of the subject site. The property is located on the
south side of Winnebago Avenue and is zoned R-2 Two Family Residence District. The subject parcel is
developed with an existing two story elementary school built in 1957 and associated improvements. The
applicant is proposing to install a double-sided, internally illuminated ground mount identification sign
which will intrude 21’ into the front yard setback to convey pertinent school-related information. The
subject property is unique due to multiple nonconforming setback standards present specifically the majority
of the principal structure is setback 21’ from the property line fronting Winnebago Avenue as well as other
existing landscaping, lighting fixtures and other elements on the property limiting placement of the proposed
sign. The historical development pattern creates a justifiable hardship and no vision/traffic issues are
anticipated with the proposed sign placement as there is no vehicle ingress/egress to the property via
Winnebago Avenue.
Mr. Penney inquired if a sign was present on the site currently.
Mr. Muehrer responded that it appeared that a non-illuminated legal nonconforming sign existed on the
property.
Board of Appeals Minutes 1 October 12, 2011
Mr. Krasniewski questioned the limitations on the size of the sign including the poles mounting it and if it
would be illuminated in the future as the submission appears to show the face of the sign only and states no
electric at this time.
Mr. Muehrer replied that the face area of the sign was the only details included in the application and the
illumination feature was being installed however it may not be utilized initially. This feature was allowed by
code in this district.
Mr. Penney inquired if the sign would interfere with any traffic flow.
Mr. Muehrer responded that the sign was far enough away from any sidewalk so no visual obstruction was
present.
Motion by Krasniewski to approve the request for a variance to permit a double-sided, internally
illuminated ground mount identification and bulletin board sign with a 4’ front yard setback.
Motion carried 4-0.
Seconded by Penney.
Finding of Facts:
Unique situation.
No harm to public interest.
OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:42 p.m. (Krasniewski/Duellman).
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Muehrer
Associate Planner/Zoning Administrator
Board of Appeals Minutes 2 October 12, 2011