HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BZA - 02-17-2009
MINUTES
City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals
Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009 7:00 PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Sandy Jones
Todd Chernik
Gary Willis
Scott Kilgore
Marcia Parsons
Walt Rekuc
John McRae
CITY STAFF Angela Rambeau, Community Development
Matt Zyjewski, Community Development
Mark Law, City Arborist
Francesca Ivie, City Clerk’s Office
AGENDA
1) Call to order and pledge
2) Introduction of Board members
3) Approval of January meeting minutes
4) V08-031
16355 Birmingham Highway
Curtis Mills
5) V08-039
16880 Quayside Drive
Richard Wernick
Kingsley Estates
6) V09-001
3115 Manor Bridge Drive
Eric & Deshawn Snow
7) V09-002
1760 Redd Road
Ed & Catherine Parsons
8) V09-003
905 Post Oak Close
Doug McNaughton
9) V09-004
14250 Creek Club Drive
Laurie Bruner
Crooked Creek
10) Other business
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 2
CALL TO ORDER Chair Sandy Jones called meeting to order.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD INTRODUCTIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sandy Jones made a motion to approve the January 2009 meeting minutes with the
requested changes. The motion was seconded by Todd Chernik. There was no
discussion. Vote: 7-0. The motion unanimously carried.
STATEMENT OF THE BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEAL
Read by the Chair Sandy Jones.
Chair Sandy Jones
Requested Staff read the next agenda item, V08-031, 16355 Birmingham
Highway, Milton, GA, Curtis Mills
Staff Angela Rambeau
Staff requested that V08-031 be deferred for thirty (30) days on behalf of the
applicant
Applicant in negotiations and is close to being able to have this matter
withdrawn
Motion and Second: Sandy Jones moved to defer V08-031 for thirty (30) days.
The motion was seconded by Todd Chernik. There was no discussion. Vote: 7-0.
The motion unanimously carried to defer V08-031 for thirty (30) days.
Chair Sandy Jones
Requested Staff read the next agenda item, V08-039, 16880 Quayside Drive,
Richard Wernick (Kingsley Estates)
Staff Community Development Intern Matt Zyjewski
Presented V08-039 to the Board
To allow a permanent banner
Displayed on the windscreen of a subdivision tennis court
To increase the maximum allowed square footage of a banner
Article 33, Section 25.A.3
Staff Recommendation Conditions: That applicant should obtain a sign
permit if this is case is granted for the permanent banner
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 3
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for Board questions for Staff
Walt Rekuc
Other locations in city where these banners are used?
Triple Crown has one – internal towards tennis courts
Milton High School signs under same code?
Staff Angela Rambeau
Crooked Creek – more internal to subdivision so not visible from main right-
of-way
Probably other locations
School handled under same code
Any signs visible from a right-of-way fall under the code
Todd Chernik
Would banner be in violation of code if it were internally facing?
Staff Angela Rambeau
Not if the writing is not visible
Applicant Richard Wernick, 3396 Carverton Lane, Alpharetta, GA
With Land Solutions
Developer of Kingsley Estates and Triple Crown
Jim Wernick will make the presentation
Applicant Jim Wernick, 1910 Silverleaf Way, Alpharetta. GA
90% of their developments have the windscreens and logos on the tennis
courts
Homes in Kingsley Estates will be upscale and in range of $900,000-$2
million
3 tennis courts, 2 pools, large clubhouse
Have LDP from Fulton County
Windscreen and logo promotes unity within the subdivision
Planning to landscape between Birmingham Hwy. and tennis courts
Feel there is no classification to address windscreens and logos for tennis
courts
This would be a permanent structure
If classified as a banner then would be allowed to increase the size for
visibility
Do not believe it would be an eyesore or cause any detriment to the
community
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 4
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for Board questions for the applicant
Walt Rekuc
Discussion with applicant regarding location of lettering for their sign at
Triple Crown
Number of homes in Triple Crown?
Applicant Jim Wernick
Approximately 90 homes in Triple Crown – 100 lots
Kingsley Estates about same size – 96 lots
Marcia Parsons
Number of windscreens planning to use?
Applicant Jim Wernick
Windscreen all along the 10 ft. tall fence
One that runs along Birmingham Hwy.
Gary Willis
Number of monument signs Kingsley Estates currently has?
Applicant Jim Wernick
Currently have one at the Freemanville Road entrance
Plan to put one on Birmingham Hwy. similar to the Freemanville Road sign
John McRae
Distance between existing windscreen and monument sign?
Existing foliage and hardship?
Applicant Jim Wernick
To center of the tennis courts around 150 feet
There is no foliage
Staff Angela Rambeau
No foliage at present time
Applicant required to plant a landscape strip per an approved landscape plan
This is only consideration that this can be looked at under
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for additional questions for applicant
There were none
Called for public comment
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 5
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Leon Cole, 16700 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA
Spoke in opposition
Provided packet for the Board
Requested the Board deny the variance request for a permanent banner in
accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Milton
Carol Lane, 14890 E. Bluff Road, Milton, GA
Spoke in opposition
Provided photos of the sign for Board
Requested the Board deny the variance request for a permanent banner in
accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Milton
Dan Riggs, 16455 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA
Spoke in support
Property is the closest to the tennis courts
Likes quality of the sign
Requested the Board consider granting the variance
Kim Horne, 415 Wade Glen Court, Milton, GA
Spoke in opposition
Noted no existing structure or foliage
No hardship
Requested the Board deny the variance request
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for additional questions for Staff
There were none
Closed public hearing
Called for a motion
Motion and Second: Gary Willis made a motion to deny V08-039 as applicant
has not shown a hardship as there is no existing foliage, no structural blockage and
they are also going to have another monument sign that will be erected when the
temporary sign comes down. The motion was seconded by Sandy Jones.
Discussion:
Walt Rekuc
Felt logo was a marketing tool
Business owners need to be able to advertise
Closest homeowner not voicing any objection
Wanted Board to consider at least granting a temporary use of the banner
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 6
Gary Willis
Nothing blocking their current sign
Did not see that the banner would do anything to help their business
Wanted his motion to remain as stated
John McRae
Though they should take a look at the definition of a “windscreen” for future
variance requests of this nature
There was no further discussion. Vote: 6-1 for denial of the variance, with Walt
Rekuc voting against denial. The motion carried and V08-039 was denied.
Chair Sandy Jones
Requested Staff read the next agenda item, V09-001
Property located at 3115 Manor Bridge Drive, Eric and Deshawn Snow
Staff Community Development Intern Matt Zyjewski
Presented V09-001 to the Board
To allow a private recreational basketball court to encroach into a minimum
side yard
Article 19, Section 3.8
DRB reviewed and stated applicant should provide mitigate for the approx.
800 sq. ft. of trees that were removed for the basketball court and to provide
letters of approval from adjoining property owner
Arborist stated recompense should be provided for the tree removal
Staff Recommendation Conditions: (1) That applicant should obtain all
necessary permits and (2) to provide recompense for the approx. 800 sq. ft. of
the disturbed area for the recreation court in order to provide screening for
the adjacent property owner with the plant types and location per approval of
the city arborist if this is case is granted.
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for questions for Staff
John McRae
Discussed the recompense plan for this property with city arborist based on
his analysis
City Arborist Mark Law
Approximately 800 sq. ft. of vegetation within the building setback was
cleared
To re-vegetate said area with five (5) 2 inch caliper trees and ten (10) 6 ft.-8ft.
trees.
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 7
Walt Rekuc
Board Discussion with Arborist regarding the 800 sq. ft. area
Mark Law
Could have been addressed during the permit procedure if the plans had been
brought in
This was after the clearing had been done
Court itself only encroaches on a small area
Construction of the court through negligence or by design did have a lot of
removal within the setback up near the property line
Applicant Representative Attorney Enan Stillman, 1170 Peachtree Street
NE, Atlanta, GA
Attorney for the applicants
Presented case to the Board
Stated Snows relied on their builders to comply with all applicable zoning
ordinances and regulations
Have been no complaints for adjoining neighbors
Provided letter of approval from neighbor adjacent to Snows
Will follow all Staff’s recommendations to obtain variance
Would like to have the opportunity to work with City Arborist
Concerns about cost of recompense for 800 sq. ft.
Requested Board grant variance request
Todd Chernik
When was recreation court built?
Attorney Enan Stillman
Court was built through builder and builder subcontractor in 2008
Gary Willis
Questioned why builder did not get a permit to build basketball court.
How did applicants find out it was in the setback?
Attorney Enan Stillman
Did not know
Felt applicants were taken advantage of
No experience in construction, homebuilding or zoning ordinances
Relied on builder’s representations
Will immediately apply for permit if variance gets granted
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 8
Staff Angela Rambeau
The City of Milton Code Compliance Officer visited the Snows and advised
them of the violation
John McRae
Any discussions with builder or contractor?
Seeking mediation from developer?
Attorney Enan Stillman
Was difficult making the contact with the builder, but will be setting up a
meeting to attempt to get compensation for this for the Snows
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for public comment
There was none
Closed public hearing
Discussion with City Arborist regarding plan for recompense
City Arborist Mark Law
To re-vegetate said area with five (5) 2 inch caliper trees and ten (10) 6 ft.-8ft.
trees.
Roughly 20 shrubs in the area
Cost would be approximately $3,000
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for a motion.
Motion and Second: Gary Willis made a motion to approve V09-001 to allow a
private recreation court encroach into a minimum side yard with the following
conditions: (1) to obtain all the necessary required building permits and (2) to screen
the area with 2-4 trees. The motion was seconded by Walt Rekuc for discussion.
Discussion
Gary Willis
Trees to be half inch each
Sandy Jones
Clarification regarding recompense of the 2-4 trees
Size, etc. should be deferred to City Arborist for determination as to what is
appropriate
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 9
John McRae
Agreed should follow City Arborist’s suggestions
Scott Kilgore:
Agrees with City Arborist’s recompense recommendations
Feels 5% additional cost to applicant would be reasonable
Walt Rekuc
Did not feel Board had ever asked for anything like this in any other case
Mistake of builder, not homeowner
Stated he thought the 800 sq. ft. assessment was way out of bounds and not
reasonable
Todd Chernik
Each case has its own merits and should not compare one case to another
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for a vote on motion to approve V09-001 with stated conditions
Vote: 2-5, with Gary Willis and Walt Rekuc voting in favor of the motion and Marcia
Parsons, Sandy Jones, Todd Chernik, John McRae and Scott Kilgore voting in
opposition to the motion. The motion failed.
Motion and Second: Chair Sandy Jones made a motion to approve V09-001 to
allow a private recreation court to encroach into a minimum side yard with the
following conditions: (1) applicant shall obtain all necessary permits and (2)
applicant shall provide recompense to provide screening for the adjacent property
owner with plant types and location per approval of the city arborist.
Chair Sandy Jones incorporated the city arborist’s recommendations of five over
story and ten under story trees and restated the second recommended condition: to
provide recompense for screening for approximately 800 square feet of vegetation
with five (5) 2-inch caliber trees and ten (10) 6-8 ft. trees with a plan to be submitted
for the City Arborist’s approval. The motion was seconded by Todd Chernik.
Discussion
Marcia Parsons
Question about stating cost of trees
City Arborist Mark Law
Tree fund is for trees when they cannot be planted on the site
Could sit down with applicant and discuss selection and type of trees as well
as placement of the trees
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 10
Chair Sandy Jones
Rescinded her second recommendation to restate as follows: to provide
recompense for approximately 800 sq. ft. of area disturbed for recreational
court and plant types and location shall be per approval of the City Arborist
Seconded by Todd Chernik.
Discussion
Walt Rekuc
Reiterated his position of questioning the 800 square feet
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for a vote to approve the motion with stated conditions.
Vote: 4-3, with Sandy Jones, Todd Chernik, John McRae and Scott Kilgore voting to
approve the motion and Walt Rekuc, Gary Willis and Marcia Parsons voting in
opposition. The motion carried to approve the motion.
Chair Sandy Jones
Requested Staff read the next agenda item, V09-002, 1760 Redd Road, Ed
and Catherine Parsons
Staff Community Development Intern Matt Zyjewski
Presented V08-002 to the Board
To allow a building housing animals to be located within 100 feet of adjacent
property lines
Article 5, Section 1.2.A.2
To allow an accessory structure (a chicken house) to be located in the front
yard
Article 5, Section 1.3.1
All adjoining land owners support the current location of the chicken house
Only neighbor visually impacted by the chicken house endorses keeping the
chicken house where it is currently located
Walt Rekuc
Screening recommended?
Staff Angela Rambeau
None
No trees were cleared to build chicken house
No vegetation was cleared
There is some existing screening along perimeter of the property
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 11
Applicant Ed Parsons, 1760 Redd Road, Milton, GA
Presented case to Board
Chicken house for pet chickens (about 12 chickens) they gather eggs from
Placed chicken house within boundaries he had researched on city website
Did not know because it housed animals (chicken) it was a different distance
(100 ft.)
Reviewed with Board from drawing board the location of chicken house on
property also showing neighbors homes
All adjoining property owners have no problem with location of the chicken
house which is 8 ft. by 10 ft.
Presented letters from neighbors voicing no objection
Requesting variance as no better location to place the chicken house
Consistent with the rural aspects of the City of Milton
Discussion
Walt Rekuc
Were any trees or shrubs cleared in the construction of chicken house?
Applicant Ed Parsons
No vegetation was cleared
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for public comment
There was none
Closed public hearing
Motion and Second: Chair Sandy Jones made a motion to approve V09-002 for a
variance to allow a building used for housing animals within 100 ft. from property
lines and a second variance to allow a building used for housing animals to be
located in the front yard. The motion was seconded by Todd Chernik.
Discussion
Scott Kilgore
Stated this was clearly in harmony with the intent of the ordinance
Chair Sandy Jones
Commended applicant for working with his neighbors
Called for a vote
Vote: 7-0. The motion unanimously carried to approve V09-002.
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 12
Chair Sandy Jones
Stated the next was agenda item, V09-003, 905 Post Oak Close, Milton, GA
Chair Sandy Jones
Recused herself from the case at 8:21 p.m.
Turned the meeting over to the Vice Chair Todd Chernik
Todd Chernik
Requested Staff read the next agenda item, V09-003, 905 Post Oak Close, Milton,
GA
Staff Community Development Intern Matt Zyjewski
Presented V08-003 to the Board
Variance request is to allow a proposed swimming pool to encroach into the
50 ft. stream buffer and the 25 ft. improvement setback
City Code Chapter 14, Article 6, Section 5.a.i.ii
Single family home on one acre
Located in Oaks of White Columns Subdivision zoned AG-1
Todd Chernik
Called for questions for Staff
Walt Rekuc
Mitigation being asked for?
Staff Angela Rambeau
110 ft. infiltration trench
Mitigation plan is required for approval of the variance
Staff has conditioned the approval to the site plan dated 2/17/09 as shown
Applicant Doug McNaughton, 905 Post Oak Close, Milton, GA
Want to build a swimming pool
Have submitted 6 sets of plans
Last submitted 2/17/09
Met with Jimmy Sanders to make certain all requirements were met
When house was purchase always intended to build a pool
Did get letters from his two neighbors stating no objection that were provided
to Board
Also got approval from the subdivision
Todd Chernik
Are the infiltration trench and the fence only areas encroaching into the 50 ft?
Abiding by original site plan for vegetation purposes?
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 13
Applicant Doug McNaughton
Stated that was correct
Stated was abiding by original site plan for vegetation purposes
Todd Chernik
Called for public comment
There was none
Closed public hearing
Marcia Parsons
Asked Staff if a landscape plan had been approved for the site
Staff Angela Rambeau
Applicant has not submitted a permit so nothing had been approved
Landscape plan had been submitted
Motion and Second: John McRae made a motion to approve V09-003, a request
for a variance to allow for a propose swimming pool to encroach into the 50 ft.
stream buffer and the 25 ft. improvement setback, with the following conditions: (1)
the applicant shall obtain all necessary permits; (2) applicant shall construct the pool
per the site plan dated 2/17/09; and (3) and the planting plan dated 08/12/08. The
motion was seconded by Todd Chernik.
Discussion
Marcia Parsons
Questioned staff on reviewing the planting plan and whether that would work
with the current site plan or would that condition need to be modified?
City Arborist Mark Law
Planting plan was 07/28/08
May vary some
No requirements so what applicant is doing should be sufficient to any
disturbance within the 50 ft. buffer
Will be looking for extensive landscaping
Need to have some flexibility as not a requirement for this project
Todd Chernik
Should rescind the condition for site plan dated 07/28/08
City Arborist Mark Law
Think it would be fine to leave that condition out
When final CO is done he would look at landscaping that would be sufficient
Applicant really does not have to plant anything as no requirement to
landscape that area
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 14
John McRae stated he would like to strike condition #2 in his motion and restate
as follows: The applicant shall construct a pool per the site plan dated 02/17/09.
Seconded by Todd Chernik. There was no discussion. Vote: 6-0, with Sandy Jones
being recused. The motion unanimously carried.
Chair Sandy Jones
Rejoined the Board at 8:33 p.m.
Called the next agenda item, V09-004, 14250 Creek Club Drive, Milton, GA
Motion and Second: Todd Chernik made a motion to take a short 5 minute
recess. The motion was seconded by Scott Kilgore. There was no discussion. Vote:
7-0. The motion carried.
Chair Sandy Jones
Meeting will reconvene at 8:40 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. for a 5 minute recess
Chair Sandy Jones
Reconvened meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Asked Staff to present V09-004
Staff Community Development Intern Matt Zyjewski
Presented V09-004 to the Board
To allow a reduction of the 20’ landscape strip along the frontage of Creek Club
Drive (Article 4, Section 23.1)
To allow a reduction of the number of required parking spaces
Article 18, Section 2.1
To allow recreational courts, accessory structures, pool, deck, pool equipment,
fencing and parking to encroach into the 100’ setback (Article 19, Section 3.8.3b)
Amenity area of Crooked Creek Subdivision
Consists of 6.58 acres zoned CUP
Site is located in the Highway 9 Overlay
Amenity area includes an existing club house, basketball court, 9 tennis courts,
playground structures, assessor buildings and associated parking
Crooked Creek HOA is applying for a 3-part variance to update the facility
Want to include 2 additional tennis courts, zero entry pool, 6 lane competition
pool, 1,0715 sq. ft. tennis pavilion, a 5,420 sq. ft. club house, and a 1,240 sq. ft.
cabana and associated parking area
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 15
Walt Rekuc
Had discussion with Staff regarding definition of “adjoining” setbacks
Believes intent is to protect an adjoining property owner
This is inside of a rec area and has trouble with Staff’s interpretation of
“adjoining” in this instance
In his opinion believes definition is pushed beyond the envelope
Staff Angela Rambeau
Zoning Ordinance states both for pools and recreation courts that they have to
be at least 100 feet from all adjoining property lines
Whatever property line delineates that rec area
This had been discussed with the Community Development Director
Need to cover spillage from tennis courts and noise from pool.
Want to cover any and all possibilities
Scott Kilgore
Secondary variance can be brought before the Board if there is a question
regarding interpretation by the Community Development Director
Here to decide the variance before them tonight and not the interpretation
Applicant Laurie Bruner, Crooked Creek HOA, Milton, GA
Deferred to Steve Smith and Michael Stevens to provide detail on variances
Steve Smith, 380 Majestic Cove, Milton, GA
Serves on Crooked Creek Board
Leading the way for the redevelopment of Crooked Creek amenity area
The 3 variances are critical to the redevelopment of their amenity area
Current amenity area is approximately 14 years old
Current facilities are falling apart
Gave Board history of the amenity area
Hardship to their community in the current condition it is in
Negative impact to the residents and the value of their homes
Reviewed designs of the new amenity area with the Board
73% of the people that attended meeting regarding the projected and voted
approved the project
Closed on a construction loan in December of 2008 – 4 million dollar
construction loan for project
They have 3 obstacles: (1) 100 ft. setback, (2) parking area that is required,
and (3) landscape variance that affects parking area
Design Review Board had great comments about facilities and look of facilities
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 16
Michael Stevens, 570 Greenview Terrace, Milton, GA
All adjoining property owners they know of are in support of project
Not aware of any opposition
Now 640 homes which has tripled in size from when originally built
Current amenity area is not sufficient for number of residents
10 ft. sidewalk is for the proposed Milton Trail
Neighborhood is not opposed to the Milton Trail as an amenity for the City of
Milton
Crooked Creek is opposed to the trail cutting through the middle of their
neighborhood
Do not feel the trail running through their neighborhood would be safe
Taking care to preserve all the trees on their site
Walt Rekuc
How many homes were been added in the past 12 months?
Current number of parking spaces in the recreation area?
Michael Stevens
Maybe 4 homes built in the last 4 years
78 parking spaces
Increasing from 78 t0 99 spaces
Steve Smith
Largest events about 4 times a year are swim teams
Other peak times will be on Saturday mornings in summer during ulta and
when the pool is operational
That would necessitate the additional parking spaces being requested
Board Discussion with Mr. Smith about traffic and parking needs
Walt Rekuc
Procedure in place for when somebody wants to rent the facility?
Graduations and swimming events occurring at same time for an example
Steve Smith
Property Manager monitors the use of the facilities to ensure not a problem
for the community
Walt Rekuc
Discussion with applicant about need for 2 exit lanes
If had one exit lane could perhaps pick up 2 extra spaces
Question about right turn lane coming in
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 17
Steve Smith
Recommendations of Staff
Mark Brock, 702 Old Peachtree Road. Suwanee, GA
Had proposed in original concept plans some parking closer to entrance
Problem was proximity to the driveway and people backing out
Michael Stevens
Advised Board there had to be a drive-over curb because of the Fire
Department requirement
Had to remove 4 spaces for that reason
Now have maximum 95 spaces from 99 spaces
Could reduce some of the islands and trees
Are adding a heavy buffer throughout the property
Lengthy Discussion between Mr. Rekuc and Applicants regarding
parking spaces referencing rendering
Todd Chernik
Not our purview to address a possible redesign
Believe we should get back to clarifying questions and not redesigning
Walt Rekuc
Question about right-of-way
Steve Smith
Have executed a right-of-way agreement with City
Goes before City Council and voted on tomorrow night
Scott Kilgore
Was the 73% the percentage that attended the meeting on this project or total
residents
Trying to get a field of the people surrounding development
Steve Smith
73% of the people who cast votes were in favor of the amenity area
Those in attendance and through proxy
Super majority is 61%
Michael Stevens
Had several months of meetings
Committees formed for a year prior for this planning
31 hours of town hall meetings during planning process before voting
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 18
Community was well informed for a year plus
A lot of opportunity to voice opposition
Everyone is very excited about this project
Scott Kilgore
Question about tennis court locations and perhaps allowance for more space
for parking in that area
Steve Smith
Tennis court is the most important facility to the community
Do not anticipate have too much traffic at a given time
Property Manager will enforce the events
Todd Chernik
Hardship on each of the 3-part variances?
Steve Smith
If required to adhere to the 100 ft. setback would not be able to redevelop the
amenity area and would be a severe hardship to the community
Parking is due to the limited about of real estate they have to work with and
that is the reason for the reduction for the uses that are planned
Landscape variance is being requested is to pick up parking spaces in the 20
ft. setback
Staff advised that we needed additional parking spaces per the code
Marcia Parsons
Inquired about using some of the landscape island areas for parking
Perhaps should consider a variance for the islands
Steve Smith
Have some severe topo areas to consider
might be able to pick up a few spaces with the landscape islands
Most important variance is the 100 ft. setback
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for public comment
Public Comment:
Laurie Bruner, 320 Ressington Passage, Milton, GA
Spoke in support
President of the Crooked Creek Homeowners’ Association
Speaking as a resident
Critical to community
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 19
Walt Rekuc
More important? Landscaping in interior or parking?
Laurie Bruner
Parking
Safety issue
Try to avoid people having to park on street
Walt Rekuc
Would you consider revising variance to ask for a variance on landscape
islands to get more parking?
Steve Smith
Good idea
Never brought up in any of the staff meetings or design meetings
Think good idea and might get 4 or 5 spaces
There are limitations on what can be done with the site due to size of site and
the size of the community
Design developed was for the intended use and number of homes it services
Trying to do best we can with a challenging site
John McRae
If 100 ft. setback variance was approved and parking set aside and a new
alternate parking plan were presented, you could still move forward?
Steve Smith
Yes, but the timeframe is the most important consideration
Need to start demolishing the old as soon as get the LDP
Cannot afford to extend the project for a long period of time
Mark Brock
Have not run the one-way drive by the Fire Department, Public Works or
Engineering
Just drew it up today
Would like their approval first
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for additional public comment
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 20
Public Comment:
Rudy Mirran, 595 Greenview Terrace, Milton, GA
Spoke in support
Resides in Crooked Creek
Did not know would have to deal with new city ordinance
Rules were enacted after Crooked Creek was enacted
Crooked Creek Board has put in many hours as volunteers to get project going
Approval received by the attendees at the many meetings for this project has
been amazing
Should state that by in large the entire Crooked Creek neighborhood is
completely supportive of this project
Primarily about making sure this community has the right amenities, safety,
taking care of our children and the value of the homes
John McRae
Stated the HOA Board was not hearing anything about approval of the Milton
trail
Only 3 variance requests are before the BZA tonight
Public Comment:
Lisa Ashcom, 14310 Creek Club Drive, Milton, GA
Spoke in support
Closest neighbor to facilities area
Neighbors all want this
Need support of Board to change the 100 ft. buffer
Have no problem with the amenity project
Colt Whittall, 210 Cheltenham Walk, Milton, GA
Spoke in support
Resident of Crooked Creek and member of the HOA Board
Vote was very high in favor of project
Voted to basically tax themselves to complete the project
Got loan in a difficult lending environment
Neighborhood is committed to this project
Want to get it done in time for swim season
Swim practice starts in May
Love concept of the Milton trail
Not in favor of having the 10 ft. trail running past amenity area is something
residents will be in favor of
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 21
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for additional public comment
There was none
Walt Rekuc
Question for Staff
Question about 12H.3.5(f)(4) in zoning ordinance regarding parking
Can the variance be amended to allow reduction in the landscape parking
islands and allow more parking spaces to be developed?
Staff Angela Rambeau
Cannot amend anything before the Board tonight as it has already been
posted and advertised
Crooked Creek is in the Highway 9 Overlay District and that is referring to
commercial developments
CUP is residential only
12H.3 is geared strictly toward commercial and pertains to NW Overlay
Also question about screening of garbage cans
Additional discussion with Mr. Rekuc and Staff about parking and right
and left turn lanes requirements
Public Works Director Dan Drake
Based on their analysis of the 640 homes and the increase and use of the
facility thought the left and right turn lane was warranted
There are policies, but do not know if this came under one of those categories
Staff Angela Rambeau
Stated any refuse area needs to be screened
Scott Kilgore
Question for Staff or DOT
Came up with a 30% reduction in parking
Would that present a safety issue?
Like to keep the landscape strip and lose the 17 spaces
Staff Angela Rambeau
Safety and welcome of the community and public in visiting facility
Has been an ongoing issue
Police directing traffic
Board can approve reduction to what they believe
City would not object
Can approve that and put in condition they have to move things around to
gain some other spaces
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 22
John McRae
Asked if part 1 was denied and require the 20 ft. landscape strip and not
mandate the 10 ft. sidewalk, would that be the end of the sidewalk issue
Some other body to try to propose it again?
Public Works Director Dan Drake
The Milton Trail is adopted by the City Council
Talks about a 5 ft. section going down Creek Club Drive
Talks about a 6 ft. sidewalk and a 4 ft. bike lane
Those are approved by the Council and any development that comes in would
be required to put in that element
Crooked Creek has a 5 ft. sidewalk out there and already meeting the
requirement of the Milton Trail
Staff Angela Rambeau
• 7 ft. sidewalk has not been shown on any plans yet
Scott Kilgore
• So not part of this discussion
• Either have a landscape strip or 17 parking spaces
Staff Angela Rambeau
• Staff tries to strict to the ordinance
• Feel the more parking they can provide the safer it would be for the residents
• Staff will abide with whatever the Board decides
Walt Rekuc
• Read requirements from Section 4.23.2, Parking Lot Landscaping
• There is some latitude that the Director has or his designee to look at and
possibly reduce that requirement
• Asked Staff if any code against using diagonal parking versus straight parking
Staff Angela Rambeau
• Stated not that she was aware of
• May be a difference in the size and width of the drive isles
• Going by what was presented to Staff in their plans
Walt Rekuc
• Discussion with Staff regarding use and width of sidewalk
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 23
Chair Sandy Jones
• Called for any other questions for Staff
• Called for a motion
Motion and Second: Todd Chernik made a motion on V09-004, to approve Part
3, allowing the encroachment into the 100 ft. setback for the recreational courts,
accessory structures, fencing, pool and parking, make a recommendation to deny
Part 1 to reduce the 20 ft. landscape strip to 8 ft. along the eastern property line and
make a recommendation to defer Part 2, to reduce the number of parking spaces
from 110 spaces to 99 spaces to allow the applicant to work with Staff on alternatives
and to reflect public safety ingress and egress which we do not have on the current
plan. The following conditions shall apply: The applicant shall obtain all required
permits and as pertains to Part 3, the variance approval per the site plan submitted
on 01/20/09. Sandy Jones seconded the motion for discussion.
Discussion
Walt Rekuc
• Suggested voting on the variance requests individually versus as a group
• Regarding Part 1, the majority of the Crooked Creek residents of the
community have decided this is what they want
• Why should Board not give them what they want
• Time is critical issue for applicants
• Applicants do not time for postponement or delay
Todd Chernik
• Intent in motion in approving Part 3 as to allow applicants to move forward
with the project
• Intention with deferring Part 2 was that there is opportunity for the
Community Development Director and Public Safety to work with applicants
in coming up with an alternative plan regarding parking (particularly the
landscape islands) within the next 30 days
• Saw an alternative plan that would enable applicants to achieve maintaining
all the parking spaces without compromising the buffer
• In his opinion, it is a self-imposed variance request for Part 1
Scott Kilgore
• Asked Todd Chernik if his intent of the deferral in motion was because the
Board wants to hear the final parking plan?
• Could the Board approve it up to so many spaces but with condition that they
work with Staff to try to maximize parking?
Additional Board Discussion regarding parking spaces
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 24
Public Works Director Dan Drake
• Inquired of Board if possible to condition or have the approval of 95 spaces
contingent upon approval of Public Works and the Community Development
Director
• Applicant would take the plan as 95 spaces, go through the Fire Marshall,
Public Works, Community Development and if all agree, then 95 spaces are
met
• Also keeping the landscape strip
Gary Willis
• Need to do everything we can to accommodate these residents and make them
happy
• Gone way above and beyond what they needed to do
• They have 70% approval of the homeowners
• As Board we should do anything we can for the residents of Crooked Creek
Marcia Parsons
• Concerned about parking spaces
• Crucial to the project
• People will park on the street if not given the parking spaces
• Ingress and egress more important to address the safety issues
• There is a good deal of landscaping already in their plan
Walt Rekuc
• Regarding water quality, there is a retention requirement applicants will have
to meet
• Also will have to meet the water quality standard for any impervious surface
they put on the property
• They cannot do anything without addressing this issue with the City
Todd Chernik restated Part 2 of his motion according to the recommendation from
Staff to approve Part 2 conditioned upon Public Works and Community
Development Director approval of a site plan for a minimum 95 parking spaces.
Seconded by Scott Kilgore.
Discussion
John McRae
• Believes what is on the table now is the most amenable solution
• Suits the needs of the residents
• They can break ground immediately
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17, 2009
Page 25
Todd Chernik summarized his motion:
Approval of Part 3, Denial of Part 1, Approval of Part 2 conditioned on the
applicant providing a site plan with a minimum of 95 parking spaces to the
satisfaction of Public Works and the Community Development Director and
conditioned on the applicant obtaining all required permits. Approval of Part 3 is
per the site plan submitted on 01/20/09.
Vote: 7-0. The motion unanimously carried to approve V09-004
Chair Sandy Jones
Called for any new or old business
Staff Angela Rambeau
• Issue of the Board amending the By-laws to include the new changes to Article
22 regarding consideration of the variances
• Need to make a motion to state that the Board is going to strike the old
considerations and replace them with the new considerations as approved by
the City Council on February 2, 2009.
Motion and Second: Sandy Jones made a motion to amend the Board of Zoning
Appeals Bylaws for considerations for primary variances as approved by City Council
in their February 2, 2009 meeting. The motion was seconded by Scott Kilgore.
Discussion
Gary Willis had not seen changes but advised Board if they were okay with changes
to vote and he would be fine with it. He would just abstain from the vote.
Vote: 6-0-1, with Gary Willis abstaining as he did not see the changes. The motion
carried.
Chair Sandy Jones
• Requested Staff try to provide the documentation they would be voting on at
the meetings
• Asked Staff some procedural questions regarding presentation to City Council
on issues
Staff Angela Rambeau
• Board can direct Staff to come up with text amendment addressing Board’s
concerns and guidelines, Board would vote on it and Staff will present to
Council
City of Milton Board Zoning Appeals
Minutes Regular Meeting
February 17,2009
Page 26
ADJOURNMENT
Motion and Second:Sandy Jones made a motion to adjourn the Board of Zoning
Appeals meeting.The motion was seconded by John McRae.There was no
discussion.Vote:7-0.Motion unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
Date Approved:
/7
A -proved By:
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~Clerk's Office