Zoning Board of Appeals

City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board of Appeals City of Cortland Regular meeting of December 10, 2018 A regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Monday, December 10th, 2018 at 5:38 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall. Present: Commissioners Scott Steve, Maria Manning, Abigail Cleary, Karen Leahy, and Thomas Larson Excused: Commissioner Juliene Ray, Geoffrey Peppel Staff: Zoning Officer Bob Rhea, Chief William Knickerbocker, and Confidential Secretary Devon Rainbow Item #1 – 201 Tompkins St (Blood) – Special Use Variance (R1)  R-1 Special Rental Permit There were concerns for this item about the law, and what the State rules, therefore, this item was tabled until Corporation Council is consulted. Motion to table: Motion: Comm. Cleary Second: Comm. Larson Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #2 – 16 Owego St (Barden) – Area Variance (R2)  Parking Space Size  Lot coverage and 4ft Veg. Strip A ZBA member did some scaling with the drawing provided and found that the scale from the parking plan is 19% different. He converted it to the map, and found that the parking spaces were 8’ x 14’, so he feared that the scaling was wrong on the first survey numbers. Because of the confusion, he field- verified it and found that the numbers that were written were accurate. The back porch is not on the drawing, so it is assumed that it would come down. There is a grade difference of 2 ½’. The grade line would go across, so there is about 18 feet to the grade drop, which wouldn’t allow people to get in there, unless they fill all that, but if you see the elevation of the house, it would be difficult in terms of elevation. Mr. Barden was present, but did not have all the answers to the board member’s questions. Mr. Barden would like to park the cars along the side of the house. The board members gave the option of Mr. Barden bringing another sketch showing the asphalt. Motion to table this item: Minutes of the December 10, 2018 Meeting 1  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Motion: Comm. Cleary Second: Comm. Manning Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #3 – 134 Groton Ave (Barden) – Area Variance (R3)  Front yard variance for porch On the property, he put the addition where the porch was. The driveway is on the left of the house. Measuring from the sidewalk to the porch, is 14 ft. The setback of the front of the house is 18 ft. Mr. Barden wants to make the house look similar to the house he owns across the street. Motion to close the public hearing: Motion: Comm. Larson Second: Comm. Cleary The ZBA members reviewed the SEQR questions for granting or denial. When the addition was put on, it was larger than what was originally done, so technically that is outside the footprint and he should have to go back and get a variance. The application for the variance was denied: Motion: Comm. Larson Second: Comm. Cleary Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #4 – 4236 Homer Ave (Taw) – Area Variance (GB)  Reduced number of parking spaces There have been some changes made since the last time this item was presented. Mr. Taw came with a colored diagram. The concerns last time were with the parcels, so what has happened is the client had purchased the parcel, giving direct access to Route 11. On the light plans, there was a light bleed. ZBA asked Mr. Taw if he’d be putting lights in the back and he said likely not. The storm water base is in the town, but the parking is in the city. The storm water base will be covering both the building and the parking lot. They are utilizing infiltration processes. The three properties would be one parcel, so the parking always stays with it. Mr. Taw contacted the town of Cortlandville Fire Department, and they indicated that it was not necessary for 2nd means of access. Motion to close the public hearing: Motion: Comm. Manning Second: Comm. Larson The board members reviewed the SEQR questions for granting or denial. Minutes of the December 10, 2018 Meeting 2  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Motion to grant the area variance as described, to reduce the number of parking spaces and the buffer: Motion: Comm. Larson Second: Comm. Manning Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #5 – 52 Clayton Ave (Pace) – Interpretation (CB) Mr. Pace has requested to table this item for the next meeting. Motion to table this item: Motion: Comm. Manning Second: Comm. Leahy Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Approval of minutes: Motion: Comm. Cleary Second: Comm. Manning Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Adjournment Motion: Comm. Manning Second: Comm. Larson Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 I, SCOTT STEVE, CHAIR 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 IN DECEMBER IN THE YEAR 2018. SCOTT STEVE, ZBA CHAIR MEMBER Minutes of the December 10, 2018 Meeting 3