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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-8-98 BA MinutesBOARD OF ADJUSTMENT January 8,1998 City Council Chambers A meeting of the Board of Adjustment was held on January 8, 1998 with the following members present: Board Member Bob Harris Board Member Glenn Bodwin Board Member Lamar Roach Board Member Alvin Cook Board Members absent: Board Member Dohn LaBiche Board Member Mary lowers Board Member Joe Ashy Also present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Director; Murray Duren, Senior Planner; Tyrone Cooper, First Assistant City Attorney and Jill Cole, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Roach made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 6, 1997 Board of Adjustment Public Hearing. Board Member Bodwin seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 4:0. .bTAW11J, W"n-VIKOWWWWW& PUBLIC HEARING 1) File 405-BA: A request for a variance of the setback regulations for a new parking lot located within the Oaks Historic District. Property is zoned RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization). Authority for Variances - Sec. 30-37 E. 3, City Codes. General Setback (Yard) Regulations - Section 30-25, B. 1. Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation District Regulations - Sec. 30-21.2. General off-street parking regulations - Sec. 30-27. Specific parking regulations historic district - See. 30-21.2 (e) (7) a. Location: Southwest corner of North and Fourth Streets (Address is 2000 McFaddin Avenue) Applicant: Broussard's Mortuary BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT January 8.1998 Mr. Richardson told the Board that Broussard's Mortuary wishes to construct a new concrete parking lot at the rear of the mortuary. The new parking lot would provide approximately 56 new parking spaces. The subject property is located in the Oaks Historic District and is thus subject to the setback regulations for parking lots within the district. The Historic District and regulations were adopted by City Council in June, 1993. These regulations require setbacks not less than the required front yard setback or as far back as the front of the immediately adjacent buildings, whichever is greater. In this instance, the required setback is 25 feet along North Street and 10 feet along Fourth Street. If the variance is requested, the edge of the parking lot along North Street would be located 19.5 feet from the pavement and 16.5 feet from the pavement along Fourth Street. Meeting the required setbacks would delete approximately 14 parking spaces and two drives. Section 30-31 (c) 3 of the Zoning Ordinance requires a 6' wide landscape strip for parking lots. Three feet of that strip can be on public right-of-way. Along Fourth Street, 2.5 feet of landscape strip is shown on the subject property. If this variance request is approved, the Board may wish to require a three foot wide landscape strip on subject property. Section 30-37 of the Zoning Ordinance requires that the applicant shall have the burden of proving to the Board that the three conditions for granting a variance have been met. Sixteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. No responses in favor or in opposition were returned to staff. Board Member Harris, acting as Chairman, opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's comments. Jim Broussard, the applicant, addressed the Board. He addressed the parking problems associated with their business. He added that their parking lot is sometimes used by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Garth House and the McFaddin-Ward House. Board Member Harris, acting as chairman, asked for comments in favor or in opposition. Bruce Booher, Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, addressed the Board in favor of the request. David Bradley, 615 N. Sth, addressed the Board. He expressed concerns if the request is approved that a precedent would be set and allow future encroachments in the Oaks Historic District. Dale Hallmark, 2223 North Street, addressed the Board. He agreed with Mr. Bradley. Board Member Roach asked Mr. Broussard if he had met with any of the neighbors to discuss this project. Mr. Broussard said he had not met with them formally, but was sure that they N BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT January 8,1998 were aware of the project because of the lengthy process involved including notices being sent to the neighbors. Discussion of tabling the request followed. Mr. Broussard asked the Board to take action on the request instead of tabling. Mayor Moore discussed the need to address the issues but consider the request. Mr. Bradley asked for a 10 minute recess to visit with Mr. Broussard and look at the project plans. The Board granted the 10 minute recess. After the recess, Dale Hallmark addressed the Board and stated that he has no objections to the project. Mr. Bradley complimented the Broussards on their efforts and on being good corporate neighbors. Jack Carville, President of the Oaks Neighborhood Association, addressed the Board and stated that he is in agreement with the project. Board Member Harris asked for comments in opposition. No comments were made. Board Member Harris closed the public hearing. Discussion between Board members followed. Board Member Bodwin made a motion to approve the variance request for a building setback for the parking lot pavement of 3' along the North St. property line and a setback of 2-1/2' along the Fourth Street side as requested in File 405-BA. Board Member Cook seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 4:0. OTHER BUSINESS THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. 9