CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MINUTES of Meeting No. 807

Tuesday, November 14, 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

 

Beach

Prather, Legal

Cooper

Turnbo

 

Butler

Stump

Parnell,

 Neighborhood Insp.

White, Chair

 

 

 

Perkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The notice and agenda of said meeting was posted in the Office of the City Clerk on Thursday, November 9, 2000, at 8:44 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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Request for Continuance

 

Case No. 18883

    Action Requested:

      Mr. Beach stated that the applicant made a timely request for continuance.  He added that the approval granted by the Board of Adjustment is being appealed to District Court.  He indicated that the continuance request is to allow time for the case to go through court.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Turnbo, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Cooper "absent") to Continue Case No. 18883 to February 27, 2001.

 

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Case No. 18924

    Action Requested:

      Mr. Beach stated that the applicant made a timely request for Continuance to December 12, 2000.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Cooper "absent") to Continue Case No. 18924 to December 12, 2000.

 

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MINUTES:

On MOTION of Turnbo, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Cooper "absent") to APPROVE the Minutes of September 26, 2000 (No.804), as amended.

On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; Cooper "absent") to APPROVE the Minutes of October 10, 2000 (No.805).

On MOTION of Perkins, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE the Minutes of October 24, 2000 (No.806).

 

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Case No. 18892

    Action Requested:

      Variance of the required 25’ rear yard to 17’1” for an addition to the existing dwelling.  SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 6, located 5804 S. New Haven.

 

    Presentation:

      John Schaffer, 320 S. Boston, stated he is an attorney representing Donald and Jacquelyn Cohen, owners of the subject property.  He added that Paul Whitaker the applicant is the builder.  He submitted a site plan, survey, map and minutes of previous actions (Exhibit A-1, A-2, and A-3).  Mr. Schaffer informed the Board that they want to add a fourth bedroom to their three-bedroom home.  He pointed out that the back property line tapers and there are some mature trees on the south in the back yard.  The neighbors immediately to the west, north and south have no objections to this application.

 

    Protestants:

      None.          

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Variance of the required 25’ rear yard to 17’1” for an addition to the existing dwelling, per plan, finding the hardship to be the configuration of the lot and mature trees in the back yard, on the following described property:

 

    Lot 5, Block 1, Rustic Hills II, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18893

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception to permit auto salvage in an IM district.  SECTION 901.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 28, located 13805 E. Apache.

 

    Presentation:

      Paul Mauldin, owner of the subject property, stated he hopes to accommodate auto recycling.  He stated there are four recyclers in the area, and so it would be in harmony and not injurious to the neighborhood.

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Dunham noted that the staff comments indicated there should be screening on the west property line.  There is auto salvage on that property, which is zoned AG.  He informed the applicant that the Code requires the screening or he needs relief from that requirement. 

 

    Protestants:

      None.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Special Exception to permit auto salvage in an IM district; and to Continue Case No. 18893 December 12, 2000 for relief of screening requirement.

 

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Case No. 18894

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception for a manufactured home in an RS district.  SECTION 401.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 9; and a Special Exception of the one-year time limit to indefinite.  SECTION 404.E.1.  SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, REQUIREMENTS, located NE of W. 37th Pl. & S. Nogales.


    Presentation:

      Kirby Ellis, stated he owns the subject property, and would like to move a mobile home on the lot, for an indefinite time.

 

    Protestants:

      None.          

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE Special Exception for a manufactured home in an RS district; and a Special Exception of the one-year time limit to indefinite, on condition that all requirements be met for permits, inspections, tie-downs, and skirting, on the following described property:

 

    Lot 11, Block 1, First McBirney Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.

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Case No. 18895

    Action Requested:

      Appeal from decision of Neighborhood Inspections that existing duplex is an unlawful use of the subject tract.  OR In the alternative a Special Exception to permit a duplex dwelling in an RS-3 zoned district.   SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 7, located 1219 S. Florence.

 

    Presentation:

      Sam P. Daniel, III, stated that he was representing Dan Perry.  He stated that they were not aware there were so many protests.  He suggested to the Board that they would be willing to continue the case in order to meet with the protestors.

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. White asked if the applicant had met with any of the neighborhood.  Mr. Daniel replied that he had not and was not notified that there would be protest.   Mr. Dunham commented that the controversy appears to be whether the house has been an existing duplex or is being converted to a duplex.  Mr. Daniel responded that their opinion was that it was an existing duplex when purchased by his client.  He added that they do not have anyone to verify that.  Mr. White stated that the request for a continuance is untimely and there has been sufficient time to contact the neighborhood association.   

 

      Mr. Daniel continued with his presentation.  He noted that the applicant has obtained a building permit, and cleaned up debris from a house fire.   He stated that this addition to the city was made in the 1920’s and all lots were platted to Code, therefore the size of the lot and frontage should not be held to the new Code, but grandfathered in.  The owner has a good reputation for his rental properties, and takes good care of them.  He stated that according to maps at INCOG, there are numerous Variances and Special Exceptions for properties in the area, with multiple bed and breakfasts, duplexes, and garage apartments. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Ms. Perkins asked Mr. Daniel what site plan or other was given to the City for a building permit.  Mr. Daniel referred the question to Dan Perry, 3234 E. 15th St., stated he met Paul Ennox, Building Inspector at the subject property.  Mr. Ennox agreed that it was an existing duplex and instructed him that since he was not making any structural changes, just cabinetry and various repairs, that he only needed a repair permit.  Ms. Perkins asked for the applicant to identify the color codes used in a map that was submitted for the applicant.  He introduced John Sipes to identify the exhibit.  John Sipes, 1928 S. Florence Ave., stated that everything in blue is a duplex area and in green is a garage apartment.    Ms. Perkins asked where he got this information.  Mr. Sipes replied some of it was from court records, part of it is from his knowledge of the area.  Ms. Perkins asked if he brought copies of the court records.  He did not have copies.  He stated that Jenny with INCOG confirmed that the properties marked in blue were duplexes.  Mr. White pointed out that many of those were non-conforming use, but this one is not or would require the applicant to prove that it was a non-conforming use. 

 

    Protestants:

      David Gurthet, Inspection Supervisor for Neighborhood Inspections, stated that he is the one that initiated the notice to the applicant.  He stated he had personal knowledge of this house when occupied by the former owner.  The City had to clean up the property on a monthly basis, and then the house caught fire due to a ‘meth lab’ explosion.   The resident moved into the back portion of the structure.  During that time he was the only occupant of the structure and no use as a duplex, and was not a duplex for 36 consecutive months.

 

      Mora Robertson, 1320 S. Florence Ave., stated that she is a member of the Renaissance Neighborhood Association.  The neighborhood has been transitioning away from multiple family rental use to single-family owner occupied use.  The property value has increased.  She submitted a petition (Exhibit B-2) of protest. 

 

      Joseph Rhoar, 1228 S. Florence Ave., stated that he used to go into the house and the house has never been a duplex.  The bathrooms and kitchen were common to both parts of the house.


      Jeff Callahan, stated he owns property at 1240 S. Florence Ave.  He commented that there is a wall separating two sides of the house and two electrical boxes.  He would like to see it returned to a single-family dwelling.

 

      Buddy Edwards, 900 OneOk Plaza, stated he was an attorney, representing the homeowner at 103 S. Florence.   He indicated that a duplex would decrease property value, and that the neighborhood is transitioning to single-family dwellings. 

 

      Jenny Rhoar, 1228 S. Florence Ave., state she has lived in the neighborhood since 1986.  Her protest was for the reasons as listed above.

 

      Fran Pace, 1326 S. Florence Ave., stated that she lives one block south of the subject property.   She called the Board’s attention to Title 42, Section 404.C. and its requirements.

 

      Linda Stalcupp, 1220 S. Florence, stated that the neighborhood association has been working with the University of Tulsa and various other communities on parking situations.  She noted that on the west side of Florence Ave. there is no parking during events.  She feels a duplex would involve more parking needs. 

 

    Applicant’s Rebuttal:

      Mr. Daniel reminded the Board that part of the house was rented out at one time.  The lapse in use as a duplex was brought about by the fire, and possible control of the property as a crime scene.  It could not be restored without a building permit, which was issued for repair of a duplex.  Mr. Perry stated that there were two kitchens, two baths, and one electric meter. 

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to Deny the Appeal from decision of Neighborhood Inspections that existing duplex is an unlawful use of the subject tract, and seconded by Perkins. 

 

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to Deny a Special Exception to permit a duplex dwelling in an RS-3 zoned district, seconded by Perkins.  Ms. Turnbo added that the neighbor living diagonally across the street stated that the dwelling was not used as a duplex since 1986.  Ms. Turnbo stated that there were some duplexes in the neighborhood farther to the east, located on corners of blocks.  A duplex in the middle of the block at this location would require too many variances, cause parking problems, and would be very injurious to the neighborhood.

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Case No. 18897

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception to allow multifamily (25 dwelling units) in a CS zoned district.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 8, located SE/c E. 44th Pl. & S. Peoria.

 

    Presentation:

      Sam Beakey, 507 S. Rockford, stated he is a partner that owns the property.  He pointed out that the dwellings are multi-family duplexes on the subject site.  He stated that Mr. and Mrs. Gale Harris, the previous owners, had obtained a CS zoning.  Mr. Beakey added that his partnership has been unable to sell it as commercial property.  They have considered building some brownstones or lofts on the property, if they could obtain a Special Exception.  Mr. Beakey informed the Board that they met with the Brookside Homeowners Association to discuss the things they have considered.  The homeowners appeared to be concerned that they would tear down the duplexes and replace them with something similar, which they will not do.   

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Dunham mentioned the staff comment that no parking or drives should be on the east side of the property adjacent to the single-family residences.  He also informed the applicant that he would need to submit a site plan to be approved.  Mr. Beakey submitted a site plan.   Mr. Beakey responded that parking was discussed with the homeowners association.  He stated that there is overflow parking on 44th Place between the platted area, the Riviera Apartments, and the current duplexes.

 

      Mr. Beach stated that staff would require more time to review the site plan before it could be presented for approval. 

 

    Interested Parties:

      David Paddock, 1101 E. 34th St., Vice-President of Zoning for the Brookside Neighborhood Association, stated their appreciation for the applicants meeting with the association and indicated the neighbors were in favor of the project.  He added that they would like to meet with them again to discuss the site plan, easements, landscaping, lighting, and windows.

 

    Protestants:

      None.          

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Special Exception to allow multifamily in a CS zoned district, subject to submitting a detail site plan to the BOA for approval, finding that it will be in harmony with the spirit and intent of the Code, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare, on the following described property:

 

    N/2 Lot 11, and Lots 12, 13 and 14, Block 5, Wilder Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18898

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception to allow car sales and storage facility in CS zoned district.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 23, located 2220 E. 3rd St.

 

    Presentation:

      Trevon Martin, (address not stated) presented the case for his father.  He stated that it would help if they could have their used car lot next to their business, rather than at another location. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Ms. Perkins referred to photographs submitted to the Board, revealing inoperable vehicles, auto parts, and no screening.  Mr. Martin responded that the lot has been cleaned up.  Mr. White commented that the Board has received several protest letters. 

 

    Protestants:

      Maria Barnes, stated she was President of the Kendall-Whittier Neighborhood Association.  She read her letter to the Board in protest of this application, stating it does not promote the highest and best use for this property and is not in the best interest of the neighborhood. 

 

      Fran Pace, 1326 S. Florence Ave., asked for clarification of the application.   She stated that she protests the application because it is so vague. 

 

      Dan McCaskill, 2437 E. 3rd St., stated he sent the Board a letter and he is a neighbor within two blocks of the subject property.  He stated his concern that it could become more like a salvage yard as one such business in the neighborhood.

 

      Mr. White asked Candy Parnell, with Neighborhood Inspections, to offer any information pertinent to this case since she issued the citation.  Ms. Parnell indicated that the applicants have shown a total disregard for the City ordinances, since they first appeared before the BOA in 1993.  She stated that her office has sent them numerous notices to clean up the property, and they have refused to comply.  She added that they have written four citations and taken Mr. Martin to court.  She stated that she has no reason to believe that they will comply in the future, and in her opinion the use has outgrown the property. 

 

    Applicant’s Rebuttal:

      Mr. Martin stated that they have been located there for twenty years and they would lose half of their business, from people not knowing their new site. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Ms. Turnbo pointed out that auto storage is not within the Board’s power to approve. 

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to DENY a Special Exception to allow car sales and storage facility in CS zoned district, 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.

 

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Case No. 18899

    Action Requested:

      Variance of front building line requirement of 25’ to 5’ for construction of a carport.  SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 6; and a Variance to allow a detached accessory building in the front yard.  SECTION 402.B.1.b. ACCESSORY USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, Accessory Use Conditions, located 2877 E. 44th Pl. N.

 

    Presentation:

      William Robison, 4808 S. Elwood, stated he is a general contractor, and builds carports.  He described the carport as open on all sides, and gave dimensions. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Cooper commented that the BOA has previously considered if the carport was an integral part of the house, and this one is not.  He also pointed out that there has been no hardship stated.  Mr. Beach quoted the zoning code, that it is required to be an integral part of the house.

 

    Protestants:

      None.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Cooper, the Board voted 4-1-0 (White, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; Dunham "nay"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to DENY a Variance of front building line requirement of 25’ to 5’ for construction of a carport; and a Variance to allow a detached accessory building in the front yard, finding there is no hardship. 

 

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Case No. 18900 

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception for a Use Unit 12a to be located within 150’ of an R zoned district.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 12a; and a Variance of required parking of 38 spaces to 6 spaces.  SECTION 1212a.D. USE UNIT 12a.  ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS, Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, located 1011 W. Newton.

 

    Presentation:

      Harold Weiss, 1011 W. Newton, stated he has been running his business in this location for approximately fifteen years.  He indicated that his business was under the grandfather clause. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. White asked if the six parking spaces were adequate, with those shared with the barbershop.  Mr. Weiss responded that he owned the barbershop, and that there was also a gravel parking lot.  Mr. Cooper asked how long the bar has been established.  Mr. Weiss responded since about 1985, and it was a bar for the last 30-40 years. 

 

    Interested Parties:

      Joe Williams, City Councilor in District 1 where the business is located.  He stated his support of this application.  He informed the Board of the applicant’s involvement in helping youth to decrease violence.  He stated that the applicant uses part of the profits from this business to promote positive and constructive activities for youth.  Since 1994 as a City Councilor, he has never received any kind of complaint from a neighbor or anyone regarding this establishment.  He indicated that most of the patrons are business people that use the place for networking, not loud or crowded at any time.   There is a lot of vacant property around it, so it does not interfere with residential parking.

 

    Protestants:

      None.

 

    Board Action:

      On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Special Exception for a Use Unit 12a to be located within 150’ of an R zoned district; and a Variance of required parking of 38 spaces to 6 spaces, finding the hardship to be there are a number of adjoining parking spaces available, and no history of parking problems, on the following described property:

 

    Lots 1-3, Block 2, Osage Place Addition, City of Tulsa, Osage County, State of Oklahoma.

 

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      Mr. White out at 2:55.

 

Case No. 18901

    Action Requested:

      Special Exception for a single-family dwelling in a CS zoned district.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit; and a Variance of required setback from an R district to 5’.  SECTION 703.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, located 1504 & 1508 N. Boston Pl.

 

    Presentation:

      Ellia Gist, 501 E. Young Pl., stated that they requested the relief because the property was sold through the Tulsa Development Authority to them as residential property.  She stated that Lot 12 has some CS zoning. 

 

    Comments and Questions:

      Mr. Beach stated that he needed to ask some questions to determine if the applicant actually needs this relief. 

   

      Rickey Gist arrived and Ms. Gist suggested he answer the questions.  Rick Gist, stated his address, 501 E. Young Pl.

 

      Mr. Beach asked if the applicant planned to expand the construction onto Lot 12. 

 

      Mr. White in at 2:58.

     

      Mr. Gist responded that they plan to build a gazebo, and recreational items on that side of the house.  Mr. Beach stated that for accessory residential use on Lot 12, they would need the relief. 

 

    Protestants:

      None.