12/02/2010 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 2, 2010 Ms. Sergi called the meeting to order at 7: 35 p.m. in Council Chambers. Present: Nancy Sergi, Maureen Diver, Jennifer Rudolph, Laura Bellido Absent: Alfredo Lopez Staff: Law Director Michael Gareau Jr., Building Commissioner Dale Mitchell, Clerk of Commissions Donna Rote REVIEW AND CORRECTION OF MINUTES Ms. Rudolph moved, seconded by Mrs. Diver, to approve the minutes of November 4, 2010, which was approved 4-0. RESIDENTIAL APPEALS AND REQUESTS Michael Isabella; 4199 Clague Road Request for variance. Proposal consists of a fence; the following variance is requested: 1. A variance for fences/arbors higher than 30" in front yard; code permits 30", applicant shows 10' - 12', section 1135.02(F)(1). Note: Structures are existing and installed without a permit. Mr. and Mrs. Isabella and Ms. Waite were sworn in. The applicant submitted letters of support from their neighbors and photos of the existing arbor. The arbor posts are 10 to 12 feet apart with no lower fencing. They planted wisteria and trumpet plants at each pole which will grow up and over the arbor. The arbors were installed to enhance the front of their home as the majority of the front yard is pavement. Ms. Waite said the Isabella's were good neighbors who always talce care of their yard and their neighbor's as well. The area is very dark and the lights atop the arbor provide safety for those walking along the sidewalk. Mr. Isabella said that the arbors do not obstruct vehicle views nor do they get in the way of government vehicles or interfere with utilities. The arbor is 8 to 9 feet tall and visibility is not obstructed even when the plants are in full bloom, they are there to enhance the view of the property and soften the cement turn around. Mr. Mitchell asked if the lighting on the arbor was low voltage and Mr. Isabella said it is a new energy efficient 75 watt bulb which uses 13 watts on a 1201ine. Mr. Mitchell said the arbor was installed without a permit and should not be allowed. The applicant said the project was part of a landscaping project and did not realize it required a permit. Members felt that the arbor was very close to the sidewalk and could create a safety hazard for neighbors pulling out of their driveways. Mrs. Diver said she pulled into the neighbors drive and when trying to baclc out onto the street the arbor blocked her view which is a concern. The variance is substantial code allows 3 feet high and the arbor is 9 feet high. Board members felt the front arbor was positioned such that visibility would be impeded from the applicants' driveway as well as block the view of the neighbor's drive creating a safety hazard and once the foliage grows in it would worsen. Members had mixed feelings regarding the side arbors and the affect they would have on the abutting neighbor's visibility. Board members briefly discussed breaking out the motion to vote on each arbor individually. As a member was absent the applicant was offered the opportunity to