Zoning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2020 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Michael Briggs, Chairperson Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson Ms. Mary Shanks Mr. Mark Cotch Mr. Greg Mollnow MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Joseph Seman-Graves, City Planner Sharon Butler, Administrative Assistant CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 4, 2019 MEETING Chairperson Briggs called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm and asked for the Board to review and comment on the December 4, 2019 meeting minutes. There being no questions, Chairperson Briggs made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, which Member Cotch seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Greg Mollnow X Mary Shanks X CONSIDERATION OF A USE VARIANCE, SIDE VARIANCE AND LOT SIZE VARIANCE FOR 81 VLIET STREET Chairperson Briggs read through the proposal of the variance request and confirmed the applicant Sanel Klapija was in the audience. Chairperson Briggs read aloud the six considerations that the Board has to review in exploring the use, side and lot size variances. Chairperson Briggs asked the applicant Sanel Klapija to approach and explain the application. City Planner Joe Seman-Graves pointed out to the members of the board the technical error in the City Zoning Code, where multi-family homes are not allowed without a variance in the multi- family district. Mr. Klapija gave an overview of the property- he is looking to have 3 small apartments all 1 bedroom. He already has 5 tenants in the other side of the house, they all have cars and there are no parking issues. Mr. Klapija also said he has a driveway that people can park in, so there is more than enough parking spaces. Chairperson Briggs asked about the lot itself needing a variance. City Planner Joe stated it does. Joe then gave an overview of the technical error in the code and if there is enough parking available then there shouldn’t be a reason to not grant the variance. Member Cotch asked if the parking is 1.5 spaces per unit. City Planner Joe said no it is 1 space per unit for multi-family. Chairperson Briggs then asked if there were any other questions or comments from members. Being none Member Mollnow made a motion to grant the use, side and lot size variances to convert 81 Vliet Street from a one family dwelling to a 3 family dwelling. Motion was seconded by Member Shanks, motion carried unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Greg Mollnow X Mary Shanks X DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS ZONING CORRECTIONS AND AMENDMENTS Chairperson Briggs turned the floor over to City Planner Joseph Seman-Graves to explain the needed corrections and updates to the City Zoning Code. The corrections needed are for spelling errors. Joe is recommending the following additions/amendments: two family dwelling or single family dwelling be allowed in mixed use district (could be by special use permit), medical care facilities, and beauty shops be allowed in mixed use district. Add in Code; Sidewalk permit language and there is an application for review. Also, there is no ordinance for chickens, bees and small animals. Adding it to the Code would be a way of allowing these, but they need to meet lot size requirements/setbacks. Joe asked the members to look over the handouts and to please send any comments/questions to him within the next 2 weeks as he would like to add it to the Common Council agenda. CONSIDERATION OF TWO (2) MEETING DATE CHANGES; NOV. 25TH AND DEC. 23RD 2020 The members reviewed the calendar and decided to change the November 25th meeting to Wednesday November 18, 2020 and the December 23rd meeting to December 16, 2020. With all members being in agreement a motion was made by Chairperson Briggs to change the two meeting dates as indicated seconded by Member Shanks, motion carried unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Greg Mollnow X Mary Shanks X Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Briggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 pm, which was seconded by Member Cotch and passed unanimously.