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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-18-BZA MINUTES TOWN OF ULYSSES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS JULY 18, 2012 PRESENT : Chairman George Tselekis, Board Members-Barbara Bristow, Dick Coogan, Environmental Planner Darby Kiley EXCUSED : Andy Glasner, Carl Mann APPLICANT : Pat Seamon and Glen Trudell for Richard and Gail Mott PUBLIC : David Kerness , Bruce Fredericks Mr. Tselekis called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 pm. He stated the item on the agenda is the Public Hearing to consider a request by Richard and Gail Mott for area variance(s) under Article VII, Section 7 .6 and Article XXI, Section 21 .9 of the Town of Ulysses Zoning Law. This is for the purpose of building a 450-square foot accessory building. The proposed building location is approximately 8 feet from the lake, and for lakeshore properties, the minimum setback from the lake is 50 feet in the RI -Rural Residence District. The proposed building also appears to exceed the 20-foot height maximum for accessory buildings. The property is located at 1601 Taughannock Blvd, Town of Ulysses. The Tax Parcel Number is 14 .-3 - 14 .32 . He asked if the applicant would present a brief description of the project. Mr. Seamon and Mr. Trudell introduced themselves as representing the Mott ' s . Mr. Seamon owns and Mr. Trudell works for the Smart Wood company that would be building this accessory building. They had met with the Mott' s who expressed the need for a storage building for their kayaks and canoes along the shore . Mr. Mott thought it would be lovely if the building could match the house . As the conversation continued the idea of having a fireplace to use during the Fall weather would be a nice addition . While designing the building they also decided a porch that matches the house would look very nice . They stated they family does not intend on having a place for people to sleep. Their house has plenty of available sleeping spaces . Mr. Tselekis stated he did not see a dock on the plan or overhead view of property. Mr. Seamon stated there are a dock as well as a slate patio . The building would be North of the dock; the entrance would be off the end of the patio . Mr. Tselekis asked how the boats would be stored, the porch would prevent going in through that doorway. Mr. Seamon stated they intended to store the boats underneath the building in the Summer season . Then lift them over the porch and store in the loft during the Winter season. Mr. Kerness introduced himself as being a resident along the lake . He also worked on the Comprehensive Plan. He noted this is not an accessory building and feels it is against the spirit of the Comprehensive Plan . He felt there are other ways to store kayaks. This lot already has a boat lift with a roof that is against the future lakeshore zoning. He is absolutely against the granting of a variance for this project. Mr. Tselekis read Article VII, Section 7 .6 Lot Area and Yard Requirements . Mr. Fredericks stated he is also a resident of the lake and is President of the West Shore Homeowners Association . He stated everything on this lot has been build using 1st class materials and workmanship . However, a house is a house and sleeping arrangements could be put in the upper loft. The fireplace and porch indicate to him this is not a boathouse . This is against what the association has stated they would like to have for future growth along the lake. Mr. Coogan asked how close to the creek on the property would this be . He also asked how they had access to the beach as he cannot see a driveway. Mr. Seamon stated they only access is a tram that runs alongside the cliff Ms . Bristow asked how many other buildings similar to this were along this area. 1 • Mr. Seamon provided additional pictures of the lot showing the slate patio, neighbor storage buildings and views . Mr. Fredericks stated if they were proposing a single story structure with an 8x8 girth with no intention of plumbing or living space he would have no objection . Mr. Tselekis stated that is why they are here to determine if this is an accessory building vs . boathouse . He asked the Board if they had any other questions or comments/ Mr. Coogan stated he does not feel this is a boathouse . This is in front of the ZBA due to the ; Zoning Officer' s review of it being an accessory building. The variance is greater than 80% of the Requirements . In addition, the building would detract from views of the lake . He . appreciated all the effort that has gone into this project but cannot support it. Ms . Bristow stated that due to the negative comments of the neighbors she could not support this project. Mr. Tselekis asked if there were any other comments from the applicant. None were offered. He asked if they were ready to make a motion. Mr. Bristow made the motion, Mr. Coogan seconded as follows : Whereas, the accessory building variance for Richard and Gail Mott has received negative comment from residents, and Whereas, the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the Westshore Homeowners ' Association appears to be against this type of project, and Whereas, the variance is substantial the project exceeds requirements by 80 percent, and Whereas, the character of the neighborhood would be impacted by natural views of the lake, Therefore be it resolved the area variance is DENIED . The vote was taken : Ms Bristow Aye Mr. Coogan Aye Mr. Tselekis Aye Motion approved-area variance DENIED . Ms . Carlisle Peck stated the Board needed to review and approve the 04/ 18/ 12 minutes . Mr. Coogan made the MOTION, Ms . Bristow SECONDED the MOTION to approve the minutes of 04/ 18/ 12 . The vote was taken : Ms Bristow Aye Mr. Coogan Aye Mr. Tselekis Aye Motion approved. Respectfully submitted, Robin Carlisle Peck Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant 2