Zoning Board of Appeals

City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board of Appeals City of Cortland Regular meeting of April 10, 2017 A regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 5:00 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall. Present: Commissioners Karen Leahy, Maria Manning, Juliene Ray and Beau Harbin Excused: Chair Scott Steve Absent: Commissioner Phyllis McGinley Staff: Zoning Officer Bob Rhea, Deputy Chief Bill Knickerbocker, Confidential Secretary Devon Rainbow Item #1 – 47 Crandall St. (Turpin) – Area Variance – (R2)  Lot size and width  Front and side yard setback No one was present to speak on this public hearing. ZEO Bob Rhea and Vice Chair Beau Harbin explained that the property lost its grandfather status due to prolonged vacancy. The bank has taken the property back from the owner. The percent of lot coverage is at 33%. The house is similar to other houses in the neighborhood. It was discussed that stacking is allowed in long narrow driveways of single and 2-family residents. A motion was made by Comm. Leahy to close the public hearing and seconded by Comm. Ray. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 The Board members reviewed the test questions to determine whether the variance should be considered for granting or denial. A motion was made by Comm. Ray to approve the application as presented and seconded by Comm. Leahy. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 A representative showed up later in the meeting and explained that the property has a possible buyer depending on what the Board decides. It was explained to her that the Board approved the request as presented. Minutes of the April 10, 2017 Meeting 1  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Item #2 – 99 Tompkins St. (Nadolski) – Area Variance – (R2)  Lot coverage Roger Nadolski was present for the meeting. He explained that he would like to place a 10x14 storage unit in the back yard to store equipment for property maintenance. He has had equipment stolen in the past and would like to secure the new equipment from theft. This only changes the lot coverage by 1%. A motion was made by Comm. Ray to close the public hearing and seconded by Comm. Leahy. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 The Board members reviewed the test questions to determine whether the variance should be considered for granting or denial. A motion was made by Comm. Leahy to approve the application as presented and seconded by Comm. Ray. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Item #3 – 165-177 Main St. (Yaman) – reaffirm area variances – (GI)  Review new site plan David Yaman was present for the meeting. He explained that originally a Daycare was going to be renting space within the building. They backed out and now that space is going to be utilized for offices. With this change, the number of parking spots required has increased. With the loss of the playground, this has opened up 17 more parking spaces. There was 145 spots and now 158 spots. With the current code requirements, 274 parking spaces are required. There are 175 provided so there is a need for a variance for 99 parking spaces short. There is no issue with parking for the residential end of the building. The idea is that most of the residential occupants will leave during the day for various reasons and that will leave parking spots open to the commercial offices. It was determined that the City Planning Commission was confused about the parking requirements for a daycare vs commercial office. The board stated that a daycare requires more parking than a commercial office when it actually is the opposite. A motion was made by Comm. Ray to table until the City Planning Commission reviews it again and clarifies the parking requirements and specifies the number of spaces required. Comm. Leahy seconded the motion. Minutes of the April 10, 2017 Meeting 2  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Minutes: Approval of March 13, 2017 minutes as amended, motion by Comm. Leahy and seconded by Comm. Harbin. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Old/New Business 145 Clinton Ave – The commissioners drove by the business and looked at the sign that was in question. There are no current concerns or issues with the sign. The condition that was placed on the property was lifted. Adjournment: On the motion of Comm. Harbin and seconded by Comm. Manning, voted and carried to adjourn meeting Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 I, BEAU HARBIN, MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF CORTLAND, NY, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT SAID RESOLUTIONS WERE ADOPTED AT A MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE CITY OF CORTLAND, HELD ON THE 10th DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR 2017 BEAU HARBIN, ZBA MEMBER Minutes of the April 10, 2017 Meeting 3