11-19-1998 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
November 19, 1998
The regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board was held on Thursday, November 19, 1998 at
the chamber of the Village Hall commencing at 7:33 P.M. The meeting was called to order with the
following members present:
Present: Robert Blum, Chairman
Jim McCoy, Jr.
Norman Powell
Max Wolf Sturman
Also Present: Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
Frank LuBien, Director of Planning & Zoning
Marta Fernandez, Recording Secretary
ITEM #1 MINUTES OCTOBER 15, 1998
Mr. Blum noted that on ITEM #3, Ms Maura Gonzalez, was present on behalf of Nations Bank,
ITEM #5 should be titled REQUEST OF VARIANCE TO ALLOW PATIO & LATTICE IN SIDE
SETBACK. Mr. Blum also noted that ITEM #6 should be titled APPEALS TO BUILDING
OFFICIAL'S DENIAL OF PAINT COLOR and that Mr. Sturman moved to deny the appeal based
on Miami Shores Code Provision 523.1. Mr. Blum moved to approve that amended minutes. Mr.
Sturman seconded and the vote was unanimous in favor.
All witnesses expected to testify were sworn in at this time.
ITEM # 2 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR ALTERATIONS
Miami Shores Chevron 9601 NE Second Avenue
Mr. LuBien indicated that this an existing nonconforming use of building and all plans for alterations
and use must be authorized by the Board asset forth in the Schedule of Regulations and Sections
526. .
Mr. Mike Isaac, engineer with D. F. Consultants, was present of behalf of Miami Shores Chevron.
Mr. Isaac indicated that the design submitted is a standard Chevron design, the canopy would remain
the same but the back wall would be extended. The building would become a grocery store with the
incidental sale of gas. Mr. Sarafan noted that according to Section 524 a building in which an existing
nonconforming use is conducted may be altered but not enlarged, the Board must make building
conforming in order for expansion. Mr. McCoy, Jr. indicated that he would like to see a more
complete design rendering. Mr. Sturman noted that Chevron might consider designing a building that
would be more harmonious to the neighborhood. Mr. McCoy, Jr. moved to postpone making a
decision based on Section 604 of the Miami Shores Code which calls for a full site plan approval and
that final approval and usage be expressly authorized by the board. He requested that color
•
Planning & Zoning
November 19, 1998 Page 2
elevations from several directions, landscape renderings, views of property in regard to surrounding
areas and a projection of incidentals be submitted for review. Mr. Sturman seconded the motion and
the vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM # 3 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR FLAT ROOF ADDITION
D. M. Woolfolk 1230 NE 102 Street
Mr. LuBien indicated that all flat roof additions must be approved by the Board according to Sec.
523.1 and that the proposed addition is within the required 15% limitation.
Mr. Dan Robertson, architect for J. B. Construction, was present on behalf of owner. Mr. Robertson
indicated that the flat roof would not be visible for the front and that the use of the flat roof was due
to budgetary reason. M. Sturman moved to approve roof plans as submitted with a second by Mr.
McCoy, Jr. The vote was unanimous in favor.
1'1'hM # 4 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF APPEAL TO BUILDING OFFICIAL'S
DECISION
Sergio Vasquez 80 NE 97 Street
The building official has deemed that the requested paint color is inappropriate and the applicant is
appealing the decision.
Mr. Vasquez was present on his own behalf. Mr. Vasquez stated that the color is harmonious to the
surrounding homes and that the chosen color would only enhance his property. Mr. Vasquez also
stated that he had been told by a Planning & Zoning employee that he had to choose a color from the
Benjamin Moore color board. Mr. Sarafan stated that Village employees are not told to recommend
Benjamin Moore colors and that the color board is just for suggestions. Mr. Sarafan read Section
523 which states that all buildings should be harmonious in nature and color. Mr. Blum indicated that
he felt the color was strong for this property. Mr. Powell moved to uphold the Planning & Zoning
Director decision, there was no second. Mr. Sturman moved to grant approval of appeal, there was
no second. Due to ITEM #8, COLOR STANDARDIZATION, Mr. Blum moved to continue this
request to the last item on tonight's agenda. Mr. McCoy, Jr. seconded it and the vote was unanimous
in favor.
Planning & Zoning
November 19, 1998 Page 3
ITEM #5 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIANCE TO PERMIT FENCES 1N EXCESS
OF HEIGHT LIMITATION
Luis Biancalana 931 NE 93 Street
Mr. Lubien indicated that due to the request for fences in excess if the height limitations the owner
needs to apply for variance as required to Sec. 518.
Ms. Maria Biancalana was present on her own behalf Ms. Biancalana stated that the fence height
requests are for several reasons: the way her home is placed on the property in regards to what is
considered her front and side yard and the small street that deadends on her side. She indicated the
need for a 6 foot fence on the east side of her property is because her master bedroom and bath face
this side of the house and a 5 foot fence would not provide enough privacy. The way her property
is situated she could only build a 5 foot side fence for part of the property and then have the fence
drop to 3.5 foot. Ms. Biancalana stated that this drop would give the property an inconsistent look.
A 5 foot front yard fence would give the property a uniform look and enable her trained guard dog
to guard the entire property instead of just the backyard. The 5 foot wrought iron fence would
coordinate with the roof color.
Mr. Blum noted that Ms. Biancalana did not meet the four requirements for a hardship variance. Mr.
McCoy moved to approve a 5 foot sideyard fence but denied the request for a 5 foot wrought iron
front yard fence. Mr. Powell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM # 6 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIANCE TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION IN
SIDE SETBACK
Richard Sandoval 610 NE 105 Street
Mr. LuBien indicated that existing building is'nonconforming, the side setback varies from 5.8 feet
to 7.15 feet. The required setback is 10 feet.
Mr. Richard Sandoval was present on his own behalf Mr. Sandoval indicated that since the property
lines runs on an angle the fireplace would encroach on the setback. Mr. Sandoval noted that his
property is inconsistent with the traditional style found in many colonial homes because it acks a
fireplace. A fireplace with an external chimney would enhance the beauty of his home. Mr. Sandoval
submitted letters of support from his neighbors concerning this request.
Mr. McCoy, Jr. moved to grant approval of variance. Mr. Powell seconded it. The vote was Mr.
McCoy, Jr., Mr. Powell and Mr. Sturman in favor. Mr. Blum opposed.
Planning & Zoning November 19, 1998 Page 4
ITEM # 7 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIANCE TO PERMIT DRIVEWAY AND
PARKING SPACE LESS THAT 10 FEET FROM PROPERTY LINE
Brian K. Sloan 290 NW 93 Street
Mr. LuBien indicated that applicant has installed this driveway and parking space which are located
approximately 2 feet from the side property line. The requirement is 10 feet. Mr. Sloan had been
granted a permit to install a concrete slab without a site plan. This construction is in violation.
Mr. Sloan was present on his own behalf. Mr. Sloan indicated that his need to park so close to the
property is for personal security. His home is at the border of Miami Shores and unincorporated
Dade County and he has been burglarized three times. The two areas are separated by a landscape
barricade. The current location of the driveway is directly under the Quartz security lights which
allow the vehicles and the walkway to the house to be under adequate lighting. The location of
driveway allows parking for more than one vehicle without destroying the landscape.
Mr. McCoy, Jr. moved to grant approval of variance request with a second from Mr. Powell. The
vote was unanimous in favor.
Mr. Powell excused himself from the meeting at this time (9:55).
ITEM #8 COLOR STANDARDIZATION
Ines Hegedus
Ms. Hegedus presented the Board with a color guide book. Ms. Hegedus indicated that homes from
varying construction styles can be found on any given Miami Shores street and a home should be
harmonious to itself. Ms. Hegedus noted that other historic communities such as Coral Gables and
Coconut Grove have homes painted in a wide range of colors and still preserve the integrity of the
neighborhood. Ms. Hegedus suggested that the Village create a guideline for colors including items
such as• aging process of paint, the paint base, percentage of trim and the urban prospect. Mr. LuBien
indicated the color guide book would allow residents to choose colors that would be unsuitable for
their style of house. According to Sec. 523 the Board can make recommendations to Planning &
Zoning Department. Ms. Hegedus will return to a future meeting with more information.
ITEM #4 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF APPEAL TO BUILDING OFFICIAL'S
DECISION
Sergio Vasquez 80 NE 97 Street
Mr. Sturman moved to approve appeal to Building Oficial decision. Mr. McCoy, Jr. seconded. The
vote was unanimous in favor.
Planning & Zoning November 19, 1998 Page 5
ITEM #9 ADJOURNMENT
The November 19, 1998 meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board was adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
•
•
a Fernandez, Recording Secretary
Robe Blum, Chairman