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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/2009 MINUTES OF THE WATERLOO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING HELD ON MARCH 24, 2009, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL Chairperson Anfinson called the regular monthly meeting of the Waterloo Board of Adjustment to order on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. Board members in attendance were: Anfinson, Goldsberry and Mixdorf. Members absent were Mohr and Holdiman. Staff in attendance was Aric Schroeder,Shane Graham and Adam Poll. No one from the public was in attendance. I. Approval of the Ag-ncla for March 74, 7(1(19 It was moved by Goldsberry, seconded by Mixdorf, to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. II. Approval of the Minutec of the RP. ilar Meeting on February 74, 7(109 It was moved by Goldsberry, seconded by Mixdorf, to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. IlI. Ilericion Items 1. Request by The City of Waterloo at E of 1614 Garden Ave for a variance to the 65' average lot width requirement, to allow for the creation of two buildable lots with widths of 53', 12' less than the minimum required. Graham gave the staff report,noting that the City of Waterloo took possession of the 31,482 SF property in September of 2007 through the 657a process,which allows a city to take possession of a property with a dilapidated structure on it through the court system. The City demolished the dilapidated structure in 2008, and has been actively marketing the property for someone to purchase it in order to build a new home on it. During that time there has been some interest expressed from potential buyers into creating 2 buildable lots to build two new homes on the lot. The Zoning Ordinance states that a residential lot may be subdivided if there is sufficient property to create lots of similar size to those in the area. The Ordinance goes on to state that the size is determined by averaging all lot widths within a 250' radius of the lot or lots to be subdivided, and that the lots to be created must be within 1 foot of the average lot width. The lot in question has a width of 106', and if split into two, would have lot widths of 53' each. However, the average lot width of all lots within a 250' radius is 65', which is 12' larger than the proposed lot widths. If the lot was split into two lots, each lot would be 15,241 SF, which meets the minimum lot size requirement in the "R-2" District. All other requirements of the "R-2" District would appear to be met as well, except for the provision of the lot width meeting the average within 250'. Graham noted that the request would appear to be unique in that most of the lots within that area are on similar lot widths.The lots to the north along Downing Avenue and lots on both sides of Garden Avenue appeared to have been split in half some time ago, as those lots are on widths ranging from 50' to 60'. The lots in question would be 53' wide,which would be similar to most of the lots in that area, making this an appropriate request. Graham indicated that staff recommends approval of the request, as the property would appear to be unique given the similar lot widths in the area, and the request would not have a negative impact on the surrounding area. Schroeder explained the provision in the Zoning Ordinance, noting that staff is looking at amending that provision, however that hasn't been approved yet, so the variance is required.