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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA 1998-08-20 Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS AUGUST 20,1998 -7:30 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tom Duer at 7:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present ZBA Members Chairman Dr. Tom Duer Dr. Rick Enlow James McCain Bill Schopper Cindy Martin Absent Paul Young City Staff Director Planner Recording Secretary Plans Examiner Depuy City Manager Barry LeBaron Christopher Baker Valerie Taylor P.J. Skare Randy Shiflet 3. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF JULY 16, 1998 APPROVED Ms. Martin made the motion, seconded by Dr. Enlow to approve the minutes of the July 16, 1998 meeting. The vote was 5 - o. Messrs. Duer, Enlow, McCain, Schopper and Ms. Martin were in favor of this motion. Chairman Duer explained that this board consists of five voting members and it requires four affirmative votes in order for a variance to pass. ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 1 4. BA 98-24 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF STEVEN HESTER TO EXCEED THE 8' FENCE HEIGHT LIMIT TO CONSTRUCT A 100' PERIMETER SAFETY NET AROUND A PROPOSED DRIVING RANGE ON LOTS 3R3 AND 2R2, BLOCK 2, WALKER BRANCH ADDITION. (LOCATED AT 8707 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY) DENIED Chairman Duer opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. John Coligan, 3811 Shady Creek Drive, North, Arlington TX 76013, explained that his is the golf course architect representing Mr. Hester. He showed a drawing of the proposed range and course. He explained that Mr. Hester wants to enhance the driving range that currently exists, as well as add a putting course and a small Par 3 course. He showed pictures of similar facility's that use a 1 '20' netting. He explained that they would be using aluminum poles for the netting that are engineered to withstand wind. He explained that the net is maintained by a crane and stated that the netting is very attractive. Mr. Coligan stated that this entire facility is contingent upon this variance being granted. The board expressed concern for the overall safety of balls going over this net, regardless of the height. Responding to a question, Mr. Coligan stated that they had looked at flipping the facility around to keep the driving range away from Grapevine Highway, but decided it wasn't a situation Mr. Hester liked very much, and he felt this was a more logical layout than anything else they had studied. Additionally, Mr. Coligan stated that the most they could bring back the netting for the driving range would be 50' from the property line. The poles currently are approximately 20 - 30' from the property line. Seeing no additional proponents, Chairman Barfield called for any opponents. Mr. Randy Shiflet, Deputy City Manager for the City of North Richland Hills, stating that the City Managers office concurs with staff in recommending denial of this request. He believes it is a self-imposed hardship, will be visually overwhelming and may prove dangerous to traffic on Grapevine Highway. Seeing no additional opponents, the public hearing was closed. ZBA Minutes August 20,1998 2 Ms. Martin reiterated her concerns of safety as well as how unsightly this would be on this section of Grapevine Highway. She believes the overall concept is great, but can not vote in favor of a variance for a 100' net. Mr. McCain agreed that a net of this caliber would be visually overwhelming for this section of Grapevine Highway and is opposed to this variance request. Chairman Duer stated if there were no more questions he would entertain a motion. No motion was made and the variance was denied. ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 3 5. BA 98-26 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF DON JONES FOR A SIDE YARD ENCROACHMENT FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING THAT IS MORE THAN 12' TALL ON LOT 10, BLOCK 4, WESTERN OAKS ADDITION. (LOCATED AT 6857 ROLLING RIDGE DRIVE) APPROVED Chairman Duer opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. Don Jones presented his request explaining that his doctor had advised him to take up a hobby to help battle depression since the death of his wife. He took up wood crafting and needed a building to work in. He bought a kit and assembled it himself, never realizing that a permit was required. He stated that the building is not on concrete and could be moved to avoid the rear and side yard encroachments, if he could just be granted a variance on the height. Responding to a question, Mr. LeBaron stated the moratorium on accessory buildings over 12' in height would end in October. Chairman Duer stated that one letter of support and one letter of opposition had been received and copies were included in the board members packets. Chairman Duer called for additional proponents and seeing none, he called for opponents. Seeing none the public hearing was closed. Dr. Enlow moved, seconded by Mr. McCain to approve BA 98-26 for a 13' height variance; provided that the building is moved within the proper side and rear setbacks. The motion carried with a vote of 5 - O. Messrs. Enlow, Duer, McCain, Schopper and Ms. Martin were in favor of this request. ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 4 6. BA 98-27 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF STEVE RICHMOND FOR A SIDE YARD ENCROACHMENT TO ALLOW PERMANENT SUPPORT POLES FOR A SWIMMING POOL COVER ON LOT 17, BLOCK 7, HILL VIEW ADDITION. (LOCATED AT 4142 CARMA) APPROVED Chairman Duer opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. Steven Richmond presented his request. He explained that they wanted to install an awning over the top over their pool, to keep the water from getting so hot. He distributed a sample of the fabric that will be used and showed pictures of carports that have a similar cover used as carports. The material and construction is designed to withstand winds from 80 -120 miles per hour. The fabric is also hail resistant. The cover will only shade the shallow end of the pool and will only encroach the side yard by 1'. Responding to a question, Mr. Richmond stated that this awning will cost about $4500. so the material is about $70 a yard. He stated that the tallest part of the arch in the awning would be 12". Mr. Richmond distributed letters of support from surrounding property owners. Seeing no more proponents, and no opponents, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Enlow, seconded by Mr. Schopper, moved to approve BA 98-27, allowing a 1 side yard encroachment. The motion carried with a vote of 5 - O. Messrs. Enlow, Duer, Schopper, McCain and Ms. Martin were in favor of this request. ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 5 7. BA 98-28 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF THOMAS KELLER FOR A SIDE YARD ENCROACHMENT TO CONSTRUCT A CARPORT ON LOT 20, BLOCK 7 , HOLIDAY NORTH ADDITION. (LOCATED AT 7578 TERRY DRIVE) DENIED Chairman Duer opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. Thomas Keller presented his request. He explained that because of the unusual shape of his lot, the proposed carport would not be visible from the street. He would like to construct this carport to protect his RV from harsh weather. The carport will be 10' and is constructed to withstand winds of 100 miles per hour. Mr. Keller stated there is no room to put this carport in the rear yard because of trees and an existing accessory building. Mr. Keller distributed pictures of his property and explained how the carport would sit on the property. Mr. Keller stated that the Commissioners had received a letter of support from the neighbor on the side closest to his carport. Staff pointed out that a letter of objection had been received on this case as well. Ward Harpo, 7571 Terry Drive, spoke in favor of this request. He stated that the Keller's maintain an immaculate yard and believes their carport will be first class. Seeing no additional proponents and no opponents, Chairman Duer closed the public hearing. Chairman Duer asked the applicant if he would be willing to sign a covenant stating the carport would be removed upon sale of the property, or a covenant stating the carport would be used for RV storage only or be removed. Mr. Keller stated he would have no problem signing a covenant of either type. Chairman Duer, seconded by Mr. Enlow, moved to approve BA 98-28 subject to a covenant being signed tying the property owner to the carport and that states it be removed upon sale of the property and that it be used only for RV storage and no other purposes. The vote was 2 - 3. Messrs. Duer and Enlow were in favor of this motion. Messrs. McCain, Schopper and Ms. Martin were opposed to this motion. The motion failed. ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 6 8. STAFF REPORT Mr. LeBaron reminded the Board members of the workshop on August 31,1998 that goes towards their continuing education requirement. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were none. 10. ADJOURNMENT Having no additional business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Chairman Tom Duer ZBA Minutes August 20, 1998 7