BM 2010-04-01MINUTES OF APRIL 11 2010
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The Board of Adjustment of the City of Coppell met on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 255 Parkway Blvd;
In attendance:
Mark LeGros, Chairman
Donald Perschbacher, Vice Chairman
Laura Ketchum, Commissioner
Harold Copher, Commissioner
John Hirschy, Commissioner
Mark Holmstrup, Alternate Commissioner
Absent:
Douglas Robinson, Alternate Commissioner
Kathie Troy -Rucker, Alternate Commissioner
Jeffrey Turner, Alternate Commissioner
Also present:
Michael Arellano, Chief Building Official
Mary Beth Spletzer, Secretary
Applicant present:
Jay Praytor, Praytor Landscape, Coppell
Deborah Pedersen, 626 Prestwick Court, Coppell
Item 1: Call to Order.
Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Mark LeGros.
Chairman LeGros administered the oath for those wishing to speak at this evening's meeting.
Item 2: Public Hearing to consider approval of a variance request from Section 35-
2(A)2(a)iii of the City's Zoning Ordinance, for the property located at 626
Prestwick Court. Mr. Jay Praytor, of Praytor Landscape, on behalf of the
property owners, is requesting a 6 -ft. variance to the required 10 -ft, rear yard
setback in this SF -12 zoned district. The homeowners wish to construct a new
patio and 9 -ft. high shade arbor with outdoor kitchen in the southeast corner of
their property.
Michael Arellano explained that the contractor in this case is requesting a 6 -ft. variance to the
10 -ft. rear yard setback to allow for the construction of a 121 sq. ft. arbor in the southeast
corner of the -property, Referring to the site plan in the packet, he reported that the backyard.
area is mostly comprised of the swimming pool and deck, leaving only a small space in the
southeast corner for an arbor and outdoor kitchen. He indicated that Staff could not
determine any type of property hardship associated with this request, and for that reason, is
recommending denial.
Chairman LeGros asked if a permit is normally required for this type of work, and Mr. Arellano
indicated that a permit is required for construction of an arbor, as well as for patio work.
The applicant was invited to come forward to present his case.
]ay Praytor, of Praytor Landscape, commented that the homeowner has just recently decided
that the arbor will contain just a grill and not an outdoor kitchen, as previously planned. He
further explained that the arbor will be only 9 -ft. high, so it will rise only one foot above the
fence, adding that it will be mostly hidden by trees, and will not be an eyesore in the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Ketchum asked if the arbor could be constructed anywhere else on the
property, or -if it could be made smaller and still be useful. Mr. Praytor replied that this arbor
design was the homeowner's preference, and explained that there is no other location
available on the property, considering the space taken by the swimming pool and deck.
The board members discussed whether a property hardship existed in this case, and it was
determined that a hardship did not exist.
The public hearing was opened to the public. Those wishing to speak in favor of the variance
request were asked to step forward.
Deborah Pedersen, homeowner of 626 Prestwick Court, explained that the property to the
east of them is just a grassy, tree -lined area and is really only used for picnicking by the
property owners. She indicated that she and her husband simply want to construct a four -
post arbor with a grill and refrigerator. Ms. Pedersen presented a letter from their
homeowners' association stating that the proposed arbor would comply with the homeowners'
association requirements.
No one spoke in opposition to the variance request.
The hearing was closed to the public and opened to the board for discussion.
Commissioner Perschbacher reminded the board that there is no apparent property hardship
in this situation. Secondly, he noted that if the variance is granted, it stays with the property
for all future homeowners.
It was further noted that the property to the east is undeveloped residential area that will
become developed in the future, and it is the responsibility of the board to protect the
interests of those future homeowners.
Motion was made by Commissioner Perschbacher that the variance request be granted.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ketchum and a vote was taken. Motion did not carry,
4 to 1, with Commissioner Hirschy voting in favor of the request. Variance request denied.
Other Business.
Building and Standards Commission: Discussion of timetable for adoption of
2009 International Codes
Mr. Arellano announced that he is making plans for the adoption of the 2009
International codes, adding that he anticipates having any Coppell amendments to
the codes ready to present to the building and Standards commission as early as
June.
Adjournment.
Meetin adjourned.
Ma LeGros, Chairman
ATW 1--W/114M 4a) c �
Christel P ttinos, Recording ecretary