06 APR 10
A G E N D A
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
APRIL 10, 2006 - 6:30 P.M.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. APPROVAL AND/OR
CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Regular Scheduled Meeting
March 13, 2006 1-6
3. VARIANCE REQUEST(S):
Front Yard Setback Variance
108 Harris Road
Petitioner: Edward & Rileyetta Miller 7-14
ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES: BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING
DATE AND TIME: April 10, 2006 6:30 p.m. – 6:52 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: Commissioners: Glen Keaton, Bart Gray, Jr.,
and Martha Boyd
Chairman Traylor, and City Engineer Whisker
_________________________________________________________________
City Clerk Susan Davitt recorded those listed above in attendance and
Chairman Traylor declared a quorum.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Boyd moved, seconded by Commissioner Gray to approve the
minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting of March
13, 2006. MOTION CARRIED.
VARIANCE(S): a. Front Yard Setback Variance at 108 Harris Road
Chairman Traylor opened the public hearing at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Edward & Rileyetta Miller were present with their contractor Mr. Dennis
McGee with Arkansas Restoration. Mr. McGee related that the Millers are
proposing to construct a 10’ X 15’ covered front porch on the home. He
stated that presently the home only has an uncovered stoop. He related
that the proposal is to add a cable onto the front of the house to cover
the 10’ X 15’ porch. He stated that nor he or the Millers were aware that
the setback begins at the front of the house. He stated that the Millers
are requesting a setback variance that would allow them to construct the
front porch.
City Engineer Whisker noted that he had measured 3’ from the house to the
front build line from the survey provided. He then explained that the
current front porch extends pass the front build line but is not in violation
of the build line because it is not covered.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner Keaton, Mr. McGee noted
that the existing porch extends approximately 5’ from the front of the
house.
Mrs. Miller referenced the two proposals presented for consideration,
explaining her desire to extend the porch and cover to the right. She noted
that they have removed landscaping to allow for the first proposal.
In response to a question posed by Chairman Traylor, Mr. McGee explained
that the extension of the new porch would be approximately the same as the
existing porch including the stairs, which extend directly to the front
of the porch. He explained that in the proposal the steps would be moved
to the side of the porch. He noted that the porch would remain a raised
level porch.
He then answered that the shingles would match the existing new shingles
recently placed on the house, he further explained that the roof would be
a closed end cable cover for the front porch.
In response to a question posed by City Engineer Whisker, Mr. McGee
clarified that proposal #2 is to add a closed-end cable cover to the existing
porch.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING
April 10, 2006
Commissioner Gray noted that the second proposal would be approximately
a 3’ encroachment into the front yard setback.
Mrs. Miller noted that the addition would beautify not only their home but
also the neighborhood along Harris Road, which would increase property
values. She then noted that the majority of homes on Harris Road have
covered entrances.
Commissioner Gray noted that in common practice front setback variances
are held to a minimum. He noted that the 10’ X 15’ porch would cause an
oblivious alignment difference in the homes along the street, adding that
the smaller porch would not be so noticeably different from the neighboring
homes. He complemented the home’s appearance and the ongoing home
improvements.
Mrs. Miller noted that some of the surrounding homes have long front
porches. The Board viewed photographs of the surrounding homes.
City Engineer Whisker noted that during his tenure with the Board of
Adjustment he has not known of much more than 2 to 3 feet front yard setback
variances.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed width of the porch. It was noted
that the depth could be reduced while allowing the porch to expand alongside
the house.
Mrs. Miller asked for consideration to extend the porch’s width without
extending the depth of the front porch.
Mr. McGee noted that the existing overhang is 2’, adding that the variance
would need to include 2’ on the front and sides for overhang. He noted
that the front steps would not be covered. He noted that the existing porch
is 4.6’, and a variance would make it 6’6” from the edge of the home.
Commissioner Gray reacted that would require a 3.5’ variance, adding that
he would not object to a front yard variance of that size.
Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Keaton to allow a setback
variance not to exceed 4’ along the front.
Discussion ensued regarding the extension of the porch along the front of
the house and Mr. McGee noted that a wider extension of the porch would
require going higher on the roof in order to achieve elevation, which would
not look right.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Traylor closed the public hearing at approximately 6:50 p.m.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING
April 10, 2006
ADJOURNMENT:
Without objection, Chairman Traylor adjourned the meeting at approximately
6:52 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
___________________________ _____________________________
Susan L. Davitt CHAIRMAN Mike Traylor
CITY CLERK - TREASURER
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