Planning and Zoning Commission

Planning & Development Department 1200 Main Street, Evanston, Wyoming 82930 Office: (307) 783-6459 Fax: (307) 783-6490 Email: jcampbell@evanstonwy.org Web: www.evanstonwy.org Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2017 6:00 p.m.-City Hall Commissioners Present: Maryl Thompson Robert N. Smith Kimberly Begalla Heath Beaudry Staff Present: DuWayne Jacobsen, Associate Planner Janel Campbell, Administrative Assistant Chairperson Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Chairperson Thompson asked for a motion to approve the agenda for the March 6, 2017 meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Begalla. Motion carried. Chairperson Thompson asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2017 meeting of the Planning Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Beaudry. Motion carried. Chairperson Thompson proceeded to new business. DuWayne Jacobsen, Associate Planner opened the public hearing with the following docket: HE 17-01 A request by Travis Hogman for a Height Exception to allow a fence to exceed the maximum height limitation of four feet within the front yard setback area for properties located at 107 and 109 Revolution Avenue, Evanston, Wyoming which is zoned Low Density Residential-Established (LR-E). The applicant is proposing to construct a six-foot tall fence within the 20-foot front yard setback area located along Revolution Avenue. (Sections 24-22 and 33) Mr. Jacobsen explained the legalities of the hearing stating that the applicant(s) would be heard from first, followed by those who were in favor of the applicant(s), and finally, from those who were opposed. He explained that this public hearing was a contested case hearing and that anyone who wished to contest the Commission’s decision must make it known to him at the closing of the hearing. Mr. Travis Hogman, who’s mailing address is 107 Revolution was sworn in. Mr. Hogman would like to build a fence on the adjacent property addressed as 109 Revolution Avenue. He owns this vacant lot. He would like to treat it as the side yard to his current residence. He understands that it is a corner property and will comply with the 30-foot sight distance requirement. Commissioner Smith questioned if he would be willing to move the fence to the front yard setback? Mr. Hogman stated that he wants as much side yard as possible. Commissioner Beaudry questioned the purpose of the large fenced yard. Mr. Hogman answered that the fenced area will be for equipment for my children to play on, reduce liability from neighboring kids accessing the play equipment, privacy, and possibly a pet someday. Chairperson Thompson questioned why the fenced needed to be in the front yard. Mr. Hogman answered that he considers the lot next to the house the side yard. He wants privacy. Commissioner Begalla questioned City snow plowing since there was only a 6-foot distance from the front property line. Chairperson Thompson mentioned that the fence is proposed to be located 5 feet from property line and not 6 feet. She also commented that the front yard setback area is not considered to be a side yard. Mr. Hogman answered that he moves his own snow. Commissioner Beaudry questioned how long he had owned the property. Mr. Hogman replied about 4 years. Chairperson Thompson questioned the building materials for the fence. Mr. Hogman answered a wood privacy fence. Commissioner Smith asked if the fence would be maintained and if the existing fence would remain. He also questioned the future use of the corner lot. Mr. Hogman answered yes. He plans to landscape the corner lot. Commissioner Beaudry asked if he had problems with theft from his yard. Mr. Hogman answered that he had a post hole digger and a compressor stolen. The fence will help with theft deterrence and provide privacy. Commissioner Smith asked if he owned the apartments on Constitution. Mr. Hogman replied yes. Chairperson Thompson asked if there were any objections from the adjacent residence. Mr. Hogman answered that he has a good relationship with his neighbors. Commissioner Smith asked if he thought it would increase property taxes or property values. Mr. Hogman answered it was his intent to increase property value and to protect his six children. With no further questions, Mr. Jacobsen asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor of the application. Adrienne Frances, who resides at 109 Rebel Drive was sworn in. She questioned the visibility with the fence being on a corner lot. She stated that she was fine with the fence if the visibility was not obstructed. With no one else present to speak in favor of the application, Mr. Jacobsen asked if there was anyone present to speak in opposition of the application. With no one present to speak in opposition to the application, Mr. Jacobsen presented an email received by the Planning Department to be entered as evidence. The document was then labeled exhibit A and passed to the Commissioners. The applicant was provided a copy of the email. Mr. Jacobsen asked if there were any more questions for the applicant. With no further questions, the hearing was closed. Chairperson Thompson asked for a motion to approve HE 17-01. Commissioner Begalla made a motion to approve HE 17-01 with staff recommendations, seconded by Commissioner Beaudry. Chairperson Thompson asked for discussion, with no discussion, Chairperson Thompson called for a vote. Motion Carried Unanimously. Under other business, Chairperson Thompson congratulated the Commissioners on their reappointments. Chairperson Thompson mentioned future meetings; April 3, May 1 and June 5. Mr. Jacobsen stated that no applications were turned in by the deadline for an April hearing. So, there will not be an April meeting. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.