06/26/1997 (2)' r
DCAB.
. Development Code Adjustment Board
Minutes
Date' Tone. lo 'Iq9`7
1?-?
.J
/'
I
DEVELOPMENT CODE ADJUSTMENT BOARD - ACTION AGENDA
Thursday, June 26, 1997
Call to Order and Invocation
C. New Variance Requests
C1. Lawrence H. Dimmitt. III for a structural setback variance required to permit a single
family home within the street setback area of Bruce Avenue at 1015 Bay Esplanade,
Carlouel Sub, Blk 273, Lot 6, part of Lot 5, zoned RS 8 (Single Family Residential.)
ACTION: Granted subject to the following conditions: 1) This variance is based on the
application for a variance and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps, plans,
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's request for a variance.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the request for a variance
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 one year from the date of this public hearing.
Minutes Approval - June 26, 1997 - Approved as submitted
Board and Staff Comments -- Discussion
Adjournment - 9:48 p.m.
i
DCAB ACTION
i
1
06/26197
»•.w ?..r.?....r .. ... .4.•. eA..1, h'4i. ii it w.iis,!" ??: .y, .:?.: a??.. I.
Present:
DEVELOPMENT CODE ADJUSTMENT BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 26, 1997
Otto Gans Chair
William Schwob Vice Chair
William Johnson Board Member
Ron Stuart Board Member
Mark Jonnatti jarrived 1:04 p.m.) Board Member
Leslie Dougali-Sides
John Richter
Gwen Legters
Assistant City Attorney
Senior Planner
Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in City Hall, followed by the meeting
procedures and the appeal process.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
C. New Variance Requests
C1. Lawrence H. Dimmitt. III for a structural setback variance required to permit a single family
home within the street setback area of Bruce Avenue at 1015 Bay Esplanade, Cariouel
Sub, Blk 273, Lot 6, part of Lot 5, zoned RS 8 (Single Family Residential.)
Mr. Richter presented background information and written staff recommendations, stating
the applicant received a number of variances on December 12, 1996; one of which was a five
foot setback variance from the Bruce Avenue right-of-way. Redesign has occurred, increasing
the width of the home. The applicant wishes to increase the setback variance from five to ten
feet to allow construction 15 feet from the Bruce Avenue right-of-way. He explained the site
configuration; construction alternatives; and vertical scale considerations due to the 40 foot
height of the house. Staff recommended approval with two standard conditions.
Alex Plisko, architect representing the applicant, concurred with Mr. Richter's presentation
of the issues. Because the Dimmitts plan to use this home as their full time residence, the plan
was redesigned to add closet and living space. He tried to move the footprint as far away from
the home to the north as possible to address possible scale considerations. In response to a
question, Mr. Plisko said a 36-inch masonry wall and landscaping details remain as presented at
the previous hearing. Discussion ensued regarding vehicles parking at the end of the Bruce
Avenue right-of-way.
Genevieve Dimmitt, the applicant, stated she is environmentally active and aware that
beach properties have problems with water runoff. She addressed drainage considerations on
the site and explained what she plans to do with the landscaping and wall to avoid any
problems in the future.
One member expressed concerns the proposal is not minimal, and asks for an additional
variance to move closer to a public right-of-way. Other board members did not share the
concerns as the property is neither commercial nor located on a heavily traveled thoroughfare.
mdc06b.97
06/26/97
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
application for a variance and documents submitted by the applicant, including maps, plans,
surveys, and other documents submitted in support of the applicant's request for a variance.
Deviation from any of the above documents submitted in support of the request for a variance
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 one year from the date of this public hearing. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
One member reiterated his concern regarding vehicles parking in the Bruce Avenue right-
of-way and blocking public access to the water. Discussion ensued with Mrs. Dimmitt
regarding the issue. Staff will investigate whether or not such parking is legal.
Minutes Approval - June 12, 1997
Member Schwob moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each
member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Board and Staff Comments
1. Britt's Caf6 Appeal Follow-up
4
Ms. Dougall-Sides reported she reviewed with the City Attorney the recommendation
to pursue Circuit Court appeal of the decision to overturn the board's denial. She explained
the standards for additional review and the appeal procedure. She said it would be difficult
for the City to prevail on appeal, because of testimony that staff had approved plans as
submitted and had recommended approval with conditions. She responded to questions
regarding the process. Board members agreed Circuit Court appeal may not be advisable at
this point.
Discussion ensued regarding the issue of whether or not the building permit was issued
in error. Strong concerns were expressed with the appliants' failure to comply with
conditions of approval. Ms. Dougall-Sides said building beyond the scope of the previous
variance and failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy are enforcement questions she will
discuss with Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford. It is hoped a City task force being
created will be effective in helping keep this type of situation from happening in the future.
Mr. Jonnatti suggested a procedure to administratively prevent any deception on the part
of applicants by requiring certification their project complies with the terms of variance
approval. He said it is not unusual for construction plans to differ from those submitted as
part of a variance request application packet. Staff was strongly urged to pursue
enforcement of building code and certificate of occupancy violations. Board members
requested to be notified if this case comes before the Municipal Code Enforcement Board.
mdc06b.97
2
06126/97
,
r
r, yi t ? ,!^ 1 .1 r rl . 4 A..,i D .
Mr. Richter provided a follow-up on board direction to arrange the agenda with the
wpm simplest cases first. He said several cases are scheduled for the first meeting in July, so
he., will have his first opportunity to test the procedure. The board agreed to revisit the
issue after a suitable trial period.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:48 p.m.
Ch
Development Code Adjustment Board
Attest:
Board Reporter
mdc06b.97 3 06/26/97
??µw...?..- '• -„?.ww?+i.??::asti++sHxikvn#r<.Y:il? . '. FI .. , •Jj ??,? ' ? ?. ..; ,
• :i.ww<.?L:v:«s;:a?'1f1•`,r?,;f? 1 I '}. ??;,. _ .., - X1,1:: ?i??,,,,...
z';w'"k'k??{,`a?Jl?`il? ?k.,?,?:'t5. ';rl,°•? .. .:l.ttt',?>tr?`:w. .. ,?'...