12/14/1995 (2)
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, Development Code Adjustment Board
Minutes
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DEVELOPMENT CODE ADJUSTMENT BOARD ACTION AGENDA
Thursday, December 14, 1995 ~ 1 :00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
A. Variance Requests
1. Robert L. & Linda l. Root. TRE (Avilla Group Care Facility) for variances of (1)
25 ft to permit 0 ft of vegetative buffer where 25 ft is required; and (2) 7 ft to
permit a 5 ft structural setback from a side (west) property line where 12ft is
required to allow a new building at 2436 Enterprise Rd, See 31 ~28~ 16, M&B
12.05, zoned RM 16 (Multiple Family Residential). V 95~60
ACTION: Continued to the meeting of January 25, 1996.
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2. Ciro L. & Ann M. Gaccione for a variance of 2 ft to permit a fence height of 6
ft where 4 ft maximum height is allowed in a structural setback from a street
(Charter Oak Or) right-of-way where the property is not addressed from at
2057 Red Cedar lane E, Charter Oaks, Lot 36, zoned RS 8 (Single Family
Residential). V 95~61
ACTION: Granted as requested subject to the following conditions: 1) This
variance is based on the variance application and documents submitted by the
applicant, including maps, plans, surveys, and other documents submitted in
support of the applicant's variance request. Deviation from any of the above
documents submitted in support of the variance request regarding the work to be
done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on the site, will
result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite building
permit(s} shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing.
3. Tic PeDe's Inc.JE & R Prooertles. Inc. (Tio Pepe Restaurant) for variances of (1)
5 ft to permit a 2 ft wide landscape buffer where 7 ft is required; and (2) 2 ft
to permit a fence height of 8 ft around a dumpster enclosure where a
maximum height of 6 ft is allowed at 2930 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Sec , 7-29-16,
M&B 14.04 and 14.05, zoned CG (General Commercial). V 95-62
ACTION: Granted Variance #1 as requested subject to the following conditions:
1) This variance is based on the variance application and documents submitted by
the applicant, including maps, plans, surveys, and other documents submitted in
support of the. applicant's variance request. Deviation from any of the above
documents submitted in support of the variance request regarding the work to be
done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on the site, will
result in this variance being null and of no effect; 2) the requisite building permit{s)
shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing and 3)
Landscaping the area affected by the new construction shall meet with the
approval of the City's Environmental Official.
Granted Variance #2 as requested subject to conditions 1) & 2) as above.
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DCAB ACTION
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4. Roner W. & Teresa Werder for a variance of 1.67 ft to permit a driveway
1.33 ft from the west property line at 615 Woodlawn St., Leona Smith~s,
Blk A, Lot 1, zoned RM 8 (Multiple Family Residential). V 95-63
ACTION: Granted as requested subject to the following conditions: 1) This
variance is based on the variance application and documents submitted by the
applicant, including maps, plans, surveys, and other documents submitted in
support of the applicant~s variance request. Deviation from any of the above
documents submitted in support of the variance request regarding the work to
be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on the site,
will result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite
building permit(s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this
public hearing.
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5. Tom Falone III (Clearwater Firearms) for variances of (1) 8 parking spaces
to permit 45 parking spaces where 53 parking spaces are required; (2) 1
percent to permit 14 percent of total open space for the lot where a
minimum of 15 percent is required to allow a new retail/restaurant
development at 1916 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Sec. 13-29-15, M&B 24.01 and
24.02, Skycrest Unit 0, Blk B, part of Lots 5 & 6, zoned CG (General
Commercia)). V 95~64
ACTION: Granted as requested subject to the following conditions: 1) This
variance is based on the variance application and documents submitted by the
applicant, including maps, plans, surveys, and other documents submitted in
support of the applicant~s variance request. Deviation from any of the above
documents submitted in support of the variance request regarding the work to
be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on the site,
will result in this variance being null and of no effect; 2) the requisite building
permit(s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public
hearing; and 3) the parking space calculations shall be in accordance with the
letter from Scott Shuford to Greg Nowak, dated June 27, 1995. '
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B. Time Extension Requests - None
C. land Development Code Amendments - None
D. Approval Of Minutes ~ November 30, 1995 p Approved as submitted
E. Chairmants Items - None
F. Director's Items - Discussion
G. Board And Staff Comments - Discussion
H. Adjournment - 2:58 p.m.
DCAB ACTION
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DEVELOPMENT CODE ADJUSTMENT BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 14, 1995
Present:
Alex Plisko
Otto Gans
Joyce Martin
William Johnson
William Schwob
Leslie Dougall-Sides
John Richter
Gwen Legters
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Assistant City Attorney
Central Permitting Senior Planner
Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 1 :00 p,m. in City Hall, followed by the
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. He outlined meeting procedures and the appeal process.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Variance Requests
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1. Robert L. & Unda l. Root. TRE (Avilla Group Care Facility) for variances of (1) 25 ft to
permit 0 ft of vegetative buffer where 25 ft is required; and (2) 7 ft to permit a 5 ft
structural setback from a side (west) property line where 12 ft is required to allow a new
building at 2436 Enterprise Rd. See 31-28-16, M&B 12.05, zoned RM 16 (Multiple Family
Residential). V 95-60
Senior Planner Richter gave the background of the case and presented written staff
recommendations. He stated the applicant wishes to develop the property with a two
story group care facility west of an existing drainage retention pond. The property is
undeveloped and the pond is a wetland under the jurisdiction of the State Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP.) He detailed the requested variances, stating
environmental issues associated with the proposal have been raised by Tom Miller,
Assistant Director of Enginoering/Environmental. In a memo dated November 29,
1995, Mr. Miller indicated City Environmental staff cannot recommend approval until
volumetric calculations and cross sections are provided showing additional storage
volume, treatment and attenuation volumes and a revised mitigation planting plan.
Staff recommended continuation until the applicant provides requested information. He
requested sufficient time for staff to research and analyze the new information and
prepare the next staff report.
Mr. Richter handed out copies of the memo from Tom Miller and fourteen letters in
opposition from neighbors and residents of the nearby Villas At Countryside
condominiums, It was noted many people were in the audience wishing to speak in
opposition to the application.
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In response to a question, Mr. Richter stated staff reports and recommendations
are not routinely sent to surrounding property owners, so most of those in attendance
were not aware a continuance was being requested.
Member Schwab moved to continue this case to the meeting of January 25, 1996 to
allow time for the site plan to be updated and for Environmental Engineering to make a
recommendation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2. Ciro L. & Ann M. Gaccione for a variance of 2 ft to permit a fence height of 6 ft where
4 ft maximum height is allowed in a structural setback from a street (Charter Oak Dr) right-
of-way where the property is not addressed from at 2057 Red Cedar Lane E, Charter
Oaks, Lot 36, 20ned RS 8 (Single Family Residential). V 95-61
Mr. Richter gave the background of the case and presented written staff
recommendations. It was indicated the applicant wishes to relocate and extend a six foot high
: wood fence to enclose a 20 foot wide portion of the south side yard along Charter Oaks Drive.
The proposal would bring the fence within six feet at the sidewalk in the Charter Oaks Drive
right-ot-way. The reasons stated in the application were for greater enjoyment of the property
by the owners and their pets and to include two large oak trees within the enclosure. The
applicants felt the location on a dead end street and the existence of other six foot fences in
the neighborhood support approval. Staff expressed concern the application and evidence do
not clearly support three of the standards for approval. It was indicated several homes in the
area face Charter Oaks Drive and a six foot fence in the right of way would diminish the
openness and appeal of the street. He stated most of the homes in the neighborhood conform
to the fence code. Two exceptions are six foot fences in the right-af-way along Montclair
--,' Drive, a heavily traveled collector road. Staff did not recommend approval.
Ann and Ciro Gaccione, the owner/applicants, gave a brief history of their application
process. They restated the above reasons for requesting the variance. Mrs. Gaccione
explained how the proposal meets each of the standards for approval. They feel the location of
their property on a dead end street abutting an undeveloped property makes it unique from
other corner properties in the neighborhood. As the proposal is solely for their enjoyment, no
financial gain is indicated, and the neighbors across Charter Oak Drive have stated they do not
object. Mrs. Gaccione stated sixteen large bushes and three mature trees outside the fence
will obscure it so it will barely be seen. In response to a question, Mr. Gaccione said the
additional height is needed to help contain their three cats. He explained how he constructs a
poultry wire device inside his fence to discourage the cats from climbing it.
Owners of the two properties directly across Charter Oaks Drive submitted letters in
support of the application. Both letters indicate the proposal would have no negative impact on
their properties or the surrounding araa.
No one was present to speak in support or opposition to the request.
One member expressed concern that allowing this deviation from Code would invite others
to do the same. He did not feel conditions of the property are unique and allowing this
nonconformity would be detrimental to a neighborhood essentially in compliance. Another
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member did not agree with this analysis. He stated the location on a dead end side street
abutting undeveloped land distinguishes it from other corner lots in the middle of the
subdivision. It was indicated the existing heavy 'shrubbery and no objection from the adjacent
property owners were also mitigating factors.
In response to a question, Mr. Richter stated a four foot high fence in the proposed
location would not require a variance.
Member Schwob moved to grant the variance as requested because the applicant has
substantially met all of the standards for approval as listed in Section 45.24 of the land
Development Code, subject to the following conditions: 1) This variance is based on the
variance application and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps, plans,
surveys. and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's variance request.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the variance request
regarding the work to be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on
the site, will result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite building
permit(s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing. Members
Pliska. Martin, Johnson and Schwab voted "Aye"; Member Gans voted "Nay. II Motion
carried.
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3. Tio PeDe's tnc./E & R ProDerties. Inc (Tio Pepe Restaurant) for variances of (1) 5 ft to
permit a 2 ft wide landscape buffer where 7 ft is required; and (2) 2 ft to permit a fence
height of 8 ft around a dumpster enclosure where a maximum height of 6 ft is allowed at
2930 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Sec 17-29-16, M&B 14.04 and 14.05, zoned CG (General
Commercial). V 95-62
Mr. Richter gave the background of the case and presented written staff
recommendations. He stated the applicant proposes a 1 ,300 square foot expansion at the
northwest corner of the restaurant. The variances will allow the parking, service, and
dumpster areas to be redesigned to accommodate the expansion. He described special
circumstances that support the variances. Staff recommended approval with three
conditions.
Art Shand, architect representing the applicant, stated they have read and concur with
staff recommendations. Discussion ensued regarding various aspects of the proposal,
including restaurant acoustics, dumpster height and landscaping materials and locations.
In response to a question, Michael Patterson, architectural associate, and Jesus
Exposito, the owner/applicant, explained why they are requesting an eight foot high
dumpster enclosure when six foot is standard. Mr. Patterson said the enclosure walls are
to be constructed of an expensive tile, in keeping with the architectural style of the
property. They felt six foot walls were more likely to be climbed by trespassers, leading to
tile breakage. In addition, he said another restaurant in the area has an eight foot high
dumpster enclosure. Discussion ensued regarding this claim, which could not be verified.
It was indicated no variances have been granted for eight foot high enclosures. Mr.
Exposito said he prefers the additional height to better screen the dumpster from view by
the western property owner because he wishes to be a good neighbor.
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In response to questions, Mr. Shand stated landscaping on the west side will not be
changed. He stated landscaping currently exists between the dumpster and the property
line. He said a parking space beside the dumpster is not required, but will be retained
because the restaurant is busy and needs as many spaces as possible. It was indicated a
variance was requested a few years ago as a result of the FOOT property taking along Gulf
to Bay Boulevard.
No one was present to speak in support or opposition to the request.
Member Schwab moved to grant Variance #1 as requested because the applicant has
substantially met all of the standards for approval as listed in Section 45.24 of the Land
Development Code, subject to the fallowing conditions: 1) This variance is based on the
variance application and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps. plans.
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's variance request.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the variance request
regarding the work to be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on
the site, will result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite building
permit{s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing and 3)
Landscaping the area affected by the new construction shall meet with the approval of the
City's Environmental Official. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Member Schwab moved to grant Variance #2 as requested because the applicant has
substantially met all of the standards for approval as listed in Section 45.24 of the Land
Development Code, subject to the following conditions: 1) This variance is based on the
variance application and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps, plans,
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's variance request.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the variance request
regarding the work to be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on
the site, will result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite building
permit(s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing. The
motion was duly seconded. Members Gans, Johnson and Schwab voted "Aye"; Members
Pliska and Martin voted ;'Nay." Motion carried.
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4. Roqer W. & Teresa Werder far a variance of 1.67 ft to permit a driveway 1.33 ft from
the west property line at 615 Woodlawn St.. Leona Smith's, Blk A, Lot 1, zoned RM 8
(Multiple Family Residential). V 95-63
Mr. Richter gave the background of the case and presented written staff
recommendations. He stated the applicants wish to reconstruct the existing driveway of their
single family residence. The proposal will alleviate flooding that results from the slope of the
driveway from the street down to the home. He explained existing conditions support the
variance. Staff recommended approval with two standard conditions.
Ed Whitson, representing the applicant, stated the proposal is to replace a currently
existing driveway in the same location. The appearance is to be upgraded from asphalt to
concrete and the grade lowered so water can be channeled away from the house.
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Discussion ensued regarding the subject property and a neighboring property also owned
by the applicant. It was indicated he has made many improvements to the appearance of his
properties. In response to a question, it was not known if a temporary canvas structure on one
of the properties has been permitted.
One letter was submitted in support of the application and copied to the Board.
Member Johnson moved to grant the variance as requested because the applicant has
substantially met all of the standards for approval as listed in Section 45.24 of the land
Development Code, subject to the following conditions: 1) This variance is based on the
variance application and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps, plans,
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's variance request.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the variance request
regarding the work to be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on
the site. will result in this variance being null and of no effect; and 2) the requisite building
permit(s) shall be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5. Tom Falone UI (Clearwater Firearms) for variances of (1) 8 parking spaces to permit 45
parking spaces where 53 parking spaces are required; (2) 1 percent to permit 14 percent
of total open space for the lot where a minimum of 15 percent is required to allow a new
retail/restaurant development at 1916 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Sec. 13-29-15. M&B 24.01 and
24.02, Skycrest Unit D. Blk B. part of lots 5 & 6, zoned CG (General Commercia!).
V 95--64
Mr. Richter gave the background of the case and presented written staff
recommendations. He stated the applicant wishes to demolish the westernmost 3,700 square
feet of an existing l-shaped commercial building. Additional parking and open space for the
remaining rectangular building can be created as a result of the demolition. Mr. Richter detailed
existing and proposed conditions on the site. He explained the parking and open space
calculations are based on proposed gross retail sales area of about 4,400 square feet and a
bagel shop area of about 2,400 square feet. He said staff did not feel this minor parking
shortage would be a problem with this use as a bagel shop. It was indicated the additional
open space will be beneficial along Gulf To Bay Boulevard. Staff recommended approval with
two standard conditions.
Discussion ensued regarding the number of existing and proposed parking spaces, It was
noted the reported figures do not agree with the parking plan. lengthy discussion ensued
regarding a non-exclusive parking easement for 18 parking spaces belonging to the subject
property being granted to the adjacent Kinder-Care in 1978.
Tim Bauer, representing the applicant. explained, due to a paperwork error. staff had found
it necessary to split in half the 18 parking spaces. allowing nine spaces to be included in the
calculations for e8ch property. This was verified in a June 27. 1995 letter from Central
Permitting Director Scott Shuford to Greg Nowak. Mr. Bauer produced a copy of the letter and
Mr. Richter read it into the record. Discussion continued and additional questions were raised.
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Tom Falone. the owner/applicant. clarified the history of uses and parking on his property
and the adjacent Jewish Community Center. formerly Kinder-Care. He explained Clearwater
Firearms will be closed for good. that portion of the building demolished. and the property
redeveloped. He said he has committed to lease the retail area to B&B Stereo in January,
when they are displaced by the new Walgreen's development. He did not feel a parking
conflict will arise because of the dissimilarity of the three uses. their hour of operation and the
low intensity parking needs of each. He said the proposal will clean up the corner and greatly
enhance the property.
In response to Questions. Mr. Richter stated an ordinance reducing retail parking
requirements was adopted recently. Ms. Dougall-Sides said. as administrative authorization
was granted in writing and the property owners consent to the solution, the Board may safely
base their decision on the split parking easement calculations as indicated.
Mr. Bauer and Mr. Falone displayed two drawings, one of the existing property and one of
the proposal. It was indicated no curb cuts are intended on Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
Greg Nowak spoke in support of the application, stating he represents Mr. Falone in this
development. He said he has participated in developing numerous other improvements along
Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
No one else was present to speak to the request.
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Member Johnson moved to grant the variances as requested because the applicant
has substantially met all of the standards for approval as listed in Section 45.24 of the
land Development Code, subject to the following conditions: 1) This variance is based on
the variance application and documents submitted by the applicant. including maps, plans,
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's variance request.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the variance request
regarding the work to be done with regard to the site or any physical structure located on
the site, will result in this variance being null and of no effect; 2) the requisite building ..
permit(s) shalt be obtained within six months from the date of this public hearing; and
3) the parking space calculations shall be according to the letter from Scott Shuford to
Greg Nowak, dated June 27, 1995. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Approval Of Minutes - November 30. 1995
Member Martin moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member
by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously
Director's Items
Mr. Richter noted parking passes have been issued for the first quarter of 1996.
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Mr. Richter responded to concerns expressed at the last meeting regarding recent sign
construction at the PickKwik an North Fort Harrison and Court Street. He said Environmental
Management issued a notice of violation after they determined oak trees were illegally topped
and stormwater retention partially filled. The property owner was required to replace what was
cut with additional plantings and remove fill material from the retention. Mr. Richter said the
Community Response Team investigated and determined the sign complies with size safety
and setback requirements. Mr. Richter said a permit was obtained. Member Pliska requested a
copy of the boundary survey, expressing concern the sign is too close to the sidewalk and it is
unclear where the property line is located.
Concern was expressed sign contractors should be held liable for knowing and adhering to
Code. It was felt property owners should be able to depend on professionals to follow the law.
Mr. Richter will investigate how enforcement is accomplished.'
Board And Staff Comments
Member Martin questioned the reason fence and wall heights are in two foot increments.
It was indicated building materials are usually precut to standard lengths; however, odd sizes
are available.
Member Schwab raised a question regarding case V 95464, above. He questioned what
assurance the City has that a more intensive retail use will not go in if the applicant does not
f91low through with the bagel shop. It was indicated increasing the sales area would require
less parking, while another kind of restaurant would require more parking. Discussion ensued
regarding parking requirements.
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'-../' Mr. Richter asked the Board to keep their packets for case V 95-60 until it is heard in
January. Member Johnson asked that staff provide an aerial photograph of the wetland area
with the proposal superimposed. He sajd it is difficult to see the area where construction is
proposed to encroach into the retention area because pedestrian access is limited in the
wetland and a big cypress head extends up to the office building, blocking view. Discussion
ensued regarding conditions on the property.
Member Pliska questioned how long signs advertising future construction are allowed to
remain. He expressed concern this type of sign often remains long after construction is
finished, and acts as advertising for the new business. Staff is to investigate.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.
Chair ~Q~(~
Development Code Adjustment Board
Attest: .
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