To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Matthew Cyr, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for two Specific Use Permits (SUPs) to allow the Applicant to expand the existing 578 square-foot detached garage by approximately 1,187 square-feet (1,765 total square-feet) situated on a .84-acre tract of land, located on the west side of Westminster, approximately 465 feet northwest from the intersection of Westminster Trail and Wimpole Court, legally described as Lot 18, Block 2 Windsor Forest Estates, zoned Single Family - 36,000 square-foot lot (SF-36), located at 1613 Westminster Trail. Dan Thompson, Owner; Lane Darracq, Applicant. (SUP-21-0020)
Background:
• The Windsor Forest Estates subdivision was originally platted and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1986.
• The expansion of the detached garage is to be utilized for additional storage of the Owner’s antique cars.
SUP Requests:
1. An SUP to exceed 1,200 square-feet in the SF-36 zoning district.
2. An SUP for all accessory buildings combined to exceed 50% of the main structure. (main structure is 2,642 square-feet.)
Building Size:
The Applicant is proposing to expand the 578 square-foot detached garage by an approximately 1,187 square-feet for a total of 1,765 sf total. The garage will exceed the size of the main structure by 66.8%.
Building Location:
UDC Section 8.10 (A.) (5) states that accessory structures shall be prohibited from being located in front of the main dwelling unit. The proposed location of the accessory structure is will be located in compliance with this section of the UDC.
Building Exterior:
The UDC Section 8.10 (A) (3) states accessory buildings shall be complimentary to the main structure (constructed of brick or stone or the same material as the main structure.)
The applicant proposes to match the existing detached garage and existing main structure in materials (brick).
Building Height:
UDC Section 8.10 (A) (9) states the maximum height of the building shall not exceed an average of 15 feet unless approved by a SUP.
The applicant is proposing to keep the structure at an average height of 14’ 10” feet.
Zoning Regulations:
The lot setbacks are determined by SF-36 zoning district standards in UDC
Section 8.03 (C) (4) The minimum front yard building setback is 60 feet for a SF-36 lot
on a thoroughfare. The side-yard setback is to be 10% of the lot width but no more than
15 feet. The minimum rear-yard setback is 15 feet. The structure is proposed to be approximately 22’ 9” away from the southwest property line.
The proposed structure will meet all the setback requirements.
Lot Coverage:
The lot size is 36,490 square-feet. The total lot coverage is 7,942 square-feet.
The total lot coverage would be 21.7% (all accessory buildings, driveways, and the main
building) which would comply with the current zoning district’s 50% lot coverage
maximum.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F.2.a) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On June 11, 2021, the City mailed out 21 Letters of Notification for this public hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was also posted on the site.
As of June 19, 2021, Staff has received several calls asking what the request is for, but no concerns. There has been no support or opposition to this application.
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering an SUP application:
§ Recommend approval as submitted.
§ Recommend approval with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Recommend denial.
City Council Action:
If the Planning and Zoning Commission takes action and makes a recommendation on this agenda item, then this SUP application will be scheduled for City Council action on July 20, 2021.
Supporting Documents:
§ Aerial and Zoning Maps
§ Staff Attachment A- Application