Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/17/2004 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS — MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING — MARCH 17, 2004 PRESENT: Mr. Richard Jones, Acting Chairman Mr. Eldon Karr Mr. Kevin Barnes Mr. Joseph Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. Timothy Beard, Secretary Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary ABSENT: Mr. Eric Thomas Mr. Carlton Wright Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Karr moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barnes which carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING PETITION 1. Variance requested by Kenneth J. & Michelle R. Schnur of Section 30-41-3(B)l.a f the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the minimum front yard setback from 30 feet to 27 feet. The purpose of this request is to construct a roof over the existing stoop, located at 1816 Stone Mill Drive, Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Ken Schnur, 1816 Stone Mill Drive, reviewed each of the four criteria listed on the application for a variance. He stated regarding number one, the ordinance provides for a 30 ft. setback. He stated the construction would only be going 3 ft. into the setback but no further than the existing stoop extends. He noted the stoop is considered part of the structure. He stated the completed structure would still be 31 ft, from the curb. He stated since the street will most likely not be widened, the structure would not be closer than 30 feet from the curb. He stated no one has come forward to contest the petition. He stated regarding number two, the hardship is that he needs to reduce the damage the sun does to his front door. He stated he has spent $2,500 to replace the door twice. He stated the door has warped. He referred to pictures provided to the members illustrating damage. He stated the inside of his home has also been damaged due cracks in the door. He stated granting the variance would eliminate the problem. He stated regarding number three, the hardship is not shared by others in the area. He stated other homes in the area with his orientation have porches and/or covers. He stated a house two blocks from him had the same issue. He stated the BZA granted a similar variance for that residence. He stated regarding number four, detriment to the adjoining property, that the structure would be in the spirit of the neighborhood. He stated most houses in the area already have porches. He stated he has not received any notices of opposition. He stated the structure would protect the door and enhance the look of the house, Mr. Karr commended the petitioner on his presentation. Mr. Karr motioned to continue the request until April 21, 2004 due to there being only three board members present and that a unanimous vote to approve would be necessary this evening to grant the request. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. AYES: Karr, Jones, Barnes NAYS: None ABSENT: Thomas, Wright 2. Variance requested by Ernest E. Sweetenberg of Section 30-86-2(A) of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required setback from 100 feet to 50 feet. The purpose of this request is to provide a 50 foot strip between an existing construction yard and any adjoining residential district, located 0.03 miles south of the intersection of Valleypointe Parkway and Woodhaven Road, Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Ernest Sweetenberg, 7314 Wood Haven Road, stated he is 62 years old and has been in the Roanoke area all of his life. His land is currently R-1. He stated he owns the adjoining parcel. He stated the property all around his property is 1-2. He stated Adams Construction Company and English Construction Company are located nearby. He stated they are very noisy. Mr, Karr asked the petitioner why he wanted to rezone the property. Mr. Sweetenberg stated he wants to park dump trucks, a bulldozer, and other construction equipment on the property. He stated when he first moved there, the area was only woods. He stated in 1999 he and his son started a business. He stated they park the equipment in the nearby held. He stated the only house nearby belongs to his daughter and him. He stated all other parcels are I-2 except his property. Mr. Jones suggested the petitioner research adjusting property lines of the surrounding property. Mr. Karr asked the petitioner if he owns the house and lot next door to his property. He affirmed he owns the adjoining property. Mr. Karr asked Mr. Sweetenberg to explain his plans on the provided map. The petitioner explained the map to the members. Mr. Jones suggested exploring the option of reconfiguring the property lines before proceeding further with the variance. Mr. Karr explained the advantage to reconfiguring the property lines. Mr. Obenshain stated a deed to consolidate the properties would be needed. Mr. Beard asked the petitioner if water and sewer were available at the house. Mr. Sweetenberg indicated water and sewer are available. Mr. Obenshain stated it may still be in the best interest of the petitioner to consider a variance. Mr. Karr motioned to continue the request until April 21, 2004, after further exploration of options available to the petitioner is completed. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. AYES: Karr, Jones, Barnes NAYS: None ABSENT: Thomas, Wright 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Karr moved to approve minutes of February 18, 2004. Mr, Jones seconded the motion. AYES: Karr, Jones, Barnes NAYS: None ABSENT: Thomas, Wright COMMENTS Mr. Beard stated Mr. Saunders posted a $5,000 bond as requested. He stated the Treasurer's office would be holding the bond until June 2004. He thanked Mr. Obenschain for creating the contractual agreement regarding the bond. Mr. Jones welcomed Mr. Barnes to the BZA. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, -6VAC�a — C. Susan Carter Approved: Tim Beard, Secretary Boar of Zoning Appeals