CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MINUTES of Meeting No. 810

Tuesday, January 9, 2001, 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

 

 

White, Chair

 

 

 

Perkins

 

 

 

 

The notice and agenda of said meeting was posted in the Office of INCOG, 201 W. 5th St., Suite 600, on Thursday, January 4, 2001, at 10:00 a.m., as well as at the City Clerk’s office, City Hall.

 

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

 

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Case No. 18915

     Action Requested:

        Mr. Beach stated the applicant has withdrawn, finding there is no need for more relief. 

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Case No. 18929

     Action Requested:

        Mr. Beach stated the applicant has withdrawn this application.

 

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Case No. 18945

     Action Requested:

        Mr. Beach stated the applicant has withdrawn this application.

 

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Case No. 18950

     Action Requested:

        Mr. Beach stated an Interested Party made an untimely request on January 8, 2001 for Continuance to January 23, 2001.


     Comments and Questions:

        Chair White asked Mr. Beach what reasons were stated for the Continuance request.   Mr. Beach replied the Interested Parties stated that they did not receive timely notice of the hearing, and that the sign was not placed properly.  Chair White asked the applicant if a Continuance would be a problem for him.  Mr. Raskin responded that he followed proper procedure for application, advertisement and notification, and that the sign was placed properly.  Mr. Beach stated that notices were mailed out on time, December 28, 2000; one was sent to one of the Interested Parties requesting Continuance.  The Chair stated that the case would be heard in order as on the agenda. 

 

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MINUTES:

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 December 12, 2000 (No. 809), as amended.

 

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Case No. 18896

     Action Requested:

        Special Exception to permit a Bed and Breakfast Inn in an OL zoned district.  SECTION 601. PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN THE OFFICE DISTRICTS – Use Unit 2, located 1819 E. 15th St.

 

     Presentation:

        Darrell Brown, 7204 E. 90th Pl., submitted a site plan (Exhibit A-1) to the Board. 

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Chair White recalled the legal description was in question last time.  Mr. Brown pointed out Lot 17 only would be used for the Bed and Breakfast.  Mr. Dunham asked about the sign that needed approval.  Mr. Beach stated that the Code specifies that the Board approve the size, type and location of all Bed and Breakfast signs.  Mr. Brown responded that the sign plan is not available yet.  He requested that a sign plan be approved according to the maximum requirements of the Code. 

 

        Mr. Cooper arrived at 1:17 p.m.

 

        Mr. Dunham stated the requirements for the benefit of the applicant, no larger than 5’ x 5’; no taller than 6’; no closer to the front property line than 5’; and within 20’ of the center of the property.  Mr. Brown indicated that was agreeable.

 

     Interested Parties:

        No interested parties wished to speak.

 

     Board Action:

        On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-1 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; no "nays"; Cooper "abstained"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Special Exception to permit a Bed and Breakfast Inn in an OL zoned district, per plan presented, and a sign be permitted no larger than 5’ x 5’, illuminated by constant light, no taller than 6’, no closer to the front or south property line than 5’, to be located within 20’ of the centerline of the property, on the following described property:

 

     Lot 17, Block 3, Terrace Park Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18923

     Action Requested:

        Variance of setback requirements for parking and structure parking. SECTION 1302.B. SETBACKS; a Special Exception for church use. SECTION 401. PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 5; and a Variance of height limitation from 35’ to 51’. SECTION 403. BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, located 4102 East 61st Street.  

 

     Presentation:

        Before presentation, Jim Goodwin, 624 E. Archer, asked a few questions regarding concerns of an interested party that Mr. White would need to abstain.  He submitted a letter (Exhibit B-2) from 1994 regarding the White Surveying Company doing work on a project on this property.  Discussion ensued and Chair White abstained on this case.  Mr. Goodwin also informed the Board that the sign of notice was not placed on the subject property.  Mr. Prather stated that this matter could be heard at this time or at the time for Interested Parties.  Mr. Dunham stated that the applicant could present while legal researched the issue of the sign placement. 

 

        Kevin C. Coutant, 320 S. Boston, asked for the case to be tabled until this issue was decided.  He had submitted a packet to the Board, including the site plan and photographs (Exhibit B-1).

    

        Mr. Dunham stated the Board would hear the next case.

       

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Case No. 18932

     Action Requested:

        Variance of required parking of 9 spaces to 8 spaces.  SECTION 1205.C. USE UNIT 5.  COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SIMILAR USES, Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, located 6287 E. 38th St. S.

 

     Presentation:

        Lynn Coye, 6287 E. 38th St. came before the Board to present her application.

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham asked if she was seeking approval for the existing parking.  Ms. Coye replied in the affirmative.

 

     Interested Parties:

        There were no interested parties who wished to speak.

 

     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 required parking of 9 spaces to 8 spaces, finding the hardship to be the size of the lot and the building is existing, on the following described property:

 

     The W 75’ of the S 225’ of Lot 1, Block 1, Wilmot Addition, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18923

     Action Requested:

        Variance of setback requirements for parking and structure parking. SECTION 1302.B. SETBACKS; a Special Exception for church use. SECTION 401. PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 5; and a Variance of height limitation from 35’ to 51’. SECTION 403. BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, located 4102 East 61st Street.

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Prather, informed the Board that the sign would need to be placed properly for the Special Exception but would not be required for the Variances.  Mr. Coutant explained to the Board that the Special Exception previously granted did not cover the property in question.  After discussion it was confirmed that the sign had not been placed on the property involved.  Mr. Coutant asked for a Continuance rather than to present the Variances without the Special Exception at this time to avoid unnecessary confusion.  Mr. Goodwin responded that he would give written notice to the Board to waive any further objection to the notice issue, once it is placed properly for the next hearing. 

 

     Board Action:

        On MOTION of Turnbo, the Board voted 4-0-1 (Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; White "abstained"; no "absences") to CONTINUE Case No. 18923 to the hearing on January 23, 2001.

 

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Case No. 18933

     Action Requested:

        Variance of the required side yard in an RM-2 district from 10’ to 5’ to permit four duplex buildings on four lots. SECTION 403. BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. Use Unit 7. Duplex Dwelling, located W. 51st St. Ό mile W of S. Elwood Ave.

 

     Presentation:

        Dennis Hall, 4948 S. Union, stated they have property zoned RM-2 and split into 4 lots.  He stated they want to build duplexes and the property meets the requirements for RD zoning.  He added he wants to reduce the side yard setback requirements to conform to RD zoning.

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Beach stated that there is insufficient parking space.  The parking for each duplex must be side-by-side not end-to-end.  Mr. Hall responded that their plan is to provide side-by-side parking for each unit.  Mr. White asked if the 11’ setback from the new property line would be a problem for the driveway parking.  Mr. Beach replied that would not allow enough room for parking.  Mr. Hall assured them there would be plenty of depth and would move everything back

 

     Interested Parties:

        There were no interested parties who wished to speak.

 

     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 side yard in an RM-2 district from 10’ to 5’ to permit four duplex buildings on four lots, finding the hardship to be the zoning would allow greater density than what is proposed, on the following described property:

 

     Lot 3: The W 65’ of the W 440’ and the W 24’ of the E 60’ of the W 125’ of the W 440’ all in NE/4 lying N of the right-of-way of I-44, Section 35, T-19-N, R-12-E of the IBM, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.    Lot 2: The E 36’ of the E 60’ of the W 125’ of the W 440’ and the W 43’ of the E 61.5’ of the W 186.5’ of the W 440’ all in NE/4 lying N of the right-of-way of I-44, Section 35, T-19-N, R-12-E of the IBM, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma.  Lot 1: The E 18.50’ of the E 61.50’ of the W 186.5’ of the W 440’ and the E 61.5’ of the W 248’ of the W 440’ all in NE/4 lying N of the right-of-way of I-44, Section 35, T-19-N, R-12-E of the IBM, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18944

     Action Requested:

        Special Exception for a mobile home dwelling in a CH zoned district.  SECTION 701.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 9, located 4120 E. Admiral Pl.

 

     Presentation:

        Paul Padgett, 4120 E. Admiral Pl., stated he desired approval for a mobile home on his property.          

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham asked if this was the property behind the fence.  Mr. Padgett replied that it is behind an 8’ privacy fence.  Mr. Dunham stated that there appeared to be a mobile home on the property now.  He replied that was correct.  Mr. Dunham asked if he was seeking approval for a mobile home already on the property.  Mr. Padgett responded that was correct.  He stated that they have had electrical engineers, and inspectors.  They have been approved on everything including plumbing, site plan, and pad.  Mr. White asked how long it has been in place.  Mr. Padgett replied it had been there for three months.  Mr. Padgett stated that when he found out that he needed Board of Adjustment (BOA) approval, he stopped all activity until the hearing. 

 

     Interested Parties:

        Dwight Jones, 4109 E. Admiral Boulevard, stated he has a lot behind the subject property on the south.  He stated that he had lived in the area since 1945 and watched the development.  He was concerned about anything that would change the land use from something other than the CH zoning.  He protested mobile homes in particular and residential use also.  

 

        Chair White stated that he had a letter of request for Continuance  (Exhibit C-1) from Councilor Roscoe Turner, though it was untimely.   

 

Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham asked if this was a mobile home or a pre-manufactured building.  Mr. Padgett responded that it is a manufactured home.  Mr. Dunham asked if the type of fence used was within the Code.  Mr. Beach replied that the fence met Code for a CH zoned district.  Mr. Cooper asked why the applicant felt it was necessary to live on the business property.  Mr. Padgett stated that he has a recording studio, and does commercials for television and radio.  He does not cater to the public and so he does not need a sign.  The fence was for security for his business equipment and his family.  He and his wife had hoped to have the business running well enough to get a home at another location.  Mr. Cooper asked if they see this as a temporary situation.  Mr. Padgett responded that they do plan for it to be temporary.  Mr. White asked if the house has a foundation.  Mr. Padgett stated that it does have a foundation.  Ms. Perkins asked why he came to the BOA if the foundation and everything was already done.  Mr. Padgett replied that in response to safety concerns brought to his attention by the electrician, he discovered he needed to go before the Board. 

 

   Board Action:

        On MOTION of Turnbo, 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 mobile home dwelling in a CH zoned district, for a period of five years, 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:

 

     Lot 5, of the Resubdivision of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, Block 1, and of Lot 1, Block 2, Rodger’s Heights Subdivision to Tulsa County, Oklahoma, now an Addition to the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma, less and except the N 29.25’ previously conveyed to the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

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Case No. 18946

     Action Requested:

        Variance of the required 25’ rear setback to 9’0” for addition to existing garage.  SECTION 403.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 6, located S of SW/c E. 45th St. & Columbia Ave.

 

     Presentation:

        Danny Mitchell, 4111 S. Darlington, stated he was the architect for the project.  He described the setback problems.  He suggested that the owners would be open to a tie-agreement if needed.  

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Beach pointed out information in the packet from the original plat, and showed in comparison to the current lot, that the lot appears to have been split at some time.

 

     Interested Parties:

        Herman Myer, 4605 S. Columbia, indicated that major renovations have been done on the interior and exterior of the house.  He stated that this is the second application to the BOA on this property.  He added that he does not know what the plans for the property are, and so he does not know whether he should protest.  He suggested that it would help if the applicant would inform the neighbors of the plans so that the neighbors could know how to respond to the applications.  He suggests since the project has been so long that the applicant should present the whole project to the BOA and deal with it all at one time.

 

        Richard Gilmore, 4500 S. Columbia, stated that he had not planned to protest.  He is in agreement with Mr. Myer that it would help to know what the project is, so they can determine how it is going to affect the street and neighborhood. 

 

        Sue Wilson, 4545 S. Columbia, stated she does not understand what is being requested, and was interested in more information.

 

        Mr. Mitchell described the intent was to expand the garage from a compact two-car to a four-car garage.  He stated that during the necessary absence of the owner the large interior projects have been accomplished.  The applicant wanted to make a change in the plans, which required this application. 

 

        Pearl McLain stated that she was the owner of the property directly south of the subject property (no address given).  She informed the Board that she had owned her land for many years.  She pointed out that the houses behind her were built over a ravine and were now higher than her property.  She stated her concern for stormwater drainage.  Mr. Beach informed Ms. McLain that this issue was not in the BOA jurisdiction. 

 

     Applicant’s Rebuttal:

        Mr. Mitchell stated that when they seek the building permit, they would have to meet the requirements of the Stormwater Management Department. Mr. Mitchell stated again that the owners were willing to sign a tie-agreement.  Mr. Beach reminded him that one lot is in a PUD and if they chose to have a tie-agreement, then the PUD would have to be amended to include the other lot.  Mr. Cooper asked for the hardship to be stated.  Mr. Mitchell replied the size and configuration of the lot.  Mr. Cooper asked what prevented him from keeping it at the non-conforming standard that exists.  Mr. Mitchell indicated there was not enough depth on the property.  Board discussion ensued.

 

     Board Action:

        On MOTION of Cooper, the Board voted 2-3-0 (Dunham, Cooper "aye"; White, Turnbo, Perkins "nay"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to DENY a Variance of the required 25’ rear setback to 9’0” for addition to existing garage, finding there is not a satisfactory hardship.  Motion failed for lack of three affirmative votes.


        On MOTION of Perkins, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") for Reconsideration of the motion and vote on Case No. 18946.

 

        On MOTION of Cooper, the Board voted 5-0-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to DENY a Variance of the required 25’ rear setback to 9’0” for addition to existing garage, finding there is no hardship.

 

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Case No. 18947

     Action Requested:

        Variance of setback from 50’ to 49’ to permit an existing encroachment.  SECTION 703.  BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 11, located E. 21st St. & S. Garnett.

 

        Ms. Turnbo stated she would abstain.

 

     Presentation:

        Brad Beasley, 100 W. 5th St., Ste. 800, stated he represented the owner of the subject property.  This is an existing structure, a medical clinic.  Mr. Beasley stated the request and reason for the application.

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. White asked if this was for title clearance.  Mr. Beasley replied that it was.  Mr. Dunham asked if it was to approve an existing condition.  Mr. Beasley replied in the affirmative.

 

     Interested Parties:

         There were no interested parties who wished to speak.

 

     Board Action:

        On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-0-1(White, Dunham, Perkins, Cooper "aye"; no "nays"; Turnbo "abstained"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Variance of setback from 50’ to 49’ to permit an existing encroachment, to correct an existing condition, on the following described property:

 

     Lots 14, 15, Block 2, 21 Garnett Place, a Resubdivision of Part of Lot 1 and Lots 2, 3, Garnett Plaza, an addition in the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma

 

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Case No. 18948

     Action Requested:

        Variance to allow a detached accessory building (carport) in the front yard.  SECTION 402.B. ACCESSORY USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, Accessory Use Conditions – Use Unit 6; and a Variance of front building line requirement of 25’ down to 5.3’.  SECTION 403.A. BULK AND AREA REQUIREMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, Bulk and Area Requirements in the RE, RS, RD, RT and RM Districts, located 11503 E. 7th St.

 

     Presentation:

        Betty Reynolds, (no address given), stated that she and her husband went to get a permit to build a carport and they were told to, “go ahead and put it up”.  She offered to give the person’s name.  She stated that after the carport was built someone from Public Works asked if they had a permit.  She added that they returned to the permit office, paid the fee.  She stated they were informed they could pick up their permit in a couple of days, but they were given a letter of denial.  Ms. Reynolds stated that they went to INCOG to make application and paid the fees.  She submitted a letter of petition with neighbors’ signatures, and photographs of the carport (Exhibits D-1 and D-2). 

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. White asked when the carport was built.  She replied that it was built in November, 2000.  Mr. White stated that there are other carports existing in the neighborhood.  Mr. White checked with Mr. Beach regarding the attachment and physical support of the carport.  Mr. Beach responded that it qualified as a detached carport. 

 

        Board discussion ensued.  Mr. Cooper stated that he would request the City Council to look at this issue in their work program for 2002.  He indicated that better communication could avoid unnecessary confusion and expense.  Ms. Perkins and Mr. Dunham pointed out that the applicant did everything she was supposed to do. 

 

     Interested Parties:

        Mr. White noted that the Board has petitions signed by eleven neighbors’ signatures of approval of the application.  There were no interested parties who wished to speak. 

 

     Board Action:

        On MOTION of Dunham, the Board voted 4-1-0 (White, Dunham, Turnbo, Perkins "aye"; Cooper "nay"; no "abstentions"; no "absences") to APPROVE a Variance to allow a detached accessory building (carport) in the front yard; and a Variance of front building line requirement of 25’ down to 5.3’, finding there are other carports in the area, there are no protests and the neighbors that would be most affected are in support of the application, on the following described property:

 

     A part of Lot 17, Block 8, Western Village, City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, more particularly described as follows: Beg. at the SW/c of Lot 17, Block 8, Western Village; thence N 78Ί51.5’ E on the S property line of Lot 17, a distance of 68.0’ to the SE/c of Lot 17; thence N 11Ί08.5’ W a distance  of 120.0’ to the NE/c of Lot 17; thence S 78Ί51.5’ W a distance of 61.30’ to a point; thence S 7Ί56.60’ E a distance of 120.19’ to the POB.

 

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     Case No.18949

        Action Requested:

        Special Exception to permit a monopole cellular tower and accessory uses in an RS-1 district.  SECTION 401.  PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS – Use Unit 4, located E of NE/c E. 36th St. & Lewis.

 

     Presentation:

        Mr. Beach pointed out that the application is for a cellular antenna to be located on an existing power pole, and accessory uses in an RS-1 district.

 

        Dennis Fox, 522 Colcord Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, a municipal lawyer in the State of Oklahoma, stated he represented Sprint.   He stated that Robert Crain is the site acquisition specialist, and present at this hearing.   Mr. Fox stated that this pole is within 150’ of an existing PSO tower with an antenna.  He reminded the Board that the case regarding that tower went on to court, and the court found in favor of the Board of Adjustment (BOA).  He submitted a site plan and photographs (Exhibit E-1 and E-2).  He described the proposed antenna as a treetop antenna to be placed on an existing 75’ power pole. 

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham asked if they could collocate with the existing tower.  Mr. Fox replied that structurally, they could not collocate because they would need ten feet of separation and the proposed antenna needs to be at the same height as the existing antenna.  Mr. Fox stated that the need for this antenna is for adequate coverage.  He submitted a grid (Exhibit E-3) showing the area coverage.

 

        Robert Crain, pointed out the areas, on the grid map, lacking coverage because of the hilly topography of the area.  Mr. Dunham asked about the ground facility for this antenna.  Mr. Crain showed the Board where the cabinets would be located in a notched area in the fence.  The cabinets would be about 5’ x 6’.  PSO and Sprint have a working relationship with a master lease agreement in place to collocate on an existing power pole, which fits their needs structurally, where available.  Sprint proposed to put the cabinets in that spot with a privacy fence and landscaping for screening. 

 

         Mr. Fox reviewed each of the following eleven criteria, stating Sprint’s response to each for this application.  The height of the existing pole is 75’ and with the antenna it would be no more than 85’; the proximity of the tower to residential structures would be in excess of 230’ to 280’, residential district boundaries abutting all sides and an existing tower is 50’; Nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties are: a power station on north, a SWB station on south and fire station on southwest; surrounding topography is hilly and rolling; surrounding urban tree coverage and wooded in the general area; existing power pole; the antenna proposed has three sides and two antennas on each side, and the proposed pole would not accommodate collocation;  the 5’ x 6’ cabinets would be surrounded by an 8’ stockade fence around a 20’ x 20’ leased area; proposed ingress and egress would be off of 36th Street; the need for a communications tower within the immediate geographic area to provide an acceptable level of communications service to the area was demonstrated by maps and requirement by federal mandate to provide full coverage; the size of the tract is 453’ x 135’, and most likely there would be no future development other than utilities.  Mr. Beach stated the landscaping requirements, and Mr. Fox replied that they do not want a variance from any of the landscaping requirements, and Sprint plans to comply.  Mr. Beach asked if they would need to remove any existing trees.  Mr. Fox responded that a few evergreens would be removed but they would replace them. 

 

        Chair White out at 3:35.

 

     Interested Parties:

        Sheila Brunton, 3507 S. Lewis, stated that she lives directly north of the PSO station.  She stated that she has contacted PSO multiple times by letter, phone, and in person regarding the need for better screening and landscaping at this site.  She added that the response was that they indicated it is one of the better PSO sites. 

 

        Chair White returned at 3:37.

 

        Ms. Brunton stated that in 1998 AT&T proposed to put an antenna on the existing pole.  She complained that the landscaping that was planted was poorly tended, and some trees died.   She indicated that it as unsightly.  Ms. Brunton also pointed out the elevation of the site makes it even more visible.

 

        Bonnie Henke, 3449 S. Atlanta Pl., stated that she and her husband sent a letter of protest that is in the agenda packet.  She complained that promises made by the prior applicant have not been kept.  Ms. Henke pointed out that there are several residents within the 300’ radius that did not receive notice of this case.  She submitted photographs to the Board (Exhibit E-2).


        Frank Henke, 3449 S. Atlanta Pl., stated he has been before the BOA many times regarding this site.  He protested the application for reasons of safety because 36th Street as a bicycle route, and also that PSO has no information regarding the wind strength of the power pole foundations.  He added that the BOA had been informed in a previous case that these poles were designed as anti-climbing poles.  Mr. Henke stated that the electrical apparatus are within ten feet of the ground and can easily be climbed. 

 

     Comments and Questions:

        Mr. Dunham commented that the power pole and equipment is an existing condition.  Mr. Henke responded that it was not an existing condition, because an additional box was placed on the pole with metal bands.  Mr. Henke noted that this AT & T pole is the only location in Tulsa that does not have a safety fence around it.  Ms. Turnbo asked if he was going to ask PSO to remove the existing tower because he feels they are not safe.  He replied that he has not contacted them, but he intends to.  He stated that in his opinion this is an extension of a non-conforming use. 

 

     Applicant’s Rebuttal:

        Mr. Fox pointed out that Sprint is putting up this antenna because of the federal mandate to provide adequate coverage.  He stated that the best place to put a new antenna is on an existing pole.  He assured the Board that Sprint would do whatever necessary to landscape and maintain it.  Mr. Fox considered the power lines to be the biggest safety issue and yet they were going to remain.  He stated they are simply trying to blend in with the existing conditions.            

 

     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 a monopole cellular tower and accessory uses in an RS-1 district, finding: height of the existing pole is 75’ and with the antenna it would be no more than 85’; the proximity of the tower to residential structures would be in excess of 230’ to 280’, residential district boundaries abutting all sides and an existing tower is 50’; nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties are: a PSO power station on northeast, a condominium on northwest, a SWB station on southeast and fire station on southwest, and RS-1 to the north and east; surrounding topography is hilly and rolling; surrounding urban tree coverage and wooded in the general area; existing power monopole; the antenna proposed has three sides and two antennas on each side, and the proposed pole would not accommodate collocation;  the 5’ x 6’ cabinets would be surrounded