BM 2001-01-04 BOAMINUTES OF JANUARY 4, 2001
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The Board of Adjustment of the City of Coppell met on Thursday, January 4, 2001, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Conference Room of the Fire Administration building, 500 Southwestern Blvd.
In attendance:
Mark LeGros, Vice Chairman
Steven Wright, Commissioner
David Terry, Alternate Commissioner
Norman Kressmann, Alternate Commissioner
Ab sent:
David Stonecipher, Chairman
Jamshed Jamadar, Commissioner
Robert Chomiak, Commissioner
John Hoppie, Alternate Commissioner
Robert Turk, Alternate Commissioner
Also present:
Greg Jones, Chief Building Official
Mary Beth Spletzer, Recording Secretary
Applicants present: Terry Holmes, 510 Country Lane, Coppell
Item 1: Call to Order.
Vice Chairman, Mark LeGros, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Vice Chairman LeGros administered the oath for all members of the audience wishing to speak
either for or against the request being presented at this meeting.
Item 2:
Approval of Minutes of November 2, 2000 Meeting.
Minutes of the November 2, 2000 meeting were presented for approval. Motion was made by
Commissioner Kressmann that the minutes be approved. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Wright, and a vote was taken. Motion carried, 4 to 0. Minutes approved.
Item 3:
Public Hearing to consider approval of a variance request from Section 12-3-1 (B)
of the City' s Zoning Ordinance, for the property located at 275 Benson Lane.
Terry Holmes, representing The Holmes Builders, is requesting a 10-ft. variance
to the 25-ft. sideyard setback on the east side, to allow for the construction of a 5-
ft. high wrought iron fence in this PD-SF-9 zoned district.
Referring to the plat map of The Reserve subdivision, Greg Jones explained that this request
involves the fenceline along the east side of the lot on Penfolds Lane, adding that the applicant is
requesting a reduction in the sideyard setback from 25 to 15 feet. He explained that because the
frontage along the south end of the lot drops back to form a pie-shape, Staff is concerned about
the effect of such a variance on the front yard of the adjoining house at 717 Penfolds. Referring
to the latest plot plan for 717 Penfolds, Greg Jones indicated that the builder provides a
reasonable solution to visibility issues by orienting the house in such a way as to minimize the
impact of the proposed variance on the house at 717 Penfolds, as well as to propose the use of a
5-ft. high wrought iron fence.
The applicant was invited to step forward and present his case.
Terry Holmes, representing The Holmes Builders, explained that The Reserve was purchased by
Holmes Builders as a final platted subdivision, and his company did not have any input into the
way the subdivision, or this lot, was designed. Because of the way this lot tapers, Mr. Holmes
explained that it results in a disproportionately small lot with a reduced buildable area, and
therefore, results in a property hardship as far as the fence setbacks are concerned. From a
development standpoint, he explained that Holmes Builders intends to install a 5-ft. high
wrought iron fence, as opposed to an 8-ft. high wood fence, at this location to maintain the feel
of openness and not interfere with visibility for the residents of 717 Penfolds.
Discussion centered on the impact of this variance on new, incoming property owners, as well as
the location of air conditioning equipment and a retaining wall. It was noted that the proposed 2-
ft. high retaining wall, with the wrought iron fence on top, would give the appearance of an 8-ft.
fence. Consideration was also given to whether the fence would be in compliance as a pool
enclosure, and Greg Jones indicated that it would comply, as discussed tonight, but would be
subject to plan review and permit approval.
Meeting was opened to the public. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the variance
request.
Meeting was closed to the public and opened to the Board for discussion.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wright that the variance be granted to allow a 10-ft.
variance to the 25-ft. sideyard setback. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kressmann, and
a vote was taken. Motion carried, 4 to 0. Variance granted.
Item 4:
Other Business.
Greg Jones reported that the February 1 st meeting would likely be a joint Building and Standards
and Board of Adjustment meeting, with perhaps an earlier start time. He explained that the issue
for the Building and Standards Commission would be the question of demolition of the recently
burned-out Gibbs Station restaurant.
Adjournment.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kressmann that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Terry, and a vote was taken. Motion carried, 4 to 0. Meeting
adjourned.
Mark LeGros, Vice Chairman
Mary Beth Spletzer, Recording Secretary