02-20-2003 Regular Meeting•
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2003
The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Planning and Zoning Board was held on
Thursday, February 20, 2003, at the Village Hall. The meeting was called to order by
Richard Fernandez, Chairman at 7:00 P.M. with the following persons present:
ITEM I: ROLL CALL -
Richard Fernandez, Chairman
Tim Crutchfield
W. Robert Abramitis
Donald Shockey (Arrived at 7:07 p.m.)
ABSENT: Cesar Sastre
ALSO PRESENT: Al Ber& Planning & Zoning Director
Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
Irene M. Fajardo, Recording Secretary
Mr. Sarafan swore in all those participating in the meeting.
• The Board members disclosed that they had visited the sites.
ITEM II: APPROVAL OF MINUTES -January 16, 2003
Due to the amount of cases on the agenda, the approval of the minutes was moved as the
last item on the agenda.
ITEM III: SCHEDULE ITEMS
PZ03-0220-01 Robert and Kathleen McCloskey Sec. 604: Site plan approval -
350 NE 92 St. garage enclosure
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the project provided that the approach is paved. The Board had no questions
for Mr. Berg. The applicant Robert McCloskey was there to present the case. The
applicant did not want to add any further information. After a brief discussion, Mr.
Crutchfield made a motion to approve the garage enclosure subject to staff's
recommendations. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. Mr.
Shockey inquired about the parking on the property. Mr. Berg explained that the owner
has concrete strips with substantial amount of space for the parking of vehicles.
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Planning and Zoning - 2 -
PZ03-0220-02
Dawn and Norman Holliday
Mark Campbell (architect)
660 NE 105 St.
February 20, 2003
Sec 400/401 Schedule of
Reg.: Requesting a variance
to allow a deck with 3 '/z rear
setback where 5' is required,
allowing a pool with a 4 '/s
setback where 7 '/2 is required
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended that
the request for a variance be denied. Mr. Berg explained that there is nothing unusual
about the site and that it is possible to apply the ordinance and still install the pool
without the need for a variance. Reasonable use of the property could still be made. Mrs.
Halliday, the property owner, and her attorney, Mark Campbell, were there to present the
case. Mr. Campbell explained that the unusual condition of the property is that it is
abutting the golf course and therefore, the owner would not have any privacy. The Board
inquired about the dimensions of the pool, the jog on the side of the pool and how close
the rear of the property is located to the fairway. Mr. Campbell explained the exact
location of the property. Some of the Board members felt that the location of the
property gave it its peculiar condition. They inquired about other properties abutting the
golf course. Staff confirmed that there are plenty of houses that abut the golf course and
can still make reasonable use of the property. Other members felt that the pool could be
reduced in size which meant that a variance would not be necessary. Mr. Campbell
stated that reducing the size of the pool would disrupt the plans for the terrace and the
water -fountain pool. The Board inquired about the pool fence and whether it was
incorporated in the site plan. Mr. Campbell explained the location of the pool fence and
stated that it was not incorporated in the site plan. He also explained the location and the
dimensions of the terrace and the deck and how they pertained to the requested setback
for the pool. After further discussion, Cnrtchfield made a motion to deny the variance
request. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-03
Urkia Hernandez Sec. 604: Site plan approval
Mark Campbell (architect) lot split and new construction
1213NE94St.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the site plan provided that a survey is submitted showing the lot split. Mr.
Berg spoke about the existing encroachment, the dimensions of the lots, the existing
concrete patio, the proposed pool deck, and the minimum floor elevation requirements.
Two letters were submitted to the Board opposing the splitting of the lots. The Board
expressed their concerns about unity of title and the need for an opinion of title. Some
Board members felt that they should not proceed with the case without the necessary
documentation in regards to the title. The Board also expressed their concerns in regards
to cubage problems, the encroachment issues, and the minimum floor elevation
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Planning and Zoning
- 3 - February 20, 2003
requirements. The owner Urkia Hernandez, and her architect, Mark Campbell, were
there to present the case. Mr. Campbell explained the owner's intentions in regards to the
lot split. He also spoke about the addition, and stated that he would meet the floor
elevation requirements. Mr. Campbell also agreed to remove the encroachment and that
they would return with a new site plan which would comply with the Village's code,
including the Board's and Staff's concerns. Mr. Fernandez opened the hearing for public
comments: Daniel Hughes, a resident at 1245 NE 94 St., opposed the splitting of the lots
due to its economic impact on the surrounding properties. Chairman Fernandez closed
the hearing for public comments. After further discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a
motion to approve the site plan for lot two which has the proposed addition subject to
staff's recommendations, the encroachment removal, and the slab removal. Mr.
Abramitis seconded the motion. The Board explained that Mr. Campbell would have to
come back with a new site plan showing the proposed new house on the other lot.
Motion passed 4-0. No determination was made in regards to the lot split.
PZ03-0220-04 Marc and Dianne Stead Sec. 701: Appeal of Admin
825 NE 97 St. Official — right of way paving
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended that
changes be made to the parking plans proposed by the property owner. Staff explained
411 that there was no room in the garage for parking vehicles. A paved driveway does not
exist leading to the garage which is required by the code. Pictures were submitted to the
Board as evidence. Staff also explained that the submitted drawing is out of scale and
that there is no provision for street trees. Mr. Berg expressed his concerns in regards to
drainage and the need for more pervious area on public property. The Board inquired
about the two required parking spaces on the property, the current use of the garage, and
the two required on site trees. The property owner, Marc Stead, and his attorney, Kevin
O'Connor, were there to present their case. Mr. O'Connor first explained that everything
proposed by the owners meets the criteria of the code. Second, he confirmed that there
are two trees on the property even if they are not showing on the submitted plans.
Finally, he addressed the issues of drainage and how the proposed paved area met the
required criteria. The Board stated that the drawings did not show any of the concerns
stated by staff and by the Board and therefore, it would be difficult to make a decision.
The property owner, Marc Stead, stated that Mr. Berg never informed him of the two
required spaces needed on the property. He explained that the two car garage was
converted to only fit one car. After further discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to
table the case until the issues mentioned could be showed on the plans for the Board to
review. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0116-03 Richard and Sylvia Halter Sec. 604: Site plan approval -
1155 NE 104 St. new house.
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Planning and Zoning
- 4 - February 20, 2003
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the application for a new house. Mr. Berg explained that the plan meets all
the requirements of the code and that it shows good attention to detail. The Board
silently reviewed the plans one last time. Some of the Board members expressed their
concerns in regards to the energy conservation requirements. After a brief discussion,
Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to approve the site plan. Mr. Shockey seconded the
motion. Motion passed 4-0.
P203-0220-05 Laura Maal(owner) Sec. 604: Site plan approval -
550 NE 96 St new house
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended that
the site plan be tabled pending resolution of the front driveway and the
removal/replacement of the oak trees. Mr. Berg expressed his concerns in regards to the
oak trees, the questionable walkway shown in the plans in the front of the house, and the
proposed carport. The Board stated that they are only approving the location of the
parking and not the carport, since it is not shown on the elevation plans. The Board also
mentioned the possible solutions for parking in order to maintain the oak trees in the front
of the property. They expressed their concerns in regards to the slab which would be
used for parking and the need for landscaping to separate the slab from the house. The
structural engineer, Juan Ordoflez, was there to represent the owner and present the case.
First, he explained the owners' intentions in regards to the proposed parking Second, he
explained the proposed landscape plan. He stated that the plan before them was a revised
landscape plan. He stated that the removed oak trees would be replaced by palm trees
since some of the oak trees are not in good condition. The Board was concerned with the
shade coverage requirement stated in the Miami -Dade County code. They stated that the
palm trees would not be suitable substitutes for the oak trees. The Chairman, Richard
Fernandez, opened the hearing for public comments. David Kinchen, a resident at 558
NE 96 St, expressed his concerns in regards to the removal of the oak trees. The
Chairman, Mr. Fernandez, closed the hearing for public comments. After further
discussion, Mr. Abraznitis made a motion to approve the site plan, subject to the
preservation of all the oak trees. Mr. Crutchfield seconded the motion for discussion.
Mr. Crutchfield stated that some of the oak trees might have to be removed since they
might interfere with the construction of the house. Therefore, the motion should state
which of the oak trees will have to be kept and which ones will be removed. The Board
discussed the oak trees on the eastern border of the property and the front of the property.
The motion was amended to approve the site plan subject to specifically maintaining oak
trees numbered: 6, 7, 8, 9, on the eastern border, and oak trees numbered 12 and 13 in the
front of the property. Some of the Board members stated that the oak trees that will be
removed should be replaced with new ones. After discussion, the motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-06 Robin and Michael Carney Sec. 518: Fence in front yard
235 Grand Concourse
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Planning and Zoning
- 5- February 20, 2003
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval provided that the fence is wood or aluminum picket. The Board had no
questions or comments. Mr. Shockey mad a motion to approve staff's recommendation.
Mr. Crutchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-07 Patrick Frasier(owner) Sec. 604: Site plan approval
Southern Marine Const. new dock.
1500 NE 103 St.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the dock. Staff confirmed that the new dock complies with the setback
requirements. The owner, Patrick Frasier, and the contractor, Robert Rozzi, were there to
present the case. Mr. Rozzi confirmed that the dock had preliminary DEM approval.
The Board asked that the applicant add reflectors to the dock for safety. Mr. Rozzi and
Mr. Frasier agreed. After a brief discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to approve
the new dock subject to adding the reflectors. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-08 Jorge and Nancy Fernandez Sec. 604: Modified site plan;
10641 NE 11 Ct. Sec 523.1: Requesting a variance -
to use wood for a retaining wall
where the code requires structural
elements to be masonry.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended denial
of both the variance to use wood and the amended site plan. Staff explained that masonry
requirements for building materials provides longevity for structures and that wood,
especially where it comes in contact with the soil, deteriorates fast. He explained that the
wide circular driveway violates the code and makes the existing drainage problem worse.
Mr. Berg stated that the owners had not been consistent with the original site plan in
regards to site development, drainage, or structures. He recommended that a CBS wall
be installed in lieu of the wood support structure, and that a double wide driveway be
installed, with no circular design. Finally, he stated that the original drainage plan, with a
swale area, also be installed. The Board inquired about the water run-off. The owners,
Nancy and Jorge Fernandez, and an environmental consultant, Robert Mengi, were there
to present the case. Mr. Mengi explained that the elevated wood structure was placed
instead of a masonry structure in order for the owners to maintain the septic tank as
required by HRS. Mr. Mengi submitted a permit and the requirements from HRS to the
Board as evidence. The Board also inquired about the flooding problems around the
neighborhood and how a masonry wall would solve the drainage problem. Mr. Berg
explained that it would not solve the problem but that it would keep the water from
draining into the neighbors' properties. The owner, Jorge Fernandez, explained their
intentions for the wooden structure. The Board stated that they wanted more expertise
evidence that would show that the wooden structure would be their only solution for
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Planning and Zoning
- 6- February 20, 2003
maintaining the septic tank. Mr. Mengi stated that the wooden structure gives easier
access to the drain field for maintenance. The Board also inquired about the driveway
and the two required shading trees on the swale. Mr. Berg addressed the issues in regards
to the modification of the original site plan. The owner, Mr. Fernandez, explained that he
did not see another solution, besides the wooden structure, that would allow them to
maintain the septic tank. The Board once again requested more expertise evidence from
the applicant. The Chairman, Richard Fernandez, opened the hearing for public
comments. Residents from 10639 NE 11 Ct. and residents from 10651 NE 11 Ct., were
there to offer input in regards to the case. The residents explained the enormous drainage
problem they have in that street and they explained the cooperation they want from the
owners to not worsen the issue. The Board stated that Public Works would be informed
about that street for possible solutions. Chairman Fernandez closed the hearing for public
comments. After further discussion, Mr. Shockey made a motion to table the case in
order for the owner to bring further information in regards to their request. Mr.
Crutchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-09 Michael Byrd Sec. 701: Appeal of Administrative Official -
567 NE 96 St. paint
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended denial
of the appeal. The owners, Michael and Ana Byrd, were there to present the case. Mrs.
Byrd stated that she wanted to amend the color and submitted the color swatch to the
Board for review. The Board explained that the new color was not considered by the
Building Official and therefore an appeal cannot exist. Mrs. Byrd explained why she
brought the color at the last minute. The Board suggested that she withdraw her
application and submit the color to Mr. Berg for review. After iirrther discussion, Mrs.
Byrd withdrew her application.
PZ02-1017-02 Daniel and Claudia Alton ' Sec. 518(b): Fence in front yard
842 NE 99 St.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the request. Mr. Berg explained that the fence would be a very attractive
addition to Miami Shores and to the property. The Board had no questions for Mr. Berg.
The property owner, Daniel Aulton, was there to present his case. Mr. Aulton had no
further comments. After hearing staff's recommendations, Mr. Crutchfield made a
motion to approve the request for the fence. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion for
discussion. The Board inquired about the proposed fountain presented to them at the
previous meeting. Mr. Aulton explained that he was no longer going to install the
fountain. After a brief discussion, the vote passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-10 Ellen Sweet Moss Sec. 701: Appeal of Administrative
9305 NE 9 Ave. Official -paint
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Planning and Zoning
- 7- February 20, 2003
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended denial
of the appeal. The Board reviewed the pictures of the property and a color swatch given
to them in their package. The Board commented on the differences between wooden
houses and masonry houses and how the colors appear on each. Some Board members
felt that the color proposed was appropriate for a wooden house. The property owner,
Mr. and Mrs. Moss, were there to present the case. Mrs. Moss explained that the railings
will be painted white. After further discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to over-
rule staffs decision and approve the paint color. Mr. Fernandez seconded the motion for
discussion. Mr. Abramitis explained that the property is enclosed by vegetation,
therefore, making the color seem softer. Landscaping around the property directly affects
the approval of the color. After further discussion, the vote passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-11 Shelton Hill Sec. 604: Site plan approval -
123 NW 102 St. garage enclosure
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the application. He also explained that the applicant would submit a
Declaration of Use for the property's records. The Board raised a few issues. Mr.
Crutchfield inquired about a possible cut back from the driveway. The Board felt that
changing the driveway to a semi -circular driveway might help in disguising the garage
enclosure. The owner agreed to change the driveway. The property owner, Shelton Hill,
was there to present the case. The Board inquired about possibly closing the door in the
garage. The owner explained that the door was left for safety reasons. After further
discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to approve the site plan with the conditions
that the owner submits a Declaration of Use, cuts the driveway to a semi -circular
driveway, and closes the door in the garage. Mr. Shockey seconded the motion. Motion
passed 4-0.
PZ03-0220-12
Ameri Trust Title Co. (tenant)
Real property Inc. (owner)
216 NE 98 St.
Sec. 504(0(1): Window signs
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the window signs. Staff does not recommend the erection of the proposed
sign on the building by the alley. None of the other tenants have signs on this area and
staff feels that it would not be harmonious. Some of the Board members felt that the
application was not professionally done. The property owner, Michael Cudlipp, was
there to present the case. Mr. Cudlipp explained that he had designed the signs himself
and that is why, the application was done. He also explained the intention of the design.
Mr. Cudlipp confirmed that the second business' name on the door was his wife's
business. The Board members explained the issue of harmony in regards to the proposed
sign on the building. After further discussion, Mr. Crutchfield made a motion to approve
the application without the proposed alley sign. Mr. Shockey seconded the motion.
• Motion passed 4-0.
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Planning and Zoning
- 8- February 20, 2003
ITEM II: (CONTINUANCE) APPROVAL OF MINUTES -January 16, 2003
Mr. Shockey made a motion to approve the January 16, 2003 minutes with the amended
corrections. Mr. Crutchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
-Mr. Sarafan explained the current status of the Marbelia project. He stated that new
drawings of two story townhouses were presented to the Village Manager as the new
development for that area but that they still require further study. The Board also
discussed the issues of annexation and the economic impact of the area.
-Mr. Berg spoke about a new storage container that is being placed outside of properties
throughout Miami Shores during construction. Mr. Berg explained that he would only
allow them for seven days. The Board inquired about the height and width of the
container and requested that the property owner covered the advertising sign on the
container. Further discussion was needed about the P.O.D. S
ITEM VI: NEXT MEETING- March 20, 2003
ITEM V: ADJOURNMENT- Mr. Shockey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at
10:15 P.M. Mr. Abramitis seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Recording Secretary Chairman