Minutes_Zoning Board of Adjustment 6 25 20 Copyrighted
J uly 20, 2020
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council proceedings of 7/6, 7/8, 7/13; Housing Commission of 6/23,
Five Flags Civic Center Commission of 6/22; Proof of publication for
City Council proceedings of 6/8, 6/15, 6/22; Zoning Advisory
Commission of 7/1; Zoning Board of Adjustment of 6/25; Proof of
Publication for City Council proceedings of 6/8, 6/15, 6/20, 6/22; Proof
of publication for List of Claim and Summary of Revenues for month
ending 5/31.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings of 7/6/20 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 7/8/20 Supporting Documentation
Five Flags Civic Center Commission Minutes of Supporting Documentation
6/22/20
Housing Commission Minutes of 6/23/20 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes of 7/1/20 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of 6/25/20 Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
6/8/20
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
6/15/20
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
6/20/20
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
6/22/20
Proof of Publication for List of Claims/ Summary of Supporting Documentation
Revenues for Month Ending 5/31/20
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 8
impact on the neighborhood.
Board Members discussed the request and felt it was appropriate.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request to expand a mortuary.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and
McCoy; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None
ITEMS FROM BOARD: Board Members unanimously elected Keith Ahlvin as Board
Vice-Chair.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: Welcome Matt Mauss. Thank you to Jeff Cremer for serving the
citizens of Dubuque on this Board since 2008.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by McCoy, seconded by Kosel, to adjourn the June 25, 2020
Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —Ahlvin,
Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay— None
The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Guy Hemenway, Assistant Planner Adopted
Dubuque
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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
REGULAR SESSION
5:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The Zoning Board of Adjustment met at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Due to
the COVID-19 pandemic and mandates for social distancing, this meeting was
conducted virtually.
Board Members Present: Chairperson Jonathan McCoy, Board Members Keith
Ahlvin, Bethany Golombeski, Gwen Kosel and Matt Mauss.
Board Members Excused: None
Board Members Unexcused: None
Staff Members Present: Wally Wernimont, Guy Hemenway and Travis Schrobilgen
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson McCoy at 5:01 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Kosel, to approve the minutes of the May
28, 2020 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye —Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Maus and McCoy; Nay — None;
DOCKET - 05-20 Variance —Tabled from February: Application of John
Weber/McGrath Collision Center 3255 University Avenue to add a third wall mounted sign
to a business, where two signs maximum permitted, in a C-3 General Commercial zoning
district.
Chairperson McCoy noted that the request was tabled multiple times and asked the
applicant if he had anything that showed they were a separate individual business.
John Weber, representing McGrath Collision Center, stated that it is tough to run a
business if people cannot find them. He said they are a separate business although
they occupy the same building. He said he was asking for signage so they can
successfully operate the business.
Dan McDonald, Greater Dubuque Development Corp, 900 Jackson Street, spoke in
support of the proposal. He noted McGrath Collision Center is a separate business. He
also pointed out that other locations were allowed up to 13 signs and stated that
precedence had been set.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 2
Staff Member Hemenway noted that if the two entities were separate businesses, each
would be allowed one wall-mounted sign and if a single business, still only two signs
would be allowed. He clarified that the request is for a third wall mounted sign. He
discussed a number of alternatives and options for the existing signs that would allow
them to have a sign within the regulations.
The Board discussed the proposal noting it did not meet the criteria needed to grant a
variance.
Motion by McCoy, seconded by Ahlvin, to approve the request to add a third wall
mounted sign to a business, where two signs maximum are permitted, in a C-3 General
Commercial zoning district. Motion denied by the following vote: Aye — None; Nay—
Ahlvin citing criteria 1,2,3,4, Kosel citing criteria 1,4, McCoy citing criteria 1,2,3,4;
Abstain — Golombeski citing potential conflict of interest, Mauss citing unfamiliarity of the
case as this was his first meeting and this was a multi-meeting case.
DOCKET — 13-20 Conditional Use Permit— Tabled from May: Application of Tellus
and Sarah Truesdale, 1640 FairFax Avenue, to open a tourist home as a conditional use
in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
Sarah and Tellus Truesdale, 1640 Fairfax Avenue, discussed their proposal noting that
they have a space with a secondary entrance and would like to rent it out intermittently.
They noted that they have plenty of on-street parking and the owner-occupied space is
on a separate level.
Staff Member Hemenway detailed the staff report noting the request is to convert a
basement unit to a tourist home. He discussed the size of the structure, that the
structure was walkout, and that parking and access would come from Marmora Ave. He
noted that it may have sporadic use and may increase noise and activity in the
immediate area. He recommended that rental be limited to 1 bedroom and 2 guests to
limit those impacts.
The Board asked if the applicants would be amenable to the recommendation from staff.
The applicants stated that would be acceptable provide that non-adult children would also
be allowed. Board Members recommended that the guests at the tourist home be limited to two
adults with no limit on children under 18 years of age.
The Board discussed the proposal and staff's recommendation finding them
appropriate.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Golombeski, to approve the request to open a tourist
home as a conditional use in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district with the
condition that adult guests be limited to two with no limit on children under 18 years of
age. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Ahlvin, Golombeski, Mauss and
McCoy; Nay — Kosel (citing criteria #2)
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 3
DOCKET — 19-20 Special Exception: Application of Eric Stierman, 499 Kaufmann Ave.
to build a 20' x 30' carport 2' from the side property line and 2' from the rear property line
(Valeria Street) in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
Eric Stierman, 1608 Rhomberg Avenue, stated that the property was a rental with a
cement parking pad and he would like to provide covered parking.
Staff Member Hemenway noted that front yard setbacks are generally intended for
houses oriented along the street and that it was not the case in this situation. He said
that the applicant is proposing an open design and that it should not block the view for
vehicles.
Chairperson McCoy asked about the roof design and if there would be a gutter. The
applicant noted that he had not yet determined the roof style, but that he planned to
have gutters.
Board member Ahlvin noted that the open design allays his concerns.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Kosel, to approve the request to build a 20' x 30' carport
2' from the side property line and 2' from the rear property line (Valeria Street) in an R-1
Single-Family Residential zoning district with the condition that the structure remain of
an open design and that stormwater is directed on to the subject property. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye —Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay
— None.
DOCKET — 20-20 Special Exception: Application of Jamie Becker and Justin
Muehlenkamp, 2160 Golden Eagle Drive to place a storage shed 6' from the front
property line (Golden Eagle Drive), 20 feet minimum required, in an R-1 Single-Family
Residential zoning district.
Kevin Muehlenkamp, 2160 Golden Eagle Drive, on behalf of applicants, briefly
discussed the proposal.
Staff Member Hemenway detailed the staff report. He noted that no accessory
structures are permitted on an otherwise empty lot. He said the applicants have
combined three lots into one. He noted that the topography of the lot is extreme and that
the parkway is large at this location. He said there were no visibility concerns and that
no input was received from neighbors.
Chairperson McCoy asked if the subject parcel is all one lot. Mr. Hemenway stated
that it was.
Board Member Kosel asked if there is an existing fence around the pool. The applicant
stated that a fence is nearby but incomplete. Staff Member Hemenway noted that a
gated 5' fence is required around the entire perimeter of all pools and that the fence
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 4
could be configured in many ways and located anywhere on the lot. Chairperson McCoy
asked if a Building official would be on site for the shed. Mr. Hemenway noted they may
not be for the shed but may inspect the pool.
Motion by Golombeski, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request to place a storage
shed 6' from the front property line (Golden Eagle Drive), 20 feet minimum required, in
an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye —Ahlvin, Golombeski, Mauss and McCoy; Nay — Kosel, citing criteria 2
DOCKET — 21-20 Special Exception: Application of Clayton Erschen, 1217 Isborn
Avenue to construct front porch overhang 0' from the font property line (Isborn Avenue),
where 20' minimum is required, in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
Clayton Erschen, 1217 Isborn Avenue, noted that the house is legally nonconforming
and that it is located at the end of a dead-end street abutting a farm.
Staff Member Hemenway detailed the staff report noting that Isborn Avenue is a
substandard dead end street. He also noted that the home is legally nonconforming and
there was no input received from the neighbors.
Board member Kosel asked for clarification on whether the existing sidewalk was in the
parkway. Staff Member Hemenway noted that the sidewalk was a private walk to the
nearby driveway and not located in the parkway.
The Board discussed the proposal finding it appropriate.
Motion by McCoy, seconded by Kosel, to approve the request to construct front porch
overhang 0' from the font property line (Isborn Avenue), where 20' minimum is required,
in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district with the condition that stormwater is
directed on to the applicant's property. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay — None.
DOCKET — 22-20 Special Exception: Application of Kevin and Janice Esser, 1072
Locust Street to construct a deck 0' from the south side property line, where 3' minimum
is required, in an OC Office Commercial zoning district.
Janice and Kevin Esser, 1072 Locust Street, spoke in favor of their request. They noted
that the rooftop deck would extend over to an existing deck. They noted their neighbors
are a coffee shop, a church, and some apartments.
Staff Member Hemenway discussed the staff report noting that new construction is
required to be a minimum of 3 feet from the property line. He said that no comments
were received from the neighbors.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 5
Board Members discussed the request and felt that it met the required criteria.
Motion by Kosel, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request as submitted. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye —Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay
— None.
DOCKET — 23-20 Special Exception: Application of David and Amanda Mata, 15302
Middle Road to construct a fence 8' in height along the west and south side property
lines, where 7' maximum is allowed, in an AG Agricultural (default R-2A) zoning district.
Amanda Mata, 15302 Middle Road, spoke in favor of her request. She said that she
and her husband had purchased a single-family home next to an RV park that
generates a lot of noise activity. She said that the park's swimming pool is located at
the corner of her lot and that an 8-foot-high fence is necessary to screen the pool and
associated noise and to provide privacy to her back yard. No one spoke in opposition to
the request.
Staff Member Schrobilgen outlined the staff report noting the fence height and location
on the lot. He said that the fence will be well back from the Middle Road frontage and
not block the view from the adjacent driveway or property.
Board Members discussed the request and said that they felt it was appropriate.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Kosel, to approve the request to construct an 8' high
fence along the west and south property lines. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
— Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay — None.
DOCKET — 24-20 Special Exception: Application of Kristina Hochrein-Petsche, 695
O'Neill Street, to construct a garage addition 6' from the rear property line, where 20'
minimum is required, in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
Kristina Hochrein-Petsche, 695 O'Neill Street, spoke in favor of her request stating that
she would like to build an attached garage over an existing concrete pad. She said that
she has spoken with her neighbors and they have submitted letters of support. She
said that the garage design will be compatible with the existing house design including
matching siding and windows. No one spoke in opposition to the request.
Staff Member Schrobilgen noted that if the garage were to be detached it could be built
within 6 feet of the property line, but as it will be attached, the minimum setback is 20
feet. He said that the garage as proposed will not compromise visibility. He noted that
the neighbors to the east and west submitted letters of support.
Board Members discussed the request and felt that is met the criteria required for
granting a Special Exception.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 6
Motion by Golombeski, seconded by Kosel, to approve the request to construct a
garage addition 6' from the rear property line. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
— Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay — None.
DOCKET — 25-20 Special Exception: Application of Sherry L. Cheney, 995 Mt. Loretta
Avenue to build a 10' wide addition 9' from the front property line, where 20' minimum is
required, in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
Sherry L. Cheney, 995 Mt. Loretta Avenue, stated that she has an extended family living
in her house and she would like to construct an addition to provide more living space.
She said that the yard is terraced and the house sits above the street. She said that
there is a flat area in front that extends approximately ten feet from the house where the
addition could be placed. She said the staff report noted the addition may be out of
character with the neighborhood. She contended that there was no consistent
architectural style in the neighborhood because all of the houses were different.
Jaroslav Sebek, 994 Mt. Loretta Avenue, said that he supported the project provided
that construction vehicles did not consume the available on street parking during the
building process.
Staff Member Schrobilgen outlined the staff report noting that while the proposed
addition will not inhibit views from the adjacent properties, it may be somewhat out of
character with the neighborhood.
Board Member Ahlvin asked the applicant how far the addition will project beyond the
existing porch. Ms. Cheney said that it would project approximately 2 to 3 feet beyond
the porch. She said that she would encourage contractors to park in her driveway. The
Board discussed the addition's design.
Board Member Golombeski asked if the addition could be limited to a single story.
Board Member Kosel expressed concern with the design being out of character with the
neighborhood.
Ms. Cheney said that there were a number residential structures with similar setbacks in
the neighborhood and that the proposed design will be attractive. Board Member Maus
asked if the exterior treatment would be brick or vinyl siding. Ms. Cheney said that the
addition would be sided with vinyl and that a new large front door, sidelights, matching
windows and a pitched roof would complete the structure.
Board Chair McCoy expressed concerns with the design.
Motion by McCoy, seconded by Ahlvin, to approve the request to build an addition 10'
from the front property line with the condition that the addition be limited to a single
story. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye —Ahlvin and Golombeski; Nay - Kosel,
Mauss and McCoy. All three Board Members who voted in opposition cited criteria 2
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 25, 2020 Page 7
regarding granting a Special Exception
DOCKET — 26-20 Variance: Application of Vault Ventures LLC, 1745 Madison Street to
convert a residence to a duplex with a deficit of two off-street parking spaces, and with
2,950 sq. ft. of lot area, where 5,000 sq. ft. of lot area minimum is required.
Luke Kahl, 1745 Madison Street, said that he would like to convert a single-family home
to a duplex. He said that the building lot is located on a steep hill and that creating a
curb-cut and off-street parking would be difficult. He noted that the City's Engineering
Department was concerned with the impact on traffic safety and storm water flow should
a curb-cut be approved.
Staff Member Schrobilgen said that the additional unit proposed should generate little
additional demand on parking. He explained the Historic Preservation Commission's
review of the project.
Board Member Golombeski said that as there were no residences across Madison
Street and indicated the extra unit would have little effect on parking in the
neighborhood. Board Member Maus asked about the impact of a curb cut on traffic
safety and on the direction of storm water flow.
Mr. Kahl said that adding a curb cut and surface parking was a last resort noting that he
opted out of providing off-street parking.
Board Members discussed the request and felt that it met the criteria needed to approve
a variance.
Motion by Kosel, seconded by Ahlvin, to approve the request to convert a residence to a
duplex with a deficit of 2 off-street parking spaces. The motion carried by the following
vote: Aye —Ahlvin, Golombeski, Kosel, Mauss and McCoy; Nay — None.
DOCKET — 27-20 Conditional Use Permit: Application of Thielen Family Enterprises,
DBA Hoffman, Schneider, & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road to expand an
existing mortuary to include an event space and crematorium.
David TeBrake, St. Cloud MN, said that he represented the owners of Hoffmann,
Schneider and Kitchen funeral home. He said that they would like to expand the facility
by adding a 3,500 square foot room to the east side of the building in conjunction with a
general interior and exterior remodel. He said that the room would accommodate a
luncheon area and crematory. He said that some parking would be eliminated but that
there will still be adequate parking based on the City's standards.
Staff Member Schrobilgen noted that the facility will consist of a mortuary, crematory
and funeral home. He said that the applicant is working with City staff on site design.
He said the addition would generate very little additional traffic and not have significant