Zoning Board of Appeals, April 21, 2009

[Planning and Development Office]

Zoning Board of Appeals
April 21, 2009


The Board of Appeals met on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in the Planning and Development Office Conference Room. The following members were present: Jim Stuckey, Ken Rackley, and Tommy Holcombe; Building Official. Jim Stuckey was acting chairman. Roy McCall, Kim Welborn, and Carey Beard were absent form the meeting.

Tommy stated that we do not have a quorum and this request can be discussed but not voted on and the staff can decide on the final decision. Mr. Jim Stuckey, Acting Chairman opens the meeting.

The following item were presented to the board:


Variance Request

Mr. Brian Gunter, 145 Daniel Drive, Easley, South Carolina made application for a variance on a detached garage. Mr. David Nations, contractor spoke for Mr. Gunter requesting a personal detached garage he wants to build on this property and the total square footage is the need to house two boats. The square footage is based on the motor and the length of the tongue of the boat. The total square foot needed which is 1360 and the maximum allowed by the City of Easley is 800 square feet. Tommy stated that this garage is not to big considering the size of the lot. (The Planning and Development office is looking into changing the zoning ordinance book on the square footage of garages/out buildings depending on the size of the lot, currently the ordinance states that the height is a maximum of 19 feet and maximum of 800 sq feet no matter the lot size). The variance request is for a 3 ft variance which would be 7 foot side setback so that it works well with the drive way instead of the 10 ft side set back which is required by the City of Easley. Mr. Gunter said he would like to get the setback closer but Tommy explained that the fire codes will not allow you to get closer than 15 ft and it would allow the neighbor at any time to request a variance of 3 ft if needed then you would be 14 feet of each other. The fire codes do not allow anything closer unless you put a fire rated wall in the building between the properties. Tommy stated it has always been a policy not to give a variance over 3ft due to this reason and the board usually supports this and there is plenty of space on the property for the building. The maximum height of the garage is 18 ft and the City of Easley allows 19 ft and the height of the garage will be the same height of the house with the exception of the left side it will be a little taller than the house. The property on the left side is the variance request and Mr. Gunter spoke to say the neighbors have given their permission and is okay with this garage and the setbacks and square feet. Mr. Rackley asked about the 34 x 40 dimensions how it is going to run with of the property. Mr. Nations stated that the 34 feet will run with the width of the house, parallel of the house. The 40 feet is the depth of the garage. The back of the property will have 10 feet from the back of the garage to the property line but Mr. Gunter asked Tommy for 7 feet from the property line and Tommy did not have a problem with this. 



After a brief discussion, Jim Stuckey and Ken Rackley approved of this recommendation  no vote can be done without a quorum and by state law we cannot hold up the process for 30 days so Tommy Holcombe, Building Official/Staff made the decision that this request be approved.


There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.


______________________
Tommy Holcombe
Building Official
City of Easley