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1998-01-15 ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1998, AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following present: Chairman John Lejsal Board Member Marvin Elam Board Member Calvin Collier Board Member Gil Boyles Alternate Board Member Suzanne Tullis Director of Planning & Dennis Smith Community Development Deputy Building Official Gene Tumlinson Secretary Karla Canada APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman John Lejsal stated that the minutes were approved as submitted. NEW BUSINESS V98-1, REQUEST OF JOHNNY D. HILL, SR., OWNER, FOR A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 21.2(b), TO ALLOW A FENCE ENCROACHMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 4' INTO THE DESIGNATED 10' FRONT BUILDING LINE, AT 2402 CREEKRIDGE, SOUTH '/: OF LOT 11, BLOCK 1 OF MCGINNIS SUBDIVISION Johnny Hill, Sr., owner, was present. Mr. Hill presented pictures of the gate and columns to the Board. He explained to the Board that he bought the home as it is. When he approached the Homeowner's Association, they told him he would probably not be able to put the fence up because of new city guidelines. He stated that he has two large dogs that he wants to fence in and wants them to have as much room as possible. Chairman John Lejsal asked Mr. Hill if he put the fence up would it effect the trees shown in the pictures. Mr. Hill said one Elm tree would need to be removed. Board Member Calvin Collier asked Mr. Hill if the Homeowner's Association has a problem with this. Mr. Hill stated that they do not have a problem with it; however, they are concerned with the City ordinance. r (1) Board Member Gil Boyles explained to Mr. Hill that the City has the right to remove the fence if they need to get to the ditch for any reason. Mr. Hill said he was not aware of that, but that he does not have a problem with replacing the fence if needed. Board Member Calvin Collier expressed his concerns that there would only be a 6' setback and that would be an open door for everyone else in the neighborhood if they allow the variance. Board Member Marvin Elam made a motion to deny V98-1, seconded by Board Member Calvin Collier. Motion passed 4-1. Alternate Board Member Suzanne Tullis abstained from voting. DISCUSSION ITEM Mr. Dennis Smith began by saying a variance was denied at the last meeting for the request of Mike Capra and James Burns of Microwaves Unlimited, for a variance from Section 20.1(2) Facade, to allow change of occupancy without meeting the Facade requirements at 2327 N. Main, Lots 11-17, Block 12. Mr. Smith stated that new evidence has been submitted since that vote. The Board was presented with a letter from the Pearland Historical Society asking them to reconsider their vote based on the age and intergity of the home. Mayor Tom Reid was present to speak on behalf of the Pearland Historical Society. Mayor Reid stated that the Vision 20/20 Committee is presently addressing preservation of the Old Townsite. He said they went on a tour to other cities including LaGrange, and Smithsville to get some ideas. Mayor Reid stated that preservation of the Old Townsite would make a positive contribution to the community. Mayor Reid told the Board that community banks such as Pearland State Bank, Frost Bank and Community Bank agreed to loan $5 million dollars at very low interest rates for owners of these older homes in order to preserve them. Mayor Reid also stated that the Historical Society plans to have historical markers placed on a number of homes in the City, and that there will be Ordinances set out to identify and protect these homes. Board Member Marvin Elam stated that approval of the upgrade is not a question; however, asbestos siding did not come out until the 1950's. Helen Beckman and Delores Fenwick were also present. Mrs. Beckman stated that the home she grew up in since 1939 still has asbestos siding on it and it has been repainted and looks as good as new. She stated that she was glad that Mr. Burns purchased the home at 2327 North Main, because she knew he would preserve it. She feels that if the Board requires Mr. Burns to stucco, brick, or glass the home, it will take away from its historical integrity. Mayor Reid closed by saying he is not here to persuade the Board to change their minds. He stated that the Board does a fine job and should not be swayed by others; however, this is a different circumstance and he is only asking that they reconsider the facts. (2) Mr. Dennis Smith informed the Board that only the property owner could request this item to be reviewed. Following lengthy discussion, the Board determined that Mr. Burns will need to apply under separate application for the same variance, at which time the Board can act on it. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. galtA4e4; ' • Chairman Ca v'tV�CtW(iele ATT T: ieg Karla Canada, Board Secretary r (3)