Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING INDIAN HILL PLANNING COMMISSION July 17, 2024 The regular meeting of the Indian Hill Planning Commission was held on July 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of the Village Administration building. Members Present: Joseph Rhodenbaugh Shayne Manning Barrett Tullis Donald McGraw Members Absent: Richard Wiggers Rita Stolper Officials Present: Jonathan West, Assistant City Manager Visitors Present: Mark Gunther, Wichman Gunther Architects, Inc. Shree Pragada, 4555 Walton Creek Road Anamika Padavala, 4555 Walton Creek Road John & Sally Heckscher, 4650 Walton Creek Road Item Number 1: Minutes and findings from the June 19, 2024 Indian Hill Planning Commission meeting: Mr. McGraw made a motion to approve the June 19, 2024 minutes and findings. Mr. Manning seconded, and the motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote. Mr. Rhodenbaugh asks for anyone planning to speak this evening to please stand, raise their right hand, and be sworn in prior to presentation of the cases. Item Number 2: Case #24-005: Christopher Hardy is requesting variance approval from Section 63.2 of the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance to reduce the side yard setback for pool equipment from 20' to 4.5'. The subject property is located at 8670 Hopewell Road. The case has been continued until the August 21, 2024 Planning Commission meeting. Item Number 3: Case #24-007: Anamika Padavala is requesting a six-month extension to the variance approved on June 21, 2023 (PC Case No. 23-007) to complete construction drawings and receive a building permit for the improvements to the existing non-conforming home on a non-conforming lot at 4555 Walton Creek Road. The owner is also requesting approval for adjustments to the home plans to provide a two-car garage in lieu of a carport in the same location and increase the deck into the back yard and above the kitchen, and add a swimming pool to the south (left) side of the home. Village of Indian Hill Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 Page 2 Staff Report: Mr. West states that Section 101.57 of the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance states that a variance approved by the Planning Commission is valid for a period of six months. The applicant can request up to two six month extensions. This is the second requested extension for the case before the Commission. The first six month extension was approved on December 21, 2023. The second request for a six month extension was made by the property owner on June 6, 2024. Due to the changes to the architectural plans previously approved by the Planning Commission, staff elected to bring the revisions and the extension request back to the Planning Commission for review. The variance was approved for additions and renovations to an existing non-conforming home on a legal non-conforming lot of record due to the additions and renovations not worsening the existing non-conforming conditions. Changes between the plans were highlighted on the 11"x17" exhibit previously distributed to the Planning Commission and include: 1. Change open air carport to side entry garage with Sedum roof. Staff has concerns that there is only 12' from the garage to the Village owned green area property to the north. A minimum of 20' is required for a side entry garage, with 25' being preferred. If the Planning Commission is ok with the change from a carport to an enclosed garage, it shall be front entry. Another concern is site distance for vehicles exiting the garage and not being able to see cars approaching on Walton Creek Road. 2. Expand deck behind home. 3. Change deck on left (south) side of home to a swimming pool. 4. Add roof deck to second story on left (south) side of home. 5. Minor interior adjustments of walls and stair location. Staff received one call from an adjacent property owner requesting information about the design changes. Staff sent them the original plans and the revisions and have not received any comments. Mr. Mark Gunther, with Wichman Gunther Architects, Inc., comes before the Commission and notes that the overall scope of the project has been enhanced with the added modifications. The desire is to create a high end product that is comparable to other homes in Indian Hill. Mr. John Heckscher, residing at 4650 Walton Creek Road, inquires about how far the proposed pool is from the road. Mr. Gunther replies that the pool is approximately 45' from the edge of the road. Village of Indian Hill Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 Page 3 Mr. Heckscher also inquires about how far the carport is from the road. Mr. Gunther replies that the nearest corner is 10' from the road. Mr. Heckscher asks if they have researched how potential erosion and flooding might impact the foundation of the home. Mr. Gunther replies that they are not in a flood zone so they are not intending to build to the same standards you would if you were in a designated floodplain. Mr. Tullis notes that his biggest concern is regarding safety as it relates to the proposed garage due to visibility and turning radius when attempting to back out while also not driving on Village green area. Mr. Gunther notes that right now they’re just looking to be able to enclose the space for vehicles not only for protection from the weather, but also for safety and security. If the concern is regarding visibility, they can use a glazed glass material for the new wall on the existing carport so the owners would have full view of traffic coming and going on Walton Creek Road. Their main goal is weatherizing the space. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Tullis made a motion to approve the requested six month extension and plan modifications as submitted. Mr. McGraw seconded, and the motion was approved by a three to one roll call vote with Mr. Tullis, Mr. McGraw, and Mr. Rhodenbaugh voting in favor of approval, and Mr. Manning voting against approval of the request. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mr. McGraw made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Tullis seconded, and the motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Joseph Rhodenbaugh, Chairman Pro-tem ATTEST: Jonathan D. West, Secretary Pro-tem