08-21-2003 Regular Meeting•
•
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2003
The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Planning and Zoning Board was held on
Thursday, August 21, 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:
ALSO PRESENT:
Richard Fernandez, Chairman
W. Robert Abramitis
Cesar Sastre
Donald Shockey
Al Berg, Planning & Zoning Director
Irene M. Fajardo, Recording Secretary
Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
ABSENT: Tim Crutchfield
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 -July 17, 2003
Mr. Abramitis made a motion to approve the July 17, 2003, minutes with the amended
corrections. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
ITEM III: SCHEDULE ITEMS
Case #: PZ03-0821-01
Owner: Georgette Kluck. (owner)
Address: 9701 NE 5 Ave.
Sec.518 (a) (b): Requesting a variance to allow a 4' wooden fence in the front yard where
the code only allows 3 1/2 picket with Planning and Zoning approval.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended to
deny the variance request. Mr. Berg gave a brief presentation showing maps of similar
situated properties and the surrounding neighborhood. He explained that the property is
unique only in that it is located along a road that is diagonal. The front setback of the
house has the same orientation as the other houses on N.E. 5th Avenue Road. Mr. Berg
also explained that the literal interpretation does not make it impossible to comply with
the code and does not create a hardship. Mr. and Mrs. Kluck were there to present the
case. Mrs. Kluck believes that the fence is located in the backyard and not the front yard
as Mr. Berg stated. The Board inquired about the particular circumstances of plat for
corner lots, the fence height, and line of sight issues. Mr. Berg explained the setback
Planning & Zoning 1 08/21/2003
•
requirements for corner lots and the line of sight issue. The Board also inquired about the
location of the pool. Mr. Berg explained that Mrs. Kluck can comply with the code and
with Miami -Dade County fencing requirement for pools by installing a 4' high fence at
the front setback line of 25' which is along the patio. Chairman Fernandez inquired
about the requirements for a variance and whether Mrs. Kluck had other options. Mrs.
Kluck agreed that there were other options but she felt that keeping the fence as is would
be more harmonious. After further discussion, Mr. Abramitis made a motion to deny the
variance request. Mr. Shockey seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Case #: PZ03-0821-02
Owner: Wendy Crawford
Address: 164 NW 92 St.
Sec. 400/401: Requesting a variance of rear setback of 3 1/2' where 5' are required for a
deck; requesting a 3' setback where 7 1/2' are required for a pool.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended
approval of the variance request. Mr. Berg explained that the unique feature of the
property is the 3 1/2 feet diameter oak tree that affected the placement of the house.
Because of the tree, the house had to be shifted back, almost eliminating the entire back
yard. The front setback of the house was adjusted from 25' to 28.' These are the 3' that
the applicant is requesting for the variance in order to install a therapy pool. The
applicant, Ms. Crawford and her friend John Cadon, were there to present the case. Ms.
Crawford submitted a letter from Miami Physical Therapy Associates that explains the
• physical condition of the applicant and the benefits for having a therapy pool. The Board
reviewed the evidence given by Ms. Crawford. Mr. Cadon inquired about whether the
physical condition of the applicant could be a variance requirement. The Board
explained that the peculiar conditions must exist on the property. The Board agreed that
some peculiar conditions do exist, but not enough to not be able to make reasonable use
of the property. After further discussion, Mr. Shockey made a motion to grant the
variance request. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. Motion failed to carry 2-2. (Mr.
Fernandez and Mr. Abramitis voted no).
•
Case #: PZ03-0821-03
Owner: Roger Griffin
Address: 164 NW 92 St.
The applicant Roger Griffin was not present. Mr. Shockey made a motion to table the
case until the following meeting. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Case#: PZ03-0821-04
Owner: Michael Finkelstein
Address: 1297 NE 103 St.
Mr. Berg explained the basis of the request, the site conditions, and recommended that
the Board review the elevation drawings and the site plan. Mr. Berg believed that the
scope of the work exceeds a simple addition and that the work involved is more similar to
Planning & Zoning 2 08/21/2003
•
a new house than an addition. The proposed construction entails removal of the entire
roof, demolition of almost all of the interior walls, and additions to the rear of the
structure and the front entry of the building. Mr. Berg concluded by stating that he
recommended approval of the new house. The applicant, Michael Finkelstein, was there
to present the case. Mr. Finkelstein explained the changes that he was planning to make
on the existing property. The Board enquired about the setback requirements and about
street trees. Mr. Finkelstein agreed to comply with two street trees in the front. Mr. Berg
confirmed that the applicant met all the setback requirements. Mr. Shockey inquired
about a landscaping plan since it is part of the procedure for a site plan approval of a new
house. The applicant did not submit a landscaping plan. After further discussion, Mr.
Abramitis made a motion to approve the site plan with the condition that two street trees
will be planted in the front of the property. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. Motion
passed 4-0.
IV. DISCUSSION:
The Board agreed to disclose that they had visited the properties on the agenda at the
beginning of every meeting. The disclosure will be added as an item in the beginning of
the agendas
V. NEXT MEETING.
The next meeting will be on September 18, 2003.
• VI. ADJOURNMENT
The August 21, 2003 Planning and Zoning meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.
•
Planning & Zoning
3 08/21/2003