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.
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.
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