CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MINUTES of Meeting No. 790

Tuesday, February 22, 2000, 1:00 p.m.

Francis F. Campbell City Council Room

Plaza Level of City Hall

Tulsa Civic Center

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT  MEMBERS ABSENT   STAFF PRESENT   OTHERS PRESENT

 

Dunham, Vice Chair

Perkins

Beach

Jackere, Legal

Cooper

 

Butler

Prather, Legal

White, Chair

Turnbo

 

 

Parnell, Neighborhood Insp.

 

 

 

Ballentine,

Neighborhood Insp.

 

 

 

Ackermann,

  Zoning Official

 

 

The notice and agenda of said meeting was posted in the Office of the City Clerk on Monday, February 21, 2000, at 10:34 a.m., as well as in the Reception Area of the INCOG offices.

 

After declaring a quorum present, Chair, White called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

 

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Case No. 18650

    Action Requested:

      Variance of side yard requirement from 5’ and 10’ to 1’ and 4.7’ to allow a lot-split. SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 6, located at 1516 E. 21st St.

 

    Presentation:

      The applicant, Mike Marrara, submitted a letter, February 21 to continue this case to redesign the lot configuration and possibly change the relief as needed.

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr.Beach stated that the applicant did not ask for a specific date for continuance.  He suggested March 28th, in case there is a need for re-advertising.

 

    Interested Parties/Protestants:

      None.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to APPROVE a Continuance of Case No. 18650 to the meeting on March 28, 2000, for the following described property:

 

    Lots 10 & 11, Block 2, Terwilleger Heights, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18651

    Action Requested:

      Variance to allow a gravel parking area in a CS zoned district. SECTION 1303.  DESIGN STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING AREAS – Use Unit 17, located:  E of NE/c E. 11th St. & 107th E. Ave.

 

    Presentation

      Mr. Beach stated that a timely request was made by the applicant, for a continuance of Case No. 18651 to the meeting of March 28, 2000.

 

    Interested Parties/Protestants:

      One Interested Party present, and agreeable to a continuance to March 28, 2000.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to APPROVE a Continuance of Case No. 18651 to the meeting on March 28, 2000, for the following described property:

 

    S 300’ of Lot 8, Block 2, East Eleventh Park Sub., City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18655

    Action Requested:

        Special Exception to permit storage of cars, trucks, boats, and other motor vehicles excluding mobile homes, garbage trucks, gas and oil supply trucks.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 23; a Special Exception of required hard surface parking to allow gravel parking behind building setback line.  SECTION 222.  MOTORIZED VEHICLES; and a Special Exception to allow a 6’ screening fence.  SECTION 212.A. SCREENING WALL OR FENCE, Specifications, located at the, SE/c E. 11th St. & 129th E. Ave.

 

    Presentation

      Mr. Beach stated that the applicant requested a continuance to the meeting on March 14, 2000.

 

    Interested Parties/Protestants:

      None.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to APPROVE a Continuance of Case No. 18655 to the meeting on March 14, 2000, for the following described property:

 

      Beginning at the NW/c of Section 9, T-19-N, R-14-E, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma; thence E a distance of 330.26’ to a point; thence S a distance of 495.65’ to a point; thence W a distance of 330.26’ to a point; thence N a distance of 495.65’ to the POB containing 3.76 acres more or less

 

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Case No. 18588

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception to permit off-street parking in a RM-2 district. SECTION 401.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 10; and a Variance of required setback from centerline of Carson from 50' to 35'. SECTION 1302.B.  SETBACKS, located SE of E. 15th St. & Carson.

 

    Presentation

      Robert Nichols, 111 West 5th Street, appeared on behalf of the American Association Petroleum Geologists.  Mr. Nichols stated that the neighborhood association has reviewed the site plan submitted on February 8, 2000.  He requests the Board to act on this request at this time.

 

    Protestants:

      Mike Tedford, 1628 S. Cheyenne, stated appreciation of the opportunity to review the revised site plan.  The Riverview Association, by a vote, opposes the parking lot at the requested location.  The neighborhood is being revitalized, with remodeling of numerous homes, rental properties are being reconverted to single-family dwellings, and young people with children are moving in.  They oppose a parking lot within the neighborhood.  He stated that lighting for the lot would bother the neighbors; no lighting would encourage a meeting place for transients; and the alley is not sufficient for the added traffic.

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Cooper asked if there were any circumstances under which the neighborhood association would be willing to see the parking lot be constructed.  Mr. Tedford replied that they see no need for a parking lot, since other parking lots in the area are empty much of the time.

 

      Other members of the Riverview Neighborhood Association, appeared to oppose this case.  They were in agreement with Mr. Tedford’s statements. 

 

    Applicant’s Rebuttal:

      Mr. Nichols informed the Board that the applicant has lost leases to other parking lots, and that led to this request. 

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Turnbo, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to DENY a Special Exception to permit off-street parking in a RM-2 district; and a Variance of required setback from centerline of Carson from 50' to 35', finding that it would not be in harmony with the spirit and intent of the Code, and would be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare, for the following described property:

 

    The N 20' of Lot 10 & all of Lot 11, Block 2, Stonebraker Heights Addition to the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18626

      Action Requested:

Appeal from the decision of the Neighborhood Inspector that a nightclub will not meet the off-street parking requirements at this location; or alternatively, Special exception pursuant to Section 1408.B.4. and/or Section 1212a.D.; or alternatively, Variance of Section 1408.B.4. to modify off-street parking and loading requirements applicable to a nonconforming night club (Use Unit 12A) and a Variance of Section 1212.a C.3 USE CONDITIONS to modify the 300 foot spacing requirement of a Use Unit 12A use from a church and from another Use Unit12a use, if applicable to a nonconforming night club (Use Unit 12a), located at 3340 S. Peoria.

 

      Presentation

        Roy Johnsen, an attorney, stated that he represents the lessees of the proposed facility.  A permit was issued to his client for a U.U. 12.a, nightclub use.  He stated that the applicants proceeded with that permit, and then received a notice of insufficient parking space for a U.U. 12.a.  Mr. Johnsen submitted some exhibits to the Board for review.  Mr. Johnsen informed the Board that 96 spaces are required for this business.  He also pointed out that his clients have leased another parking lot close to the subject property, which will provide another 33 parking spaces when it is cleaned up. 

 

      Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham asked how this issue came up.  Ms. Parnell stated that she received a complaint, and did an inspection, finding the business did not meet the parking requirement.

 

      Protestants:

        John Moody, attorney, stated he is representing Bud Barnes with the Bistro.  Mr. Moody stated he came to address the policy of the Building Inspectors’ Office, not the policy of the City, to not do a zoning clearance review on U.U. 12.12.a. when they apply for remodeling permits; that the appeal of the original issuance of the building permit be granted, and that the building permit be rescinded.  He asks that the Board uphold Ms. Parnell’s citation requiring the applicant to comply with the parking requirements.

 

        Shannon Ramsey, 3348 S. Peoria, stated his only concern is the cleanliness of the parking lot.  He stated that they would apply to be open until 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

        Jerry Dodson, with Schlotsky’s, will be moving into their building with a ten-year lease.  He has no opposition to the action requested.  He anticipates needing 60 parking spaces at lunch and 30-40 for dinner. 

 

        Bill Elliot, 5549 S. Lewis, stated he is the property manager of the building that Schlotsky’s wants to lease.  He added that the owner has a vested interest and desires to be a good neighbor to everyone.

 

        Nancy Apgar, 3914 S. Norfolk, president of the Brookside Neighborhood Association, stated that she has talked with Mr. Johnsen.  The Brookside Neighborhood Association believes that the laws must be strictly enforced in the Brookside area.  She stated that they are not opposed to businesses that conform but to a concentration of bars in this area.  Ms. Apgar reminded the Board that parking is at a premium in the Brookside area.

 

        Bud Barnes, 2302 S. Delaware Pl., stated he is the owner of the Bistro restaurant in Brookside.  Mr. Barnes stated that he was familiar with the parking problem since he went through the process to open a business in that area. He expressed that his objection is not with the new business, but with the process that allowed this circumstance to come about.  He made a point that the requirements should be the same for everyone who opens a new business, including obtaining off-street parking, landscaping, and financial requirements.

 

        Beverly Stewart, 3816 E. 111th St., co-trustee to the owner of the property, commented that Mr. Barnes interpretation of the events was not quite correct.  She stated that they tried to lease the property, and parking was not discussed as a particular issue, but as a contingency that was discussed.  Several of their three principals stated they would need a variance or special exception, and they did not think it would be a problem.  They proposed wanted the option to purchase the property at the end of five years at a set amount.  The owner of the property was not interested in the proposal and stopped the negotiations.

 

        Jack Page, stated he is the Director of Development Services at the City of Tulsa, Public Works.  He is over the Building Permit office and the Neighborhood Inspections office that pertains to this project.  He explained to the Board that the literature and statements made regarding a zoning clearance not being performed, in his opinion is incorrect.  A zoning clearance has been performed.  Mr. Ackerman signed a permit as the zoning officer, which has reviewed and provided a zoning permit.  The question arises as to what scope of a zoning clearance is performed when they do such a permit review.  Mr. Page explained that the difference is the application for remodeling that would impact the means of egress, and some building code issues, but none of these would impact the parking.  The use, occupancy load, and square footage, which would have pertained to parking, were not being changed.  He stated that Mr. Ackerman checked the parking requirements available by INCOG records, which indicated there was sufficient parking after receiving notice of insufficient parking.  Mr. Page stated they sought legal advice and found they did not need to revoke the permit that was issued.  This property was not identified on the original list of bars that would not be in compliance when the ordinance was changed requiring parking spaces.  This bar was simply overlooked, and was not questioned until a complaint was made.

 

      Applicant’s Rebuttal:

        Roy Johnsen, pointed out that the business owner has spent a substantial amount of money to upgrade the property and make it a better facility.  There are positive conditions with which to work, such as: adjoining parking, a good distance of separation from the neighborhood, a masonry wall and a willingness to share parking among the businesses. 

 

      Board Action:

        On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to Uphold the decision of the Neighborhood Inspector that this facility does not meet the parking requirements; to APPROVE a Special Exception to modify the parking

        requirements subject to the Use Conditions, as presented by the applicant; and to Strike the Variances, which are found not to be necessary, on the following described property:

 

      All the N 49.5’ of Lot 19 except the E 25’ thereof, and an undivided 1//3 interest in Lot 21, all in Burgess Acres Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18612

    Action Requested:

      Appeal from Building Inspector’s decision to issue a building permit for a nightclub that does not have required parking and does not meet the 300’ spacing requirement from other adult businesses, located at 3340 S. Peoria.

 

    Presentation

      John Moody, 7146 S. Canton, stated he is representing the applicant in this case.  He filed the appeal after the Building Inspector issued the permit.  Mr. Moody stated that subsequent to that time the zoning code enforcement officer determined that they did not comply with the zoning, and issued a notice to comply with the zoning on the property located at 3340 S. Peoria.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to DENY the Appeal from Building Inspector’s decision to issue a building permit for a nightclub that does not have required parking and does not meet the 300’ spacing requirement from other adult businesses for the property described as follows:

 

    The N 49.5’ of Lot 19, less the E 25’, Block 2, Burgess Acres Amended, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

 

Case No. 18630

    Action Requested:

      Reconsideration of a Special Exception to allow an auto car wash (Use Unit 17) in a CS zoned district. SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 17, located at 4904 S. Union.

 

    Presentation

      Lawrence Taylor, 3223 E. 31st St., stated he is an attorney representing the owners of the subject property.  He stated the property is in a CS zoned district with numerous other businesses.  He indicated that a screening fence would cut down on the noise; signs would be posted, asking people not to play their music loudly, and an attendant would be on hand.  Mr. Lawrence stated that the carwash would be an enhancement to the neighborhood, and would be consistent with the other businesses there. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Ms. Turnbo asked what the hours of operation would be.  Mr. Taylor stated that the attendant would be there until dusk, but the carwash is open 24 hours per day.  Mr. Cooper asked how the attendant could enforce the rule on loud music if he is not there.  Mr. Lawrence replied that he couldn’t.  Mr. White wanted to know how he would enforce it if he were there.  Mr. Lawrence stated that the signs would be up and he would encourage people to keep the music volume down.  Mr. White asked if the applicant had spoken with the neighbors to the west.  Mr. Lawrence replied he had a couple of telephone conversations with some neighbors, but not the ones to the west.  Mr. Gibson went to the residence of one woman who had a complaint to talk with her about it, but she chose not to discuss it. 

 

    Protestants:

      Karen Harris, 4831 S. Vancouver, stated she was also representing Ms. Anna Mae Bratt at 4825 S. Vancouver, which is directly behind the subject property.  She stated that she had a signed letter from Ms. Bratt.  Ms. Harris submitted a photo of the back of her own house that is only 50’ away from the subject property.  She stated her complaint is an increase in the noise level.  She indicated that she does not believe that the noise level could be controlled.

 

      Joseph Davidson, 4815 S. Vancouver, stated that he lives north and west corner from the subject property to the back of his own house.  There is already a carwash.  The carwash had to put up shields to deflect the lighting.  He stated that the vacuums to be used in the new carwash are the same as the ones in use.  He informed the Board that the vacuums are just as loud, and have not changed in the last five years. 

 

      Chuck Cline, 4849 S. Union, stated that he has had the carwash across the street since the mid-60’s. and does not believe there is a need for another carwash in the area.

 

      Bill McConnell, 6905 S. 32nd W. Ave., stated he has been a resident of west Tulsa for 30 years.  He stated that since November 1999 he has run the existing carwash, and had plans to buy the business.  He stated that he has seen two carwashes go under in the time he has lived there.  He included that there are three carwashes in the area. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Dunham reminded Mr. McConnell that the Board couldn’t consider the economic issues.

 

    Applicant’s Rebuttal:

      Mr. Lawrence stated that Mr. Gibson is from this neighborhood, and would like to return and make an investment.  He indicated that the only problem here is that the business blend in with the neighborhood and the noise problem.  He stated it is his belief that both of those items can be managed.

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Cooper asked if the applicants would be willing to close the operations when there is no attendant.  Mr. Lawrence replied if the Board made that condition, the applicants would comply. 

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 3-1-0 (White, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; Dunham "nay"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to DENY a Reconsideration of a Special Exception to allow an auto car wash (Use Unit 17) in a CS zoned district on the following described property:

 

N 205’ of Lot 2, Block 2, Greenfield Acres, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18635

    Action Requested:

      Variance to allow two dwelling units on one lot of record.  SECTION 207.  ONE SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING PER LOT OF RECORD – Use Unit 6; a Variance of the required land area per dwelling unit from 8,400 square feet to 4,525 square feet; a Variance of the required livability space per dwelling unit from 4,000 square feet to 2720 square feet; a Variance of the required side yard from 5 feet to 4.5 feet. SECTION 403. BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 6; and a Variance of the required width for off-street parking spaces from 8.5 feet to 8.0 feet. SECTION 1303.A. DESIGN STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING AREAS, located at 4739 E. 6th St.

 

    Presentation:

        David Martin, 11605 E. 25th St., stated that the garage has been an apartment since the mid-1940’s.  He indicated that there are six apartments within a two-block area.  He requested approval by the Board.

 

        Glenn Bynum, 4731 E. 6th St., stated this is the second time he has appeared regarding this application.  He stated that he comes representing himself and those who signed the petition that he submitted to the Board.  He stated that Roy Ballentine, a Code enforcement officer told the applicant not to proceed because this could happen.  Mr. Bynum stated that there is not a garage apartment in use on Sixth Street in the 4700 block.  The lot in question is Lot 23.  On this block Lots 19, 20, 21, and 24 also would have space to build another unit in front of the house.  The driveway is currently full, without use of the apartment, with four cars. 

 

        Douglas Deckard, 4727 E. 6th St., stated concern for depreciation his property value, and the parking issue.  There are cars in front of each of the houses every evening, and he expressed concern that the number of cars would increase. 

 

      Applicant’s Rebuttal:

        Mr. Martin informed the Board that he did not receive any notice from Mr. Ballentine until he had already spent over $10,000.  He stated that two girls live in the front apartment and have one car each. 

 

      Board Action:

        On MOTION of Cooper, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to DENY a Variance to allow two dwelling units on one lot of record; a Variance of the required land area per dwelling unit from 8,400 square feet to 4,525 square feet; a Variance of the required livability space per dwelling unit from 4,000 square feet to 2720 square feet; a Variance of the required side yard from 5 feet to 4.5 feet; and a Variance of the required width for off-street parking spaces from 8.5 feet to 8.0 feet, finding there is no hardship, regarding the property described as follows:

 

        Lot 23, Block 5, Kendall View Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18637

      Action Requested:

        Variance of the required setback for church uses in an R district from 25’ to 10’5” on the west, 23’8” on the north, and 20’ on the south SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, located at 2124 E. 31st Pl. N.

 

      Presentation:

         Mr. Beach read the applicant’s request.

 

      Comments and Questions:

         None.

 

      Interested Parties/Protestants:

          None.

 

      Board Action:

          On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Perkins "absent") to APPROVE a Variance of the required setback for church uses in an R district from 25’ to 10’5” on the west, 23’8” on the north, and 20’ on the south, finding it conforms to 1607.C, on the following described property:

 

        Lots 4-6, Block 7, Beauty Rest Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

 

NEW APPLICATIONS