Christ Sav/SPRv-CS 980709~4-98 03:59P
CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Thursday, July 9, 1998
The Board of Adjustment met on Thursday, luly 9, I998, in the City Council Chambers located in the Town
Center, 255 Parkway.
Board members present:
Jerrie Kertz, Chairman
David Stonecipher, Vice Chairman
David Hymer, Commissioner
Cletus Glasener, Commissioner
Board members unable to attend:
Michael Seifert, Commissioner
Richard Hohnholt, Commissioner
.Alternate board members present:
Charles Armstrong, Commissioner
Jamshed Jamadar, Commissioner
Norman Kressmann, Commissioner
Staff members present:
Greg lone,s, Chief Building Official
Mary Beth Spletzer, Recording Secretary
Annlicants nresent:
A~ Dragon, 1310 Woodlake Ct., Corinth
Lan,se Fullinwider, 320 E. Bethel School Rd., CoppelI
lulie Reeves, 770 Pelican, Coppell
ITEM 1: Call to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Kertz.
Commissioner Kressmann was invited to serve on the Board in the absence of Commissioner Seifert.
ITEM 2: Invocation was given by Commissioner Glasener.
ITEM 3: Approval of Minutes of May 7, 1998 Meeting.
Vice Chairman Stonecipher made a motion that the minutes of the May 7, 1998, meeting be approved, as
written. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kressmann, and a vote was taken. Motion carried. 5 to 0.
Chairman Kertz administered the oath for all members of the audience who were speaking either for or against
the requests being presented at this meeting.
ITEM 4: Public Hearing to consider a request for a variance from Section 35 of the City's Zoning
Ordinance, which concerns the type of material used in the construction of an accessory
building, for the property located at 140 S. Heartz Road. Mr. Curt Riske, representing Christ
Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, is requesting a variance to allow for the construction
of a temporary shade structure with padded metal comer posts, rather than brick, as the
Ordinance requires.
Greg Jones reported that it was only after the church had already purchased a shade structure for their
playground that the sales representative of Shade Structures decided to check with the City regarding the need
for a permit. He reported that the flame-retardant canvas cover and the adequacy of the metal supports were in
compliance, but due to the size of the structure, masonry construction on 80 percent of the structure would be
required by Ordinance, meaning that the posts would need to be faced with masonry. He explained that the
structure is already erected, and the church is planning to apply padding to the posts.
Commissioner Hymer inquired about how arbors were historically handled, and Greg Jones reported that the
Ordinance was revised to allow arbors up to 300 sq. ft. as long as the posts are positioned six feet apart,
thereby resolving many potential problems. In this case, however, he noted that the structure exceeded 1.200
sq. ft. and couldn't be permitted without the masonry stipulation.
The applicant was invited to step forward to present his case.
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Board of Adjustment
July 9, 1998
Page 2
Ann Dragon, representing Principal Curt Riske and the Parent Teacher League of Christ Our Savior Lutheran
School, explained that money was donated to purchase the shade structure for the school playground.
Following the construction, the school learned of the masonry requirement, as well as the need for a permit.
She noted that the structure's size was determined by the need to cover an existing large piece of play
equipment. She further explained that the church and school will soon undergo a building project during which
the existing playground equipment will be moved to an inner court area. Ms. Dragon noted that this is a
request for an 18-month variance only, extending through the construction period, until which time as the shade
structure can be moved to the new courtyard and permanent masonry pillars can be built to bring the structure
into compliance with the Ordinance.
Commissioner Stonecipher asked for clarification on the location of the playground within the new courryar0:l
and Ms. Dragon pointed it out. Chairman Kertz asked if the applicant would be required to re-permit the
structure when it is relocated, and Greg Jones responded that it would most likely be included in the general
permit for the new construction.
The meeting was opened to the public. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the variance request.
The meeting was closed to the public and opened to the Board for discussion.
Commissioner Hymer commented that perhaps the 18-month time period should be extended to 36 months,
allowing ample time for the relocation, should weather conditions delay the construction process. Chairman
Kertz noted, however, that 18 months would probably be sufficient, since the completion date determined by
the school is Fall 1999.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hymer that the variance request be granted, allowing the metal comer
posts for a period not to exceed 24 months. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kressmann, and a vote
was taken. Motion carried, 5 to 0. Temporary variance granted.
ITEM 5:
Public Hearing to consider a request for a variance from Section 9-2-6(d) of the City's Code of
Ordinances to allow a front yard fence/retaining wall, for the property located at 1203
Crestside Drive, Suite 150. Mr. Lanse Fullinwider, representing Coppell Child Development
Center, is requesting a variance to allow for the construction of a retaining wall and fence to
enclose an outdoor play area for children.
Greg Jones distributed larger detailed drawings of the project. He explained that after viewing the property and
checking the plats, he realized that this parcel had never been platted, although other sections of the Nikor
Center were platted. He noted that platting is necessary in order to issue a building permit, as well as to
determine the location of a front yard. Because the property is located on Crestside and Wrangler, he reported
that it has a front yard along both streets and, by Ordinance, a fence may not be erected within a front yard.
He further explained that the day care was approved by the State to use the indoor gym as a temporary play
area, with the ultimate goal being the construction of an outdoor play area. In order to do so, he explained that
some leveling of dirt will be necessary, as well as the construction of a retaining wall. He further explained
that, for safety reasons, a fence surrounding the play area would be required and the applicant is considering a
decorative type of fencing. Greg Jones indicated that the platting process is now complete and the fence permit
is awaiting approval, pending the action of this Board regarding the location of a fence in a front yard area. He
further noted that because play structures are not regulated by the City, the only issue for consideration is the
fence.