2004-04-01 ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING MEETING MINUTESMINUTES — REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS OF THE ZONING BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2004, AT 6:00
PM, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS
I. CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:13PM.
The following people were in attendance:
Dale Pillow
Willard Briley
Anne Talbot
Marvin Elam
Lata Krishnarao
Theresa Grahmann
Nghiem Doan
Aubrey Harbin
Chairperson
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Planning Manager
Planner
Deputy City Attorney
Administrative Assistant
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 4, 2004
The minutes were approved. Board Member Willard Briley made a motion to
approve the minutes. Board Member Anne Talbot seconded the motion. The
motion passed 4 to 0.
Nghiem Doan, Deputy City Attorney, explained that he sent a memo, and he
would be glad to answer any questions regarding the memo. He stated that the
Zoning Board of Adjustments should only relax laws, not waiver them. The staff
will weed out variances that ZBA does not have the power to grant.
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Variance Application No. VO4-02
1) CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER
The public hearing was called to order at 6:17pm.
2) PURPOSE OF HEARING
Request for a variance from the requirements of Section 16.4 (b) Minimum lot
width, of the Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of said City, on the
following described property, to wit:
Legal Description: Skyway Manor (A0241 H T & B), Block 3, Lot 19,
Acres 1.000 (2951 Manvel Road, Pearland, TX)
Owner: Jose David Rosa
11410 Sharpview
Houston, TX 77072
Page 1 of 8 (03-04-04)
Applicant: M. Jackson Tabor, Atty.
2016 Main, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77002
3) STAFF REPORT
Lata Krishnarao, Planning Manager for the City of Pearland, began by explaining
the Public Hearing process to the audience. She also explained that in order for a
variance to be approved, it would require four positive votes by the Board, since
there was only four members present.
For variance application 04-02, the East side of the property faces Manvel Road.
All owners within two hundred feet of the property were notified of the request for
variance. The existing business is an auto paint and body shop. The property is
currently zoned SD. The applicant is planning to ask for Commercial (C) or
General Business (GB) zoning, but before they can apply for the zone change,
they must have a variance from the 150 -foot frontage to 112 feet. Notices and
comment forms were mailed and published in the paper, and a sign was placed on
the property. Two comment forms were turned in, and they were in favor of the
variance.
4) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Jackson Tabor, 2016 Main Street Houston, Texas, stated that he is representing
Mr. Rosa. He said that he has known Mr. Rosa for twenty-five years. There are
currently three buildings on the property, and Mr. Rosa keeps it very clean. They
fix windshields, tires, and do other repairs. Mr. Rosa has supported his family with
the business. There are commercial properties all around. With the Commercial
(C) zone, Mr. Rosa could keep operating his business. Mr. Tabor feels that it does
not make sense to zone the property as Residential. The owner cannot obtain any
more property in order to meet the 150 -foot frontage requirement for the
Commercial (C) zone. Mr. Tabor presented pictures to the Board Members.
5) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED
REQUEST
None
6) STAFF/BOARD/APPLICANT DISCUSSION
Board Member Marvin Elam inquired as to why the applicant wants to change the
zoning of the property. Chairperson Dale Pillow explained that the current zone,
SD, is technically not a zone. Executive Director of Community Services Tobin
Maples also explained that the owner is operating the business without a Certificate
of Occupancy. It is a non -conforming business because the business has not been
open for a period longer than six months. Chairperson Dale Pillow asked if the lot
area complied with the Commercial (C) zone. Executive Director of Community
Services Tobin Maples said that they have plenty of lot area. Board Member Marvin
Elam asked if the owner would be able to continue to operate the business if the
property was zoned GB. Executive Director of Community Services Tobin Maples
said that paint and body shops are not allowed in GB.
Page 2 of 8 (03-04-04)
7) ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing was adjourned at 6:32pm.
8) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — VO4-02
Board Member Anne Talbot made a motion to approve the variance. Board
Member Marvin Elam seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0.- The variance
was approved.
B. Variance Application No. VO4-04
1) CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER
The public hearing was called to order at 6:34pm.
2) PURPOSE OF HEARING
Request for a variance from the requirements of Section 28.6 Repairs and
Alterations, Special Exception to Enlarge Non -Conforming Structure, of the
Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of said City, on the following
described property, to wit:
Legal Description: Banbury Cross, Section 1 (A0198 TJ
Green)(Pearland), Block 5, Lot 66 (2915 Tower
Bridge Court, Pearland, Tx)
Owner: Swami V. Raman
2915 Tower Bridge Court
Pearland, TX 77581
3) STAFF REPORT
Lata Krishnarao explained that this is a request for a special exception to extend a
non -conforming use. It is a set back issue. All of the property owners within 200
feet were notified of the request. The subject property is a single-family residence.
The variance request was originally scheduled for the March meeting, but the
applicant could not attend. The City currently requires a 25 -foot setback, but when
the house was built, the setback was 20 feet. The structure is considered non-
conforming because it exceeds the 25 -foot setback. If the variance were granted,
the owner would be allowed to obtain a building permit and build up to the 20 -foot
building line. If fifty percent or more of the property is destroyed by a natural
disaster, the variance would be void, and the new structure would have to be rebuilt
according to the City ordinances in place at that time.
4) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Swami Raman, the applicant, stated that he has lived there since 1984. He
explained that his house is not encroaching on any easements. He would like to
increase his living space and decrease wasted lawn space. He is using a formal
architect.
Page 3 of 8 (03-04-04)
5) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED
REQUEST
None
6) STAFF/BOARD/APPLICANT DISCUSSION
Nghiem Doan, Deputy City Attorney, explained that this is a special exception, not a
variance. A special exception should not be as hard to obtain as a variance. The
law does allow special exceptions.
Chairperson Dale Pillow restated that the variance would go away if the structure on
the property were destroyed.
Executive Director of Community Services Tobin Maples also pointed out that the
Home Owner's Association wants the owner to get all City approvals before
resubmitting to them.
7) ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing was adjourned at 6:42pm.
8) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — VO4-03
Board Member Willard Briley made a motion to approve the special exception.
Board Member Anne Talbot seconded the motion. The vote was 3 to 1. The
special exception was denied. Board Member Marvin Elam opposed the special
exception.
C. Variance Application No. VO4-05
1) CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER
This public hearing was called to order at 6:44pm.
2) PURPOSE OF HEARING
Request for a variance from the requirements of Section 23.2 (f) Fence
Regulations, of the Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of said City,
on the following described property, to wit:
Legal Description: 1.761 Acres, W. D. C. Hall Survey, Abstract Number
70, Brazoria County, City of Pearland, Texas
(E. Broadway Street (FM 518) at Liberty Drive)
Owner: Jay Javadi (Donya LLC)
13630 Beamer Rd #107
Houston, Texas 77089
Applicant: A. S. Osborn (Osborn & Vane Architects)
2000 Bering Drive, Suite 410
Houston, Texas 77057
Page 4 of 8 (03-04-04)
3) STAFF REPORT
Lata Krishnarao explained that this was a variance from the fence regulations at
Liberty and Broadway. There is currently a retail center on the property. The Land
Use Book requires a fence If a Commercial zoned property abuts a Residential
zoned property. The applicant does not want to put up a fence because the City
owns the adjacent property, and there is a library on the property., The ordinance
also states that alternate means of barrier may be used, if approved by the Board.
The applicant is proposing landscaping instead of a fence, which would include six-
foot tall evergreens spaced eighteen inches apart. Notices were sent, and no
comment forms were received.
4) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
None
5) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED
REQUEST
None
6) STAFF/BOARD/APPLICANT DISCUSSION
Nghiem Doan explained that there are ownership issues with this property. He
would like for the Board to table this request.
7) ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing was adjourned at 6:49pm.
8) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — VO4-05
Board Member Anne Talbot made a motion to table to variance request. Board
Member Willard Briley seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0. The
variance was tabled.
D. Variance Application No. VO4-06
1) CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER
This public hearing was called to order at 6:49pm.
2) PURPOSE OF HEARING
Request for a variance from the requirements of Section 16.4 (b) Minimum Lot
Width, of the Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of said City, on the
following described property, to wit:
Legal Description: Hickory Creek Place (Pearland), Block 3, Lot 9 (2106
O'Day Rd, Pearland, Texas)
Owner: Don and Margarette Chasteen
3419 Monarch Meadow Lane
Pearland, Texas 77581
Page 5 of 8 (03-04-04)
3) STAFF REPORT
The subject property is located on the West side of O'Day Road. The current zone
is SD. The applicant wants to apply for a Commercial (C) zone, which requires a
minimum lot width of 150 feet. The parcel is 125 feet wide. The lot width variance
must be approved by ZBA before presenting the case to Planning and Zoning for a
zone change. The lot area meets the Commercial requirements. The property
owners within 200 feet were notified of the variance request. The City received
one letter in opposition to the request.
4) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Margaret Chasteen, 3419 Monarch Meadow, owner of D. C. Carriers, explained
that their company delivers pharmaceuticals -to sales people. She explained that
she knew the property had been annexed, but she was not aware of the zoning
requirements. There is currently a 40 by 125 foot building on the property. Ms.
Chasteen stated that without the zone change, the property would be useless. She
and her husband run the business. It is their biggest investment and their
retirement.
5) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED
REQUEST
None
6) STAFF/BOARD/APPLICANT DISCUSSION
Chairperson Dale Pillow pointed out that there was one letter of opposition.
7) ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing was adjourned at 6:53pm.
8) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — VO4-06
Board Member Marvin Elam made a motion to approve the variance. Board
Member Anne Talbot seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0. The variance was
approved.
E. Variance Application No. VO4-07
1) CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER
This public hearing was called to order at 6:54pm.
2) PURPOSE OF HEARING
Request for a variance from the requirements of Section 7.4 (2)(b), Yard
Setback Requirements, of the Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of
said City, on the following described property, to wit:
Legal Description: Pearland Farms Sec 1 (A0508 F B Drake)(Pearland),
Block 1, Lot 30 (4004 East Cedar Trail Court,
Pearland, TX)
Page 6 of 8 (03-04-04)
Owner: Bayway Homes
1408 S. Friendswood Dr #801
Friendswood, TX 77546
3) STAFF REPORT
Lata Krishnarao explained that this property is part of a new.,subdivision at
Magnolia and Veterans Drive. In the R2 zone, the ordinance requires a 20 -foot
rear yard setback. There is a single-family residence under construction. The
foundation is encroaching five feet where the bay window and fireplace are
located. The rest encroaches only one foot. The builder failed to show the rear
building line on the survey, and staff overlooked the setback. An inspector brought
the error to the attention of staff. No comment forms were received in reference to
the notices that were mailed out.
4) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Charles Anders, 1408 S. Friendswood Drive, Bayway Homes, explained that they
obtained a permit on July 3, 2003, for this house. He stated that Bayway Homes
made a mistake on the setback. They built in Pine Hollow for two years, and the
setbacks in that subdivision were different. The house is encroaching, and it is
almost complete. All work has been stopped pending this variance.
5) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED
REQUEST
None
6) STAFF/BOARD/APPLICANT DISCUSSION
Board Member Anne Talbot clarified that this was a mutual mistake between the
City and the builder. Chairperson Dale Pillow asked if this would be a special
exception or a variance. Nghiem Doan explained that this would be a variance.
Board Member Willard Briley asked if the variance would go away if the house were
destroyed. Executive Director of Community Services Tobin Maples said that it
would not go away, but the lot is large enough to fit another house plan on if it were
destroyed.
7) ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public hearing was adjourned at 7:00pm.
8) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION - VO4-07
Board Member Willard Briley made a motion to approve the variance. Board
Member Marvin Elam seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0. The variance
was approved.
Page 7 of 8 (03-04-04)
IV. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting was adjourned at 7:01 pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Aubrey Harbin, A inistrative Assistant
Approved as submitted and/or correct this q-4- day of 4'2004.
ci
Dale Pillow, Chairperson
Page 8 of 8 (03-04-04)