Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Variance Application for 2612 Woodview DriveEffective Date: July 18, 2025 1 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical) Application Packet 1.Application Packet The “Application Packet” for a Variance includes the following: •Application Form •Supporting Information •Site Plan Checklist •Adjoining Property Owner Support Statement (Completion of this form is optional) Be sure to complete and submit all the required materials that are part of this Application Packet. Failure to do so will result in a delay in accepting your application until it is complete. 2.Zoning Board of Adjustment Meetings Within three days after the application is received, staff will determine if the application is complete and notify the applicant. The determination will be in writing. The applicant may then update their application as needed or respond in writing that they choose to proceed with the application as submitted. The staff review time does not include time needed to review a Building/Zoning Permit, Minor Site Development Plan, or Sign Permit that is associated with the variance application. A complete application may be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment if it is determined to be complete at least 14 days before the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Zoning Board of Adjustment conducts a public hearing, considers the recommendation of the Planning and Housing staff and makes the final decision, based on the standards in the Ordinance. The Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Additional meetings may be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, April through October. 3.Submittal and Filing Fee The complete application and filing fee must be submitted to: Department of Planning and Housing City of Ames 515 Clark Avenue, Room 214 Ames, Iowa 50010 E-mail: planning@cityofames.org The filing fee of $150.00 is required at the time the application is submitted. 4.Site Plan and Architectural Elevations The applicant shall submit a Site Plan, drawn to scale, that clearly shows the variance being sought. The Site Plan shall be a reproducible, black line drawing on a sheet of paper no larger than 11” x 17”. If a Major or Minor Site Development Plan was submitted as part of the development approval process for the subject property, then that Major or Minor Site Development Plan should be submitted with the Variance application. Effective Date: July 18, 2025 2 If the project for which the Variance is sought is a single-family dwelling, a two-family dwelling, or other use exempt from the requirement for a Site Development Plan, then the Site Plan shall include at a minimum the following information: •Dimensioned property lines •Abutting streets and alleys •Location and size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures (Include distances to all property lines and distances between buildings and structures) •Required setbacks •Driveways and parking areas, fully dimensioned •Other pertinent information necessary to fully understand the need for a Variance (e.g., significant change in topography, location and size of mature trees, etc.) Architectural elevations also should be submitted, where appropriate, to assist the Board in making its decision. These architectural elevations should be black line drawings, drawn to scale on a sheet of paper no larger than 11”x17”. 5.Photos and Exhibits Materials submitted with the application or presented as evidence during the public hearing will not be returned and must be kept as part of the public record. 6.Notification The City will mail a notice to all property owners within 400 feet of the property that an appeal for a Variance has been filed. This notification is done so that concerned individuals will have an opportunity to learn about what is being proposed and can present information on this matter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND HOUSING. Phone: 515-239-5400 E-mail: planning@cityofames.org Effective Date: July 18, 2025 3 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical) Application Form (This form must be completely filled out before the application will be accepted) 1.Property Address for this Variance Application: 2.Legal Description (attach if lengthy): 3. I (We) the undersigned, do hereby respectfully appeal to the Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment to grant a Variance to the Zoning Ordinance to allow the issuance of a Building/Zoning Permit, Sign Permit, or Site Development Plan to permit: 4. The Building/Zoning Permit, Sign Permit, or Site Development Plan was refused because: 5.Property Owner: Business: Address: (Street)(City)(State) (Zip) Phone Number: E-mail: 6.Applicant: Business: Address: (Street)(City)(State) (Zip) Phone Number: E-mail: 7.Contact Person: Business: Address: (Street)(City)(State) (Zip) 2612 Woodview Dr. Ames, Iowa CHRISTOFFERSONS 1ST SD LOT 11 EX S7’ FOR RD The building of a 1600sqft detatched garage and increase to a total of 35ft lin- 2612 Woodview Dr Ames, IA 50014 flenniken1017@gmail.com tyler@timberbrookbuilders.com ear feet of doors. 515-509-4092 515-450-6416 Tyler Wrabek on behalf of the Flenniken family Tyler Wrabek Timberbrook Builders 610 5th Street Colo, Iowa 50056 Eric M. Flenniken Timberbrook Builders 610 5th Street Colo, Iowa 50056 Effective Date: July 18, 2025 4 Phone Number: E-mail: The Zoning Board of Adjustment may grant a Variance, provided the Board members can make a finding that literal enforcement of the Ordinance will result in practical difficulties that are not self-created, and that the Variance will not significantly alter the essential character of the surrounding neighborhood, will observe the Spirit of the Ordinance, and will result in substantial justice. This appeal will not be granted unless sufficient facts are presented in this application to justify the variance in light of the standards and to show that the granting of the variance relates to the intent and purposes of the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan. Approval of the Variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in no way absolves the applicant from subsequently obtaining the necessary building permits or other permits from the City of Ames or from other applicable agencies. I (We) certify that I (we) have been denied a Building/Zoning Permit, that I (we) have submitted all the required information to appeal for a Variance, and that said information is factual. Signed by: Date: Property Owner(s) Printed Name Note: No other signature may be substituted for the Property Owner’s Signature. tyler@timberbrookbuilders.com515-450-6416 Effective Date: July 18, 2025 5 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical) Supporting Information (This form must be filled out completely before your application will be accepted) The Zoning Board of Adjustment can grant a Variance only if all of the following standards are satisfied. In order to facilitate review of this application for a Variance, the applicant must address each of the Variance Standards set forth in Section 29.1504(5) of the Zoning Ordinance, which are listed below. (Note: The applicant’s explanation of how the request meets each standard may be attached on a separate sheet if sufficient space is not provided.) 1. Variance Standards The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review each application for the purpose of determining that the Variance Standards are satisfied. Pursuant to Iowa law, a variance shall be granted only if all of the following standards are satisfied: (a) The practical difficulties faced are unique to the property at issue and not self- created: Please show how beneficial use and/or enjoyment of the property will be affected if the Variance is not granted and how the practical difficulties are unique and unlike other properties in the vicinity (e.g. physical circumstances) and not self-imposed. Explain how the request meets this standard: (b) Granting the variance will not significantly alter the essential character of the surrounding neighborhood: Please show that the proposed use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. Explain how the request meets this standard: The hardship arises from existing structural and elevation conditions unique to this parcel, not from any action of the current owners. The home sits below roadway grade, resulting in an undersized and partially below-grade basement garage with 6.5-foot-tall doors that no longer function effectively for modern vehicles. Because these doors are an ineffective height, the existing garage cannot accommodate the family’s full-size vehicles. Because of the home’s orientation and the position of the existing garage opening, attaching a new garage to the primary structure would require significant reconstruction. The below- grade foundation and basement garage configuration limit where safe, functional parking can be provided without major structural alteration. To achieve reasonable and safe vehicle access, the proposed design increases total door frontage to provide full-height entries and adequate clearance for modern vehicles. These conditions are longstanding and not self-created. The proposed detached garage utilizes the most practical flat area of the site to achieve reasonable use consistent with neighborhood character. Without the variance, the owners would be unable to construct a functional, code-compliant garage that meets ordinary residential needs for parking, storage, and safe access. Effective Date: July 18, 2025 5 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical) Supporting Information (This form must be filled out completely before your application will be accepted) The Zoning Board of Adjustment can grant a Variance only if all of the following standards are satisfied. In order to facilitate review of this application for a Variance, the applicant must address each of the Variance Standards set forth in Section 29.1504(5) of the Zoning Ordinance, which are listed below. (Note: The applicant’s explanation of how the request meets each standard may be attached on a separate sheet if sufficient space is not provided.) 1. Variance Standards The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review each application for the purpose of determining that the Variance Standards are satisfied. Pursuant to Iowa law, a variance shall be granted only if all of the following standards are satisfied: (a) The practical difficulties faced are unique to the property at issue and not self- created: Please show how beneficial use and/or enjoyment of the property will be affected if the Variance is not granted and how the practical difficulties are unique and unlike other properties in the vicinity (e.g. physical circumstances) and not self-imposed. Explain how the request meets this standard: (b) Granting the variance will not significantly alter the essential character of the surrounding neighborhood: Please show that the proposed use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. Explain how the request meets this standard: 5 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical)Supporting Information(This form must be filled out completely before your application will be accepted)The Zoning Board of Adjustment can grant a Variance only if all of the following standards are satisfied. In order to facilitate review of this application for a Variance, the applicant must address each of the Variance Standards set forth in Section 29.1504(5) of the Zoning Ordinance, which are listed below. (Note: The applicant’s explanation of how the request meets each standard may be attached on a separate sheet if sufficient space is not provided.)1. Variance Standards The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review each application for the purpose of determining that the Variance Standards are satisfied. Pursuant to Iowa law, a variance shall be granted only if all of the following standards are satisfied: (a) The practical difficulties faced are unique to the property at issue and not self-created:Please show how beneficial use and/or enjoyment of the property will be affected if the Variance is not granted and how the practical difficulties are unique and unlike other properties in the vicinity (e.g. physical circumstances) and not self-imposed. Explain how the request meets this standard: (b) Granting the variance will not significantly alter the essential character of the surrounding neighborhood: Please show that the proposed use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. Explain how the request meets this standard: The proposed garage will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. On the contrary, it will bring the property into closer alignment with surrounding residences by providing a safe, functional, and attractive parking solution. Currently, vehicles are forced to park in the yard or driveway due to the unusable basement stalls. This creates a cluttered and unsightly appearance along the main road and at the street entrance. The new garage will eliminate that condition, establish organized parking, and improve curb appeal by clearing overgrown areas. The property occupies a highly visible location at the entrance of the street, making its appearance a contributor to the neighborhood’s overall impression. Enhancing this lot will strengthen visual cohesion, provide a more orderly frontage, and positively influence the integrity of the area. The requested garage is consistent in scale, materials, and design with other homes in the vicinity. Many nearby properties sit on larger or combined lots and include oversized garages. In comparison, the proposed garage consolidates use into a single, architecturally compatible building. Its roofline, massing, and finishes are intentionally designed to complement the primary residence and blend with the neighborhood pattern. By providing a consolidated, well-designed garage, this project maintains compatibility with the residential character of the area while improving both the property’s aesthetic appeal and its functional qualities. The result benefits not only the owners but also the broader neighborhood and community. Effective Date: July 18, 2025 6 (c) The spirit of the ordinance shall be observed even when the variance is granted. Please show that the Variance is consistent with the intent of the Sign Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and the Comprehensive Plan. A Variance would not be consistent with the intent if alternatives for development exist that do not require a Variance. Explain how the request meets this standard: The purpose of the zoning ordinance is to ensure orderly development, preserve neighborhood character, and protect adjoining properties. Granting this variance advances those objectives by allowing a garage structure consistent with established development patterns while still respecting setbacks, sightlines, and overall lot balance. Alternative layouts were carefully evaluated, including attaching a new garage to the existing home or converting that addition into an ADU. Due to the orientation of the residence and the presence of the basement stalls, these options would require major reconfiguration of the primary structure and yard, creating greater disruption to the streetscape and neighborhood pattern. Adding an ADU would also introduce significant cost and inefficiently use space. By contrast, the proposed detached garage is the least intrusive and most compatible solution. The requested garage provides the minimum adjustment necessary to achieve safe, functional use of the property. Its consolidated design reduces the need for multiple accessory structures, minimizes impervious coverage, and preserves more open space than alternative approaches. By enabling the property owners to enjoy the same residential benefits as neighboring households while maintaining compatibility with surrounding development, the variance upholds the spirit of the ordinance. The project improves residential quality of life, strengthens neighborhood integrity, and maintains the established character of the area. Effective Date: July 18, 2025 6 (c) The spirit of the ordinance shall be observed even when the variance is granted. Please show that the Variance is consistent with the intent of the Sign Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and the Comprehensive Plan. A Variance would not be consistent with the intent if alternatives for development exist that do not require a Variance. Explain how the request meets this standard: Effective Date: July 18, 2025 7 (d) Substantial justice shall be done as a result of granting the variance. Explain how the request meets this standard: Approving the variance ensures fairness to the property owner by allowing the same reasonable use and enjoyment of their property as other households in the district. Without relief, the property would remain burdened by unique site conditions that prevent functional garage use — a condition not imposed on similarly situated neighbors. Denial would impose an undue hardship, depriving the owners of a benefit that is customary in the district, while granting the request allows them to enjoy their property in a manner consistent with community standards. Granting the variance also serves the community by consolidating vehicle and equipment storage into a single structure, reducing visual clutter, minimizing on- street parking demand, and preserving neighborhood integrity. In this way, the decision balances the City’s regulatory framework with the homeowner’s right to beneficial use, ensuring that justice is done for both the applicant and the public. Effective Date: July 18, 2025 8 Variance (Area, Dimensional, Numerical) Site Plan Checklist (For Properties Occupied by a Single-Family or Two-Family Dwelling) (This form must be filled out completely before your application will be accepted) The applicant shall submit a Site Plan, drawn to scale, that clearly shows the Variance being sought. The Site Plan shall be a reproducible, black line drawing on a sheet of paper no larger than 11”x17”. If the project for which the Variance is sought is a single-family or two- family dwelling, or other use exempt from the requirement for a Site Development Plan, then the Site Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (NOTE: If the proposed project requires approval of a Major or Minor Site Development Plan, it should be included with this application for a Variance, not the Site Plan described on this checklist.) Dimensioned property lines Abutting streets and alleys Location and size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures (include distances to all property lines and distances between buildings and structures.) Required setbacks Driveways and parking areas, fully dimensioned Other pertinent information necessary to fully understand the need for a Variance (e.g., significant change in topography, location and size of mature trees, etc.) Effective Date: July 18, 2025 9 Adjoining Property Owner Statement (Completion of this form by the applicant is optional) To Whom It May Concern: We, the undersigned, own property adjoining Ames, Iowa. It is our understanding that has filed an appeal with the Zoning Board of Adjustment to allow As adjoining property owners, we would have no objections to the issuance of this building permit for the purposes stated above. Mike Bryant 9-28-2025 Good Day. [...] Sorry, I missed you. I appreciate you keeping me in the loop. That’s exciting news to get a new garage that will be much more accommodating than the very small outdated one under the your house. If it is still beneficial I would be happy to sign your petition for a variance. [...] Additional acknoweledgement of support from neighbor, Mike Bryant we, were not able to obtain the signature in person.