PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Meeting April 15th, 2003

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman George Sipe at 7:35 on April 15th 2003 at City Hall.

Present: Commissioners Gary Moore, Bob Herb, Skip Johnson and Commission Chairman George Sipe

Guests Present: Craig Belt, Theresa Sipe representing the Chapel Association

Old Business: Approval of Minutes from the February 11th and March 25th meeting. Chairman Sipe stated that the Minutes were approved as corrected.

Variance Request- 4043 South Berkeley Lake Road – Lake Berkeley Chapel Assoc.- To construct a steeple on the building, which will raise the height not to exceed 50 feet. Ordinance 39-804-8 limits the front height to 35 feet. Theresa Sipe explained that the Chapel Assoc. would like to purchase a steeple. She passed around copies of the pictures of the possible choices. She explained the dimensions of the steeple. She explained that the total height of the building with the steeple attached would be approximately 44 feet. She stated that the amount above the height restriction is truly not a big footprint. There was discussion and questions asked of Ms. Sipe.
Commissioner Johnson motioned to accept the Variance request. Commissioner Herb seconded the motion.

Commission Chairman Sipe explained that the impact of the part of the steeple that exceeds the 35-foot restriction is very small. It doesn’t exceed it by more that 10 feet and is very small by way of visual block. The steeple is backed by trees so it is not obtrusive. It is far back from the road and one of purposes of imposing the maximum height is how things impose on the road. The other point is that the purpose of the Ordinance was not to restrict this type of structure from having something, which is traditionally associated with it, such as the steeple as an architectural element. Commissioner Johnson added that the Chapel is basically below grade so the impact on the road would be negligible. Chairman Sipe read the following guidelines:

39-1401 – Variance Guidelines-Chairman Sipe read and explained the following:
Variance Guidelines: For a Variance to be granted each one of the following should to be true: 1. There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular property in question because of its size, shape, or topography. 2. The application of the Ordinance to this particular piece of property would create an unnecessary hardship to the owner of the property. 3. Such conditions are peculiar to the piece of property involved and such conditions are not the result of the individual property owner. 4. If granted, the Variance would not cause substantial detriment to the public nor impair the purposes or intent of this Ordinance. 5. The Variance is granted for use of land or structure that is not prohibited by this Ordinance.

Chairman Sipe stated that interpreting each of the guidelines into this request, he does not see that it is an issue.

There being no further discussion the motion to accept the Variance request was unanimous.