Board of Adjustment

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES March 2, 2015 The Russellville Board of Adjustment met Monday, March 2, 2015 for it February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting, at 5:00 p.m. in the Russellville, Arkansas City Hall Council Chambers. Members Present: Chairman Blake Tarpley, Secretary Aldona Standridge, Jimmy Davenport, Jim Sims, and Wesley White Members Absent: None Visitors Present: Mayor Randy Horton, Alderman Bill Eaton, City Planner David Harris, City Attorney Trey Smith, Planning Assistant Lequitta Jones, Building Official Brian Holstein, Fire Marshal Richard Setian, Jim Lynch/City Corp, David Keener, Monty Kasselman, Laura Bean/Courier, Dianna Qualls, and Brandi Hodge. Welcome The First Order of Business was a request to review and approve the minutes of the January 26, 2015 meeting. Member White made the motion to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Member Sims and passed unanimously. The Second Order of Business was a Public Hearing requesting review and approval for a variance from Zoning Code Article 4.1.2.4. Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, to allow backing into a street, for property located at 800 West “B” Street. Submitted by Brandi Hodge, DDS. (BOA.15.02.3610) City Planner Harris said this was an existing building that was built and used as a dentist office. Because there is no change of use, Dr. Hodge could move in as is, but she feels the parking is inadequate. She wants to add parking, but because of the way the site was laid out, the only way they can add parking is if those parking spaces allowed to back directly into the street. The zoning code does not generally allow that, so they are asking for relief. The neighborhood has several examples of houses converted to offices where parking areas require drivers to back directly into the street. This site has very low traffic count and low traffic speed. City Planner Harris recommended approval of the variance. Member Sims made the motion to approve the variances as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Davenport and passed unanimously. The Third Order of Business was a Public Hearing requesting review and approval of one-foot variances from the required R-2 zone eight-foot interior side yard setback for both sides of a property at 902 South Hartford. Submitted by David Keener and Monty Kasselman. (BOA-15-02-3611) City Planner Harris said the applicant is requesting a one-foot variance for either side, to allow seven-foot setbacks. In this case the applicant has not shown that they have unique circumstance, as directed by the zoning code. It is a rectangular lot about the same size as the surrounding lots. However, the request is very minimal and if you drive through the neighborhood you see that setbacks vary quite a bit from lot to lot, particularly the interior side yard setbacks. Mr. Harris said because of existing variations in setbacks, he did not see how allowing 7 feet setbacks on either side will diminish the quality of life in this neighborhood. I think it would be perfectly reasonable for you to consider approval. Ms. Carol Marino, owner of the rental property next door, was not present, but her son was. Speaking on her behalf, he said her concern was if she tried to sell her property, having the duplexes closer to the property line could make it harder for her property to sell. Member Standridge said she didn’t think the variance is going to make much difference one way or the other as to the value of the adjacent property. Member Standridge made the motion to approve the variances as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Davenport and passed unanimously. Adjourned. ____________________ Chairman Blake Tarpley