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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-04/05/2012 Hearing 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK: STATE OF NEW YORK TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Southold Town Hall Southold, New York April 5, 2012 10:07 A.M. Board Members Present: LESLIE KANES WEISMAN Chairperson/Member GERARD GOEHRINGER - Member KENNETH SCHNEIDER - Member GEORGE HORNING - Member (Left at 3:13 P.M.) JENNIFER ANDALORO - Assistant Town Attorney VICKI TOTH Secretary JAMES DINIZIO, JR. - Member (Absent) Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter P.O. Box 984 Holbrook, New York 11741 (631)-338-1409 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 INDEX OF HEARINGS Hearing: Kenneth Seiferth #6551 Oliver and Gloria Seligman #6555 David H. Thornton and Janet E. Davidson #6543 Glyn and Michelle Weir #6546 Glenn Heidtmann, Jr. #6548 De Art Of Nature, LLC #6541 Justin Swartz and Joanna Weiner %6549 Thomas and Irene Kalogeras %6554 Philip Marco, #6552 William Tonyes #6553 Kimogenor Point, INC #6550 Page: 3-17 17-50 50-94 63-72 72-82 82-115 115-122 122-132 132-140 140-163 163-201 April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 i8 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 HEARING #6551 - KENNETH SEIFERTH CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The first application before the Board today is for Kenneth Seiferth, #6551. Request for variance from original ZBA Grant #6504 and the Building Inspector's February 7, 2012 Notice of Disapproval, based on amended plans for accessory garage at; 1) the demolition and reconstruction are a deviation of the original ZBA grant allowing additions and alterations, located Golz, Point Road, adjacent in Cutchogue. here to represent the to at: 2000 Nassau Broadwaters Cove Is someone application? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Good morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good morning. MR. GOLZ, JR.: My name is Arnold owner of Oakside Construction. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you please spell your name for the record, sir, we're tape recording? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Arnold, A-R-N-O-L-D R. Golz, G-O-L-Z, Jr. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. GOLZ, JR.: You're welcome. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What would you like to tell us? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Well, when we started the construction of the project, we started to, you know, disassemble the building and support it, so we could replace what was to the original plan. We did the foundation, and when we started to reconstruct the walls and as we took it apart, more stuff needed to be replaced then what we originally thought. We didn't change the footprint of anything that we did. I am going to have to replace the rafters on the side that wasn't on the plan, the dormer that was supposed to stay. I received a letter back that that was okay, and that we needed to replace the ridge, so that it was structurally sound. We did raise it because of the window that we wanted to put on the second floor. And they said that the size of the header that was supposed to support the new ridge, made the ridge get taller. They actually -- after we were done doing that, we wound up lowering the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 window a bit. ridge, the studs rear wall Audible) it. You requirements. rebuilding the construction. the south, was Because we're raising wound the pitch changed a little bit. on both ends of the wall or that were supposed to stay, (In rafters, and we couldn't connect know, to meet the strapping the Ail the So therefore, we wound up rear wall with all new And then this side wall, to completely rotted and so we up replacing that one. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: with the foundation, sir? MR. GOLZ, JR.: The one side, the footing was at grade, so we had to dig down three feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And is there the original foundation -- MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes, there is 2/3's of the original foundation, plus the original What happened concrete floor. We removed the concrete apron because it was falling apart. Other than that, we left two-third's of the foundation, or I guess you can call it concrete floor. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 you CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George, like to ask some questions? is left, MR. that new? would MEMBER HORNING: is not new? GOLZ, JR.: The foundation. MEMBER HORNING: Just the foundation, is the only thing left that is not What portion of what MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. Foundation and the concrete floor. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: If I can just a question. Standing in front of the ask both sides are removed. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: removed. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yep. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So is any portion of the foundation old? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. The only thing that changed on the foundation is the original -- on the original plan. There is Both sides are structure from the road side, Mr. Golz, is it the left-hand side or the right-hand side that is removed? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Now or before? Now, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 nothing else. On the original plan and the one that you have now, showed that you had to go down three feet to get a proper footing, and that is what we did. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: But where was that three feet? Where did you go down the three feet? MR. GOLZ, JR.: At the lowest point. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: By the side yard? MR. GOLZ, JR.: If you are standing in front of the building, it's to the right. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I am just saying this because when I went there, I thought that all three walls were replaced, and they were not? MR. GOLZ, JR.: No. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yep. We did, because to follow the strapping codes, the only thing we did to the old block, was we put the proper anchors in. There was no anchor bolts there before. The wall was just sliding in, because the dirt and the leaves. Just after so many years, the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 bottom of the wall, was to push in. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: walls? MR. GOLZ, JR.: No. MEMBER HORNING: wood portion, correct? MR. GOLZ, everything actually starting Did you stucco the Structurally on the is new; is that JR.: Yes, but we tried -- we had supported everything as we took apart, and we have the -- what was originally supposed to stay. That was I asked for the letter and remove the roof still up before raise the ridge rafters. MEMBER HORNING: foundation, you could everything all at once? What is above the have removed it to were trying to But you saved save. MR. GOLZ, JR.: We MEMBER HORNING: nothing? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. raising the ridge because the back wall, the studs Once we wound up the studs -- on went from the (In April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 9 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Audible) on the foundation to the rafters. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let's just clarify something. Some of the things that are significant to this particular application. First I would like to say that this is not without precedence. Builders begin to build and realize that there is a lot more rot than they ever expected. They're trying to do the possible thing, which is to build properly. This does happen, however, what has happened with a situation like that from a legal point of view, is that this garage is built prior to 1967 and has Pre-CO. Once a structure is demolished, it loses its preexisting nonconforming status. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So what that means is that, we would have to revisit the side yard location, which was -- it was kind of grandfathered from the perspective of a Pre-CO for a nonconforming structure that was legally there, to what we have before us now, which is a new demolition. A new building, which will have to have a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 new CO at some point, obviously. Where we take it to the relative nonconforming side yard. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Do you know the overall square footage of this structure? We should be able to look at it from the floor plan -- MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yeah, it should be right on -- it is on the floor plan. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let us take a look. I am looking on the plans. MR. GOLZ, JR.: I think it was 428, the lower. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That would probably be the footprint. There is a second floor on here, which is meant to be for storage and not liveable area -- MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have a roof that was added to the original structure. I am not sure if that is interior space to be counted as the square footage or not. You have 25 X 20.5 footprint and then a second floor attic plan, it's pretty April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 similar in size. I that it's not over 750 which point it's going at as a nonconforming size. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Okay. it's CHAIRPERSON okay. MEMBER HORNING: just want to make sure square feet, in to need to be looked completely different that overhang porch. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The building looks then the original with That was actually there already. On the decision that we granted, that porch was on the plan. I believe the only difference window, that faces the street and the garage. I think that was a porthole window -- MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yeah. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If I recall correctly, you now have a double-hung? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am assuming that the intent, this is labeled as attic space -- MR. GOLZ, JR.: And that's the way is the WEISMAN: It looks like April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 it's going -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is a lot of headroom, which has two dormers on there. And I just want to make certain that there is no intent to put plumbing in this structure. There is no intent to heat it or create habitable space? MR. GOLZ, JR.: No, ma'am. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I believe at one point, the family talked about a family sitting room up on the top? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Just going to as storage. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: thing into been It's now keep it storage? MR. GOLZ, JR.: gone over in spending money. So now we're trying to keep it as simple as possible. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. The other that is probably important to enter the record is, that there -- had this addition and alterations, actual Yes. They have now restorations, where it wasn't a demolition, you would not have lost your Pre-CO, therefore, the applicant might have been April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 able -- eligible or would have been eligible in the future, to apply for an accessory apartment for one floor in that building. Since this is a new building now that will need a new CO, that is no longer the case. It is not eligible anymore for an accessory apartment, because the law requires that it be existing lawfully on or before January 1, 2004 -- I am sorry, 2008, for an accessory apartment. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Ail right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So I just want the record to reflect that this garage has lost it's right to apply for that use. Ken, do you have a question? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yes, I do. reconstruction, this structure will The new maintain the existing side yard setback? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yeah. It actually got a little bit smaller, because it was so out of square before. It was kind of falling down. On the foundation it was overhanging, and now we're in foundation walls. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. line with the Granted a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 variance for a 3.6 foot side yard setback and that would be maintained, on a previous variance? MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No further questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Not at this particular time. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: Just seems to shame, I had to reflect on this and at the time, I asked questions as to why the foundation couldn't be moved to make it somewhat more conforming of a setback, because that is our concern, and you couldn't do that because you were only reconstructing a portion of the garage and a putting a couple of dormers in, and as it turns out, you could have very well done that, because you essentially tore the whole thing down. And in fact, did foundation repairs as well. So it's disturbing to me, as a Board member, knowing what we approved and how, you know, a 3.6 setback was a significant April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tl 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 variance to begin with and then to see actually happened, it's disconcerting. what MR. GOLZ, JR.: I apologize, and I was just trying to do the right thing and not slab (In Audible) when I knew that we were going to have to replace more, and I asked for the letter. And I guess, I should have been more clear from when I came into the Town and should have had the inspector come down and say that, you know, before we go any further with this. Maybe a miscommunication with this. I should have said, "should we stop right now or are we overstepping our boundaries?" And I thought with the letter that I gave you guys, but I guess I wasn't clear enough in the letter. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The letter simply indicated, I believe it was a five to seven inch increase in the proposed height of the header. In no way was it a suggestion for rafters and all framing members. The dilemma happened when the first inspection took place and (In Audible) ripped up and there were old April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 framing members in place. Then when I went out to take a look in regards to this letter, it was pretty clear that it was all new. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Yeah, then we had the stopping inspection -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is when the, I guess, the Building Department went ahead and put a Stop Work, because it exceeded the scope of the additions and alterations. Okay. I think Member Horning did express the concern that the Board did have. The side yard variance is very substantial and could have been and was in fact justified on the grounds of the preexisting nonconforming status, which of course is no longer applicable. The Board will have to handle this and hopefully we will come to -- I am sure we will come to a response. MR. GOLZ, JR.: Okay. I would appreciate that very much. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We will deliberate and -- we have 62 days to decide but the earliest would be two weeks from April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 today. MR. GOLZ, JR.: I would appreciate that. Thank you very much. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing no further questions, I will make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6555 - OLIVER AND GLORIA SELIGMAN CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before the Board is for Oliver and Gloria Seligman, #6555. Request for variance from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building Inspector's April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 February 8, 2012 Notice of Disapproval, based on an application for building permit to construct an accessory two-car garage and an in-ground swimming pool at: 1) location other than the code required rear yard, located at: 385 North Cross Road, corner Holden Avenue, Cutchogue. Would you please enter your name into the record, and then I have a question for you? MR. LETKOVSKY: My name is Andres Letkovsky. I have been working with Mr. Seligman as the project architect. My CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And do you have offices is at 229 Laurel Road in East Northport. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And would you please spell your last name, sir? MR. LETKOVSKY: Sure. L-E-T-K-O-V-S-K-Y. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. Do you happen to have any of the green cards that are required? MR. LETKOVSKY: Yes, I do. They all came in. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 an Affidavit of Posting? MR. LETKOVSKY: I believe the Affidavit of Posting was submitted, do have another one. the Board? I can give but I that to CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please. Would you come forward. Let's proceed. Go ahead and tell us what you would like? MR. LETKOVSKY: I would like to thank the Board in advance for the cooperation from receiving the application and putting it together, between the Building Department and the Zoning Board. We're looking for permission to propose two accessory structures. One being a swimming pool and a detached garage on the opposite side of the property. We're currently completing an interior renovation, and we have added a rear porch and a front porch to the project. The house has been is currently about 100% complete and ready for the C of O. And what we did now, we're proposing the pool and the garage, as I said. Some of the things that are influencing the location of these entities, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is on the southwest corner, we have very tall existing Pine Trees. They're acting as a very constructive privacy buffer, and the garage is there. My clients have a few very important considerations for this area. One is that the septic system for this house is not located in the front yard. It's located in the side yard. It's a very unusual shaped house. It has two rooms coming out. So the southern most room is the master bedroom. And we believe that the septic system is somewhere in that particular area, that if you would go on and walk the site, it has a slight depression to it. There is lots of pine needles given off the trees. They're very mature, and they also have a shallow roof system. relocating expensive. if the tree So we're very concerned about not the septic system. It's very We think it would be terrible would lose swimming pool house where we would rather roots were disturbed, and we the trees. The mudroom for the is located on the side of the have located the pool. We not locate the pool where the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 master bedroom suite is, due to the way the house functions. We have considerations, you know the shadow that the trees cast on the site, and it would cast shade where the pool would go, in addition to the pine needles. What we chose to do is locate the pool in such a way that we could work with some of these items on the site. And also to, you know, address concerns with privacy, by proposing a privacy buffer with trees or shrubs. We obviously need to follow through with moving the fence correctly, so that it meets all the code requirements. And those same items, by large, are effecting the location of the garage, where the pine needles are, we don't want to disturb the roof system. And another important thing, or we feel is important, the house is very sculptural identity that we think would be destroyed if we attach the garage to the house. And also, where the location of the septic system is in the side yard, that we would probably end up being forced to relocate the septic system. So that being said, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 22 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 we're going to present this application to the Board, and if we could get approval for this. and I CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The reasons -- am glad that you clarified some of your thinking here because the reasons in the "actual reason for your appeal" as stated in the application packet is absolutely so vaguely written that, it was completely unclear as to why these choices were made. The Board has made site inspection of the subject property. Ail of us have been here. So we're aware of the things that you are talking about. I have some comments here. Your survey does not show the location of the septic system. MR. LETKOVSKY: No, it does not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Why is that? If that is one of the arguments of why you're locating it in a nonconforming place? MR. LETKOVSKY: The survey -- we have an updated survey prepared but we didn't notate it, but we know from down in the basement, where the pipes are routed, the foundation walls of where it comes out, it April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is somewhereTs immediately south of the master bedroom. It's somewhere in that area . CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: In what you're labeling as a depressed area? MR. LETKOVSKY: Yes, probably, if we go 20 feet away from the house. That would be the usual typical distance of where they locate these things. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I think greater clarification would be significant. In fact, one of the most important arguments were the location, I would certainly think you would want certain information from a surveyor of where that septic system is located, because that is the -- cites the description of the mature trees that we have seen there. Certainly is creating very useful boundaries on that part of the area. That is a logical place for a conforming location. The Board is required by law, as you're probably aware, to grant the minimal relief deemed necessary, if justified. So we are looking to see what we can do. 12 feet from a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 public road, for a setback of a swimming pool, even with planted screening, is very, very close. Very close. There is a possibility of rotating that pool, so that it is parallel to the side yard and pushing it back further? I understand from an aesthetic perspective, why you would want it parallel to the shape of the house, and locate it that way. It makes sense, but from a Zoning perspective, it's a very significant variance. And we have to, I think, explore possibilities of doing something -- very good. Our Board assistant has just found a very old survey that is part of the packet, that shows the septic, not where you think it is. It is actually, if you come forward, I would like to show you. The Board already has this in your packet. No, it's not part of the packet. It's very far away the -- MR. LETKOVSKY: It's not that far away. It looks about 15 to 20 feet, which would -- if we're going to inspect the location of the sytem, it would make it very difficult to attach the garage to the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 house. CHAIR?ERSON WEISMAN: garage? MR. LETKOVSKY: Well, would be proposing the of the septic system. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: explorations would be create a shape. If Audible). To attach the yeah, then we garage right on top One of the regarding the swimming pool, considering (In Audible) is to I that I have been on this Board, exception of the deadest of winters, difficult of winters, that doesn't stop us from having hearings, but we have gone through every configuration of swimming pools that exist. 20 x 40 swimming pool, has just about 30,000 gallons of water. It has nothing to do with the water of the swimming pool, it has to do with the size of the swimming pool. And that would be one of the things that I would be looking for. MR. LETKOVSKY: Thank you very much. Obviously, if you look at the location of swimming pool that has an existing you want to keep it (In We have done -- every hearing April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the pool, there is some (In Audible) 20 feet, so we would have a little bit of flexibility there. How far away it is from the screened porch that we added, indicated 23.5 1/2. So we have a little bit of flexibility there. We may be able to constructively do away with the rear yard setback. That is slightly nonconformance. We can get that part to comply. That is the setback on the west side of the property that we are indicating that is kind of off set. MEMBER HORNING: That is referred as the side yard in the Building Department's write up. MR. LETKOVSKY: And then by kind of moving this around, we may be able to do better with the front yard. Is there a -- number that feet that to can I ask the Board, is there a comes more acceptable than the 12 we're proposing? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: These are all going to be opinions of Board members. We don't have a consensus. There is no magic figure here. We're looking to mitigate April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 adverse impact on the neighbors and the road. So we're going to look for the greatest possible setback, that is the least variance from a conforming setback of a principal structure. That is probably 35 feet. I know you're not going to manage to do 35 feet. In my opinion, you need to try and make it as significant as a setback as possible. I know you can do 15, but I would like to see more than that, if possible. MR. LETKOVSKY: Yeah, I -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 15 feet is still very -- even if with screening. There is noise from the swimming pool. It's a quiet neighborhood. I can anticipate the neighbor's might have some concerns about that. I certainly would want to see where the septic is located on a survey, before I would be confident in going ahead -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And properly state. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Including that information in the decision, because we need to have it verified by an engineer. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Those are my comments. George, do you want to make any? MEMBER HORNING: They're cited by the Building Department because the proposed location is required to be in a rear yard area. Not even feet, 12 feet, you in the front yard. in the front yard. So 10 know, 15 feet, is still Also you're cited for the side yard, because it can't be in a side yard either, according to the code. We do want to see exactly where the septic is also. The row of existing Pine Trees that is shown on one survey that we have, that we're working with, and the one on the west -- the southwest corner that you're talking about, are they on the neighboring Yeah, these particular the surveyor, neighbor's the owner's property. And you're testifying property? MR. LETKOVSKY: trees have been located by and he located them on the property, but not on MEMBER HORNING: that you listed two reasons, two possible reasons why you could not locate the pool in the rear yard. For example, one was the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 possibility that pine needles would go into the pool, and the other one was the possibility, in fact, the septic system is there, which now, yet again -- these Pine Tree's are on the neighboring property, we're saying right now, and according to the survey, and what you're proposing. Why then would you propose Pine Tree's within a matter of a few feet of the proposed pool area, if the Pines Tree's are a problem? MR. LETKOVSKY: I thought of maybe Hemlock's, which have a substantial privacy effect, where the needles don't come down. They act as a visual screen. They don't get too tall. MEMBER HORNING: So you are actually proposing an Evergreen buffer, instead of your proposed Pine Tree's? MR. LETKOVSKY: Yeah, I think that would be better language to use. Thank you very much. MEMBER HORNING: Well, it's confusing to us, when you're testifying that the pine needle's and you can't have the pool where the Pine Tree's are, and you're proposing April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Pine Tree's. MR. LETKOVSKY: My clients have informed me that they would really like to place a particular level of interest on the pool and see how it might be approved under certain conditions acceptable to the Board. My opinion, at this point, I think we can comply, at this point, with required 15 foot side yard. We're not indicating 10, if I shift the pool. The 12 foot front yard off set, I think we can by moving the pool around, can reach 15 feet. MEMBER HORNING: Again, sir, a pool allowed in a side yard. MR. LETKOVSK¥: Yeah. MEMBER HORNING: I will not ask another is be attached to the house, in the one, would be the southeastern corner. What is in there? I noticed when I saw the site, there was no windows on that wall. What is inside there? MR. LETKOVSKY: That is the master question while I am asking questions. Regarding the proposed garage, and there is the possibility that in fact it could not what April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 bedroom. Largely occupies the entire area there. There is an adjacent bathroom that works with the master. There was a second bathroom there that was removed, which I think goes to substantiate the location of the septic tanks, as you found on the survey. MEMBER HORNING: There is not to say that you couldn't walk through a master bedroom to walk to a garage, but is it conceivable for you to walk -- locate the garage on -- let's call it in the front of a section of the house, somewhere's near the existing driveway, attached to the front of the house. Maybe not in that southeastern side, but in the eastern side, because once you attach the garage, it is not subject to the Zoning Code, a detached accessory dwelling being required to be in the rear yard. It's possible that you would need a front yard variance but not of the same nature as a detached building in the front yard. MR. LETKOVSKY: We have done some experiments before this was submitted of April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the location of the garage. We're obviously -- that it's a substantial 50 foot setback that a two-car garage would never comply with, if attached to the house, but we might be able to focus on required 40 foot front yard setback right off of Holden Avenue. You know, we're currently showing 25.11, what maybe that the number could be adjusted to -- be less substantial, if I could use that word, nudge it back a little bit. If we're lucky, we might miss the septic system. MEMBER HORNING: Well, I don't think that you should rely on luck, sir, to determine where the septic system is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is something that we will explore, and this Board has made it very clear that when that becomes a problem for an applicant, we certainly have to have an engineer or an architect, state specifically to what we're dealing with. It's not really adequate to say that it is generally in that area. There are some other options. I actually want to know, you know, there is an April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 attached garage on one wing already, is that going to continue to be used as a garage or -- MR. LETKOVSKY: No -- that is a two-car garage. It is going to be continued to use for that. The owner has car collection. This is a permanent full-time residence. They're there seven days a week. It is not a second home. The proposed garage would only be used to put antique cars in. If the Board needs extra scientific data for the garage -- maybe there is some way that we can find a constructive way to approve the swimming pool under certain conditions acceptable to the Board? And, I would say likewise for the garage, but if you feel you need to know precisely where the tanks are, maybe we can adjourn that portion of it? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, we don't deliberate in part. We deliberate on the entire application before us. There are other options. And clearly, this property is referred to as two front yards. The unusual shape that renders -- the rear yard April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is very, very small and already impacted with structures and so on. So we do understand that. You're not proposing excessive lot coverage. You know, the fact site inspection, the property that is listed here, Toderbush (phenetic) right where you're trying to propose recess exist where the garage might be located, that kind of faces a very beautiful area. You know, there is almost some possibility of suggesting that an accessory garage may be better off where you're proposing a swimming pool. Certainly quieter, especially since all you are doing in storing antique cars. The possibility of putting the swimming pool over on the other side. There is some options. I understand what you are saying about the dwelling and the interior layout and what makes sense, in terms of walking a farther distance or closer distance, you know, they're consequential. We're looking here to try that you're proposing two accessory structures is not an over extension of that lot coverage. The interesting thing is, on April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 35 6 7 8 9 10 tl 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 an mitigate adverse impact and to be as conforming as possible. That's it in a nutshell. Certainly moving that garage back from Holden somewhat, would depend entirely where the septic is. If you want to leave it there, from what Mr. Goehringer has suggested, as I, some possible changes to the pool, size, shape, setback and so on. Ken, did you have any questions or comments, because I think I would like to see if there is anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yes, I do. Is there a public water service to the residence or is it well? MR. LETKOVSKY: No, public water. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The only thing that I would like to see is a survey indicating the septic system, and then we can make a decision. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? Please state and spell your name for the record? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. HUNTINGTON: My name is Ray Huntington. I am the neighbor to the west. My name is H-U-N-T-I-N-G-T-O-N. I didn't really intend to make a statement here today, but I was in the building for some other reasons and I thought I would sit in. Now that I am here, I might be able to add a little context. I am the neighbor to the west. I have known the neighbor's for a little over a year now. They have been working on the place, and all during that time, they have really demonstrated extremely good taste and sensitivity to the neighborhood. Their ideas have been well thought out and some of the reasons that they have advanced, are really quite sound. While, I don't want to go further into that in covering your job, we have a code for a good reason and we want that upheld. It's different when you have a contentious situation, I think. I don't think we have that here. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. Anyone else? MR. SELIGMAN: Thank you. First I April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 want to thank Ray for coming. I didn't know he was coming at all. Thank you for your statement. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please state your name, please? MR. SELIGMAN: Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Oliver Seligman. Part owner with my wife, Gloria of the property. We knew when we purchased the property, it was corner property. And corner properties are difficult to work with. You know, the side yard, back yard, and all those kinds of things, I haven't figured them out. I am not sure yet, but we're very conscious of the neighborhood and the -- just like Ray said. We're trying to fit in. Not do anything that would harm the neighborhood. In fact, I have another unsolicited note from one of neighbor's also. If you wish, I can submit. It's from another neighbor, also supporting me. The main reason we're putting the pool there, it's not just because the fact that there is a cesspool issue, that could very well be. I don't know where it is, but know, the farther April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 away, the better. We're on the other side of the house, so I don't have to think about, at least as far as the pool is concerned. You know, I don't want to mess with that. Everything seems to work well at this point. In addition, all those large tree's that belong to the Toderbush, and I he ago, that roots to those tall trees, we trees. I had when I bought know asked for for an existing structure. is neither here nor there. a variance a year Anyway But those trees, and they are quite don't want to harm the to take down a lot of trees the house, and I know what roots do. That is one of the main reasons why we can't really put the pool in that corner. Those trees are quite enormous. If you saw the property, they go quite high up. And I remember when we had our property cleared and all the roots that remained there, we had Mr. Coffey from Southold -- came in and took care of that. The roots were deep. Those were from our trees, not their's. So leaving the pool there works out well for us. We really April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 39 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 can't put the pool there. I had several pool people come and inspect the property. Originally, where we were going to put the pool is where you suggested to put the pool, and it really didn't work out. I had another pool man come in and re-sited the pool for us into the current location that you see on the map. And that seemed like it worked out because my neighbor doesn't have any (In Audible) Mr. Huntington to the west. And it's low. And I also have a neighbor on -- his address is 3400 (In Audible) he is actually the Fire Chief, I believe of Cutchogue. I forgot his last name, but I am sure you know who I am talking about. And he has a pool also. He is also on the corner of Pequash and North Cross, and he also has a pool that is quite located on North Cross Road. I think it's North Cross Road. Anyway, I felt that this was the best location that would work for us. I don't think we can put in a pool, unless we can put it there. It just doesn't make sense. And I don't really see much other choice. I see where the choice April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 40 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 was originally, but they really aren't. If we were to put a pool in and not have some major problems. You know, certainly I don't want to impact my friend over here or Mr. Toderbush, who is also my neighbor. He did not come. I did not see him by the way. But anyway, it just seemed like that would be the best place. You know, I am even willing at this point, because we would really love to get the pool in for health reasons. My wife needs to work in pool, it's healthy for her. I can get doctor's notes, which I don't have by the way. That seemed like the only place that we could put the pool on the property. We are willing to it to suit the there is too much you to be aware of your to make some minor Board, but choice. So consideration CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: a adjustments I don't think I just wanted that, and thank you for and time. Well, it is relevant to the number of detached garages. The number of front yards in the neighborhood's. These are the relevant factors because one of the factors in the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 41 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 character of the neighborhood. MR. SELIGMAN: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If there are other similarly situated accessory structures, such as swimming pool's, it is relevant to us. We do drive around. We look around, but they're often behind Evergreens and we can not trespass, unless it's an applicant, on someone's property. We're not always able to see them. MR. SELIGMAN: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Does the Board -- MEMBER HORNING: I have a couple of comments. As Mr. Seligman's request, I drove up North Cross Road, I did observe a pool in a front yard in the neighborhood. I observed only one. It was very well screened. From my estimation, it was certainly setback far greater than 10-12 feet from the road. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Do you have any rough idea of what that setback was? MEMBER HORNING: I think we should ask the applicant to provide some neighborhood April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 information, if possible. Otherwise we will get it on our own. I am guessing, 25-30 feet from the road. That would be guest. And I also want to say, why could not -- not that we're trying to tell you what to do, you came to us with a major variance think my colleagues would agree. not expand your existing garage have a new attached section of attached to the house somehow? need some type of a front yard request, that I can ascertain. Could somehow garage Perhaps variance my I you and you pool. And is there anyway you can attach a new construction to an existing house? You have a large driveway area. You have some brick walkway, which could easily be removed. You have a brick walkway on the other side where you're proposing the pool, code conforming requiring less variances. Perhaps not a side yard variance for a setback but not that you do now, because code again, code does not allow you to have a garage and a pool in a front yard. And we're asking you to reconsider your plans and come up with something that is more April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 which can easily be removed, and relocated and redesigned in that area, if in fact, it had to be in that area, rather then someone suggested putting the pool in an area near your master bedroom. You know, Pine Tree's shed their needles at certain times of the year. Perhaps that would be at the time of the year that you would have your pool covered. nOW, MR. SELIGMAN: At this point, right given the timing and everything else, I am willing to forgo the garage and go with the pool, as long as the pool where we would like Reasonably close to where it possible. And we will table now and worry about that date. That is as far as go. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: do that, that is what impermissiblelism. MR. SELIGMAN: What CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: entirely, we can get to have it. is. Close as the garage for at some future I am willing to variance and then you If we call you plan to is that? That means one come back and sneak April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 in another one later on. Saying that these are preexisting conditions. This Board will not look favorable on that. Frankly, if it is something that you really, really want, the upfront planning now is probably better. If you don't build it right away, it is probably best to look at the whole site as you have done, and try to propose what it is that you want. However, did you want to make some comments, Ma'am? If you do, you have to come to the mic. MS. SELIGMAN: Good morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: State your name, please? MS. SELIGMAN: I am Gloria Seligman, S-E-L-I-G-M-A-N. And I just want to go over something that George might have just said a few moments ago. You had mentioned a possibility to add onto the existing garage? In other words, just bring it forward? MEMBER HORNING: If you attach the garage, you're eliminating the need for a variance for having a detached garage in a front yard area. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON probably have a front MEMBER HORNING: WEISMAN: You would yard setback problem. Right, possibly. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You know, you have an architect. I think you have heard a lot of suggestions, maybe a carport attached to the bedroom side. It would be open with a roof. I understand, you know, I have been a professor of architect for 38 years. So I can understand the symmetry of a dual dwelling, roof structures and so on. Visual impact is not insignificant, but you know, you still have to look at the law and what impacts on code. You have heard a lot of suggestions. I think the best way to approve them -- I am going to call on the Board for this, since we need to see where the septic is, and you have some suggestions made and you're realizing that you can do a little more conforming setbacks here and there, and so on, and get your priorities together. I am going to make a proposal to adjourn this hearing to May, so that you can come back with an amended survey, and show the septic, and April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 46 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 any proposed changes that you would like to make. You don't need to re-notice it. It's going to be a carryover till next month. address these what make feel that is MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER That will give you some time to concerns and come back with you feel is the best proposal you can for this Board. MEMBER HORNING: Can I add to that? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Does the Board the right way to go? SCHNEIDER: Yes. HORNING: Yes. GOEHRINGER: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We need make some choices, want to design it our function. HORNING: Leslie, can to have and for I also an opportunity to the Board doesn't you. That is not MEMBER request that the applicant, we must consider the character of the neighborhood. As the chairperson suggested, are there other nonconforming garages in the front yard in the area? Are there other pools in the front yard, in the area? And also, we look at what other variances have been April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 47 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 granted in the past. So we can determine what variances have been granted. I am going to ask the architect that we get that information. We want to ask you, if you can find out for us specific addresses, in this immediate neighborhood, North Cross Road, etcetera, Holden Avenue. What locations have nonconforming structures in the front yard. MS. SELIGMAN: We have investigated. We have found that pool. MEMBER HORNING: Right. MS. SELIGMAN: There is also a garage on Pequash, right around Old Pasture. MEMBER HORNING: We would like you to provide that information. MS. SELIGMAN: We can't find the addresses. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: We granted that garage. That is part of the house around the corner. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's a big parcel. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Go all the way around and you will find the house, close April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 48 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to the water. Across from 100, which is one of the last houses before you make the turn going down towards the marina. MS. SELIGMAN: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let's just make it very clear. The reasons for -- it's the applicant's responsibility to present their case. The Board can not undertake research on your behalf. So we're going to have to ask you to do a little homework. MS. SELIGMAN: Do I still have to bring you that address, he knows where it is? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I think your architect understands what we will need, which is something in writing to simply provide us from your perspective that is relevant to your application and relative to existing attached garages in the area. The setback? Are they in the front yard, rear yard? We are looking for precedence. In the same way that you may get a swimming pool, someone down the line might come and say well you granted it to this other one. That's how precedence works, which is April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 49 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 again, why we're bound to be consistent in our decision. To look carefully on how it might impact the future, as well as what we have done in the past. We're asking you to strengthen your application. MS. SELIGMAN: Okay. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Can I just offer you something, Mr. Seligman. We recently heard an application a little deeper, over Southern Cross. That happened to be a tax map number. You can get the adjoining piece of that tax map number. It would be much easier for you to fill in those particular pieces. Then you go back to the Assessor's Office and they will fill in the person's name. That is exactly what that gentleman did in his accessory garage. Not the gentleman that you just referred to, but another one. He color coded it and it came out very nice. So it's easier way to do that. So this happens to be my tax map number. You can take that as a starting point. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am going to make a motion, hearing no further comments April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 from the audience or questions, to adjourn May 3rd at 10:00 A.M. Is there a second? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. any Board member this hearing to Second. in favor? MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) MEMBER GOEHRINGER: If I could make a motion for a two minutes recess? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. I will second it. Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (Whereupon, a recess was taken.) HEARING #6543 DAVID H. THORNTON AND JANET E. DAVIDSON. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 51 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before us is, David H. Thornton and Janet E. Davidson, #6543. Request for variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building January 18, 2012 based on an application Inspector's Notice of Disapproval for building permit for additions to a single family dwelling at: 1) more than the code permitted maximum lot coverage of 20%, located at: 4205 Breakwater Road, corner East Road, Mattituck. Garrett, just state your name for the record, and then I have some stuff for you, that you probably haven't seen, possibly. MR. STRANG: Yes, good morning. Garrett Strang, architect CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: have the Suffolk County for Thornton's. Yes. We just local determination letter, and have you seen the letter from the neighbor's, Ventura? MR. STRANG: Yes, I have. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Ail right. Go ahead, Garrett. As you know, the Board letter requested that this April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 52 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 adjourn the hearing because the neighbor canTt be here. Generally, the Board is quite cooperative with Request of Adjournment's from applicant's or their agent; however, we do have her consent in writing, and I don't think the Board is going to entertain an adjournment request on the basis of a neighbor. correct, Board Members? my Is that MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Not necessarily in particular case, because of my most visual field inspections that I just had. I had two field inspections on this, and the houses are relatively close together. Of course being the newer one, I would discuss that with Mr. Strang during the hearing. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I think what maybe we should do, you can present whatever you want, and maybe it would behoove of you to address the issues made by the neighbor. MR. STRANG: I intend to. I think my initial presentation, might bring some of how they're possibly those concerns and April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 53 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 mitigated. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. MR. STRANG: As you aware, we're seeking relief from the lot coverage requirement, and that has to basically do with the proposed stone terrace. You make reference to the lot coverage calculations shown in the site data, you will see that if the proposed screen room were to be built without the stone terrace, it is compliant. It meets all zoning requirements, including lot coverage. So essentially what we are here for is relief to construct this stone terrace, which is an unusual situation, because unfortunately the property slopes downward from the point of the northwest corner to the point of the southeast corner. And that is really why we're here. Due to slope, the majority of this terrace will be above grade, which by definition of determination by the Building Department, constitutes as a structure and subject to the lot coverage requirements. If the property were not sloped, obviously, we would not be here, because we would have April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the terrace at grade. But because the property is sloped, it brings us before you. For the record, I just want to make brief statement here, so it's not to belabor the hearing. The terrace is going to be open. It's not at grade. It's at a grade at one corner, and as we move towards the south, it becomes out of grade. But it's going to unenclosed and unroofed. It will be open. The only other potential structures on that terrace is a counter height elevated grill area, so there could be a place to barbecue, with open seating around the proposed fire pit. It would be at bench height essentially. Once again, by virtue of the natural slope of the height, which brings us before you, and I hope you can appreciate the fact that this is an open terrace. It's not roofed over. So although it does exceed the required coverage renovation, I think it will be unobstructed for the most part. Again, in addressing the letter from the neighbor, the screen porch is in fact compliant. The reason that we're here for lot coverage, is April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 for the stone terrace. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: What is the difference in lot coverage? MR. STRANG: It's on the map. Gerry, under site data, under lot coverage -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Oh, I am sorry. I had it covered up. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Existing is 17.3, with the porch it's 19.2. MR. STRANG: That's correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When you add the terrace, it's up to 24.8. Is there anyway that you can step that terrace down and continue to keep it at grade? Rather then just have it one continuous terrace that creates a MR. and would lot coverage issue? STRANG: I appreciate consider that, but that thought the challenge that is, it's meant for a -- I should say a congregation of family members and for entertaining purposes. And I have found that it's really not such a great idea to have two, if you will, party areas. Where someone could misstep and fall off and hurt themselves. I think it's all better if April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 56 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 it's at one level and safer. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Do we have a survey on this property? MR. STRANG: I believe there should one in your file. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there any way that you can reduce that lot coverage, be CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have your site plan, that is all we have. MR. STRANG: I do have a survey. That is the copy that I have. I can get the Board additional copies. I can bring it up for you to look at it for the moment. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: While you are trying to find that, what is the proposed elevation of the stone terrace? How high above grade are we talking? MR. STRANG: Well, again, because of proposed lot coverage down to 22%, for example? MR. STRANG: I would have to address that with my client, Janet Thornton, who is present. I can address that while we're here. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 57 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the nature of the grade, at the corner where the front of the screened porch, okay, it would be at or at the most, eight inches above grade. It depends on how we work out the grading in that area. If you move to the south, the southerly corner, we are probably looking at 24 inches above grade. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: 22 you said? MR. STRANG: 24. Again, we don't have a topographic map. We don't have a topographic map. MEMBER HORNING: What you are really saying is that the whole stone terrace may really be above grade? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Oh, it will. MEMBER HORNING: Not any of it at grade. MR. STRANG: The one corner, we can probably make that at grade. If we were to work the backfill there. The majority, as I stated earlier, is going to be above grade. There is no question about it. I mean, it's just the nature of the way of the land. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON rigmarole, but you MR. STRANG: WEISMAN: It's kind of a could re-grade? Yes, we could. I don't be aesthetically you will have to bring in know if that would pleasing, because fill -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You will still have a slope, you will have a backfill of land coming off of those patio doors and then sloping back down, after you no longer require that flat level. MR. STRANG: That could be done. We were hopeful that we wouldn't have to pursue it that way. It could be done. The fact that it was an open patio would really address not having to do that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I would be interested to see if you could possibly get that proposed 24.8% lot coverage down some. MR. STRANG: I just conferred with my client and she indicates that, yes, she would be receptive to reducing the patio somewhat in size, to reduce that lot coverage. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Garrett, can I April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 59 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ask you a question about the screened porch? MR. STRANG: Certainly. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The pitch on the roof appears to be relatively steep. What happens with the rain water -- the applicant property and the neighboring property, if the water comes off and over shoots the gutters? There may or may not be drywells there. This has been an issue that has concerned me significantly on small lots. And drywells, can be put in MR. STRANG: To answer your question, presently all but one of the gutters or the leaders from the gutters, go into drywells, from what I could see. Although, it is not shown on this particular site plan, I had included a drywell to the west side of the addition, into which not only the one existing leader that is not going into a drywell, the new gutters and leaders from the porch addition, drywell. So we will runoff. CHAIRPERSON will go into the be containing the roof WEISMAN: That would be April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 60 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 contained for the new water runoff for the porch -- MR. STRANG: For the new proposed porch and there is also a leader that exist in the northwest corner of the existing house, which is where the porch starts on the north side. That is presently not going into a drywell, and we will pipe that into the drywell's also. MEMBER HORNING: Could we get a revised survey showing all of those? MR. STRANG: I can certainly provide that. That is not a problem. In fact, the site plan is already showing the existence of the coverage of the drywell, and of course, if the Board directed us to reduce the size of the patio, obviously the site plan would be amended to reflect that as well. MEMBER HORNING: In our decision, we need to refer to site plans, surveys and such, and if it's all on one paper, it's easier to understand then. If we have to refer to any number of other surveys, you know, just to get the information. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 61 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. STRANG: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Garrett, this site plan doesn't have any drywell's on it. MR. STRANG: No, it doesn't. That particular map has just been generated this very week actually, as I have been moving along with drawings for the screened porch, I added in the drainage. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is that a survey or a site plan? MR. STRANG: It's a site plan. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Is there anyone else in the audience that would like to address this application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any more questions from the Board? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing no further questions, I am going to make a motion to close this hearing subject to receipt of an amended plan, indicating onsite drainage, and the Board will, based on our conversations, consider alternative relief on the lot coverage, if you would April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 62 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 like, between now and then, consult with your client and propose an amended lot coverage, we will consider. MR. STRANG: Fine. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I can't determine what that number will be. MR. STRANG: Of course. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: But we consider that and either grant or grant alternative -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: will show how much of the intend to take off of it? MR. STRANG: Yes. And calculations as to coverage based on will an amended I will have new the proposed lot the new proposal as well as that drawing will also have the drywelts on it. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. MR. STRANG: Certainly. Thank you very much. MEMBER HORNING: Madam Chairperson? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: We are just going to have the one letter from the neighbor in On the plan, you terrace you April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 63 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the file? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Right. We're going to close subject to receipt of additional information. I made that motion to receipt of an amended site Is there a second? MEMBER HORNING: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) close subject to plan. application before the Board is for Glyn and Michelle Weir, #6546. Request for variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's December 7, 2011 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct additions/alterations to existing single family dwelling: 1) less HEARING #6546 - GLYN & MICHELLE WEIR CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 64 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 than the code required minimum rear yard setback of 50 feet; located at: Road, a.k.a. 5550 West Mill Road, Road, Mattituck. Good morning. MR. WEIR: Good morning. I am Glyn Weir, the owner of the property, 5200 West Mill Road, a.k.a, 5500 West Mill Road. So the current property is a two bedroom, and we're proposing to make it a three bedroom 5200 Mill Cox Neck with a den. And also to have the stairwell be part of the addition to accommodate our grown family. It's currently a two bedroom house. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Are you clear before this Board? Do you understand what the nonconformity it is that you're proposing? MR. WEIR: Yes, I do. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Essentially your rear yard setback is 44 feet, where the code requires 50. You are not proposing to as to why you're change that setback? MR. WEIR: I am not proposing to change that setback. Not that I am aware of. I am just proposing a variance for April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that setback. I would like to add -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The current house exist at 44 feet; is that correct? MR. WEIR: Correct. And the -- I have been told two separate things by the Building Department. One was that the setback requirement was 50 feet, because it was considered a backyard. And it was considered a backyard, because it must obviously be a backyard because the main road is in the front of the house and the backyard would be in the back. But I was told that it was a 40 foot setback requirement another time because it would be considered to have two front yards, because of the right-of-way that went by the back of the house. What appears to be the backyard. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is the driveway that goes around your property? MR. WEIR: Yes, Ma'am. I am not proposing to change any of that, but I think it is something that maybe of interest to the Board, to the Tax Assessor's Office, to try and find out more April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 66 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 about that, and whether it would be considered a front yard or a backyard, because I only found out from Mr. Horning last night that that -- MEMBER HORNING: Uh-oh. MR. WEIR: Well, he just mentioned just in passing that some people's interpretation change. So I tried to find out, you know, is it a front yard or is it a backyard, just for your benefit and for potentially mine. I wasn't able to find out this morning for the Board, but I do own part of the right-of-way. So I can not imagine why -- I believe if I have access to part of the right-of-way then that would be considered potentially a front yard. Since I own part of that right-of-way, I assume that I would have access. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The Board legally can only grant relief, in terms of a variance, based on the Notice of Disapproval. MR. WEIR: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So it's a Building Department interpretation. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 67 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. STRANG: Got it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Clearly what is going on here is that your property is over a 34 foot setback and 10 feet for the right-of-way. They have determined that that is a rear yard. MR. WEIR: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: However, what you're doing, essentially is putting a proposed addition from the footprint of the existing building. MR. WEIR: Yes. you the bulk, which is already nonconforming setback. You're not proposing to alter nonconforming setback of 34 feet, but because of the putting on of bulk on, addition, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The only reason are here is because you're increasing degree of nonconformity, by adding the nonconformity. That is why you are here. Okay. We have all visited the property. It is a very unusual piece of property with a lovely view of the creek, and a nice pond. Anyway, Gerry, do you have any the technically it is increasing that April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 68 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I with the area. I actually area. I am actually am very live in a neighbor of Our house is up, about 1600 feet live on Bayview Avenue, which is right before we get down to your MR. WEIR: Nice. familiar the yours. apart. I the last place. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And the property believe it or not, belonged to the County of Suffolk. It was taken for nonpayment of taxes. Mr. Buckingham was probably the one that rebuilt the house in it's present entirety when you probably bought it from him. He is now a neighbor of mine. Okay. A really very nice man. The Killian's live up above the original situation was part of Mattituck Marina at one time, and Mr. Boscolo was the one who probably owned Mr. Killian's house, who I know personally and Mr. Boscolo and his wife, who have since moved away. So we can say that the right-of-way is probably used by two other families at this time. MR. WEIR: It's actually used by the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 69 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 Boscolo's, the Killian's and the people who own Mattituck Inlet Marina are -- have a house on the property and his son, James also uses the right-of-way. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So it is a well traveled right-of-way by those three families. There is no doubt that the lot is extremely interestingly unusual shaped lot. No doubt about that. What is also interesting is the grading changes from the house down and of course the elevation of the house. So all those situations involved, I can see why you're building a bigger building, and that's basically it. MR. WEIR: I think it's -- you know, it could be more aesthetically pleasing. I think it's very iow or no impact on any of the neighbor's. And I have actually been congratulated by the neighbor's for taking this leap for my family. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The actual plans, which are showing -- we are shown internal plans, but when we look at the external plans, #7 and #6, we're looking at what changes will be actually made to the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 dwelling. Standing out on the right-of-way; is that correct? MR. WEIR: I'm sorry, changes to the plan standing on the right-of-way? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And looking towards the house? MR. WEIR: Yes. So this, yes, this view would be looking at from -- I would say not quite on the right-of-way. If you look at #9, then you would be standing right up on the right-of-way. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Okay. I don't have any further questions. I am happy. It's going to be the same setback regardless of what we consider it to be. It was a pleasure meeting you. MR. WEIR: Thank you. MEMBER HORNING: Just to clarify my involvement in terms of understanding language and what the right-of-way regarding the rear yard. I happened to ask him whether he had use of the right-of-way or not, and we had a generic conversation about what constituted a front yard. MR. WEIR: I hope I didn't get you in April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 71 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 trouble. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is why we do site inspections when people are not around. The plans are very skillfully done, and it's not going to have much impact. The right-of-way, it really constitutes a second front yard. Particularly that you have access to it. It might be your rear yard if you had no access to it. We're going to go with what the Building Inspector determined to be the variance before us. Ken, do you have any questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yes, just a quick one. The property to the south of you, on the other side of the right-of-way? MR. WEIR: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: What does that consist of? Is there a dwelling right over there? MR. WEIR: There is no dwelling there. It is owned by the owner across the street, Leo Grand, and, he is a summer time resident. Weekends only. I have spoken to him. They own approximately 36 acres in April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 72 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 I9 20 21 22 23 24 25 that area. It is just an overgrown piece of property that he has no intention on putting a dwelling on. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Your proposal then will not impact anyone? MR. WEIR: Correct. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Very good. No further questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Very good. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no further questions or comments, I am going to make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6548 - GLENN HEIDTMANN, JR. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 73 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before the Board is for Glenn Heidtmann, Jr., #6548. Request for variance from Article XXlII and the Building Inspector's Section 280-124 January 30, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit for "as built" deck/hot tub addition to existing single family dwelling: 1) less the code required minimum rear yard at: 600 to address the than setback of 50 feet; located Albacore Drive, Greenport. Is there someone here application? Good morning. I'm sorry? the owner. And please Glenn state you CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. Do have any green cards for us? MR. HEIDTMANN: Yes, I do, but I don't MR. HEIDTMANN: Good morning. Heidtmann, property owner. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MR. HEIDTMANN: I am CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: your name. MR. HEIDTMANN: Albacore Drive. Glenn Heidtmann, 600 April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 have them all on me. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, why don't you bring us what you have and bring the others into the office? MR. HEIDTMANN: Sure. I believe they're in my truck outside. Can I give them to you after this? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can submit them after the public hearing. MR. HEIDTMANN: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And we have a letter from Suffolk County indicating that this matter is for before this Board for local determination. You can have a copy, if you would like one? MR. HEIDTMANN: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: situation of a rear feet, when the code that is why you are have a drywell on the spa water? MR. HEIDTMANN: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: indicating So we have a yard setback of 39.5 requires 50 feet. And before us. Sir, so you your property to empty You anywhere on there? do. Is that April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 75 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. HEIDTMANN: Oh, I'm sorry. To empty the spa, no I do not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Where does that water get discharged when you have to clean it and empty it? MR. HEIDTMANN: It would just run onto the grass. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hopefully, not into the pond -- MR. HEIDTMANN: No, correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The reason why I ask is because onsite drainage is a requirement by the Town, in other words, you can't just dump the stuff into the street, or any other water, or body. So it has become State mandated. The Town issues it for swimming pool's and spa's and so on. Pool water especially, because it is filled with chemicals. Mr. Goehringer is suggesting to let it sit for a while and let it dissipate. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It's a lot easier outside because the sun gets to it and it just dissipates. MR. HEIDTMANN: Generally, we try and April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 76 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 do it once a season, but that is pretty much the extent of it. It's not a continual thing that we do. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: How does this deck and hot tub get seated? MR. HEIDTMANN: On my own. I am in the business and I was a little over zealous in the decision. At the time, I had an opportunity to buy the material and I built it without the permit. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: How is it that you wound up coming to the Board? MR. HEIDTMANN: I believe there was a phone call possibly to the Building Department that I was in violation of the building. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. What is the size of the deck? We have seen it but I just want to -- MR. HEIDTMANN: It's about 16 X 50. So it's roughly just under 800 square feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: When was the deck built? MR. HEIDTMANN: I believe it was built April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 77 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 in the Spring 2009. Yeah, this would be the third season, I think. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: April 2009? MR. HEIDTMANN: I believe so. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Can you narrow it down a little more? MR. HEIDTMANN: I believe it was May. MEMBER HORNING: Was the hot tub and the deck all on the same time? MR. HEIDTMANN: The hot tub was moved at a later date. I would say probably brought in about four months later because it had to be moved from it's location to it's current location. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: And you're in the construction business? You are a contractor? MR. HEIDTMANN: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: So you're a contractor and you didn't know you needed a permit for this? MR. HEIDTMANN: No, I was over zealous and eyesight was 20/20. And the amount of time that had gone by with an unfinished structure, pretty clear that this could -- April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 78 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 this decision should have been made. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Can you describe your surrounding neighbor's of the property? MR. HEIDTMANN: To the east and west I have no neighbor's. The association owns the property to the east. I guess you can say southeast. And to the northwest, there is a vacant lot that is owned by the Town. And then behind me, there are two neighbor's. Both of which, summer, that may eventually be year round. That is the extent of the neighbor's. Two behind. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. questions at this from me. neighbor's No further MEMBER HORNING: I have one question on the LWRP. Do you have a copy of that? Did you bring that with you? MR. HEIDTMANN: I do not. MEMBER HORNING: summarize it. There local water resource to for Ail right. I will is an LWRP, that is a program or whatever summarize, your Notice of a deck, then you go on and consistency, Disapproval April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 79 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 all the different areas of policies of however many, 12 or 14. To tell you exactly 13 policies on policy questions. Yes/No or Not Applicable. You put Not Applicable for all of them except one that caught my eye, which is Policy #4, where the goal is to minimize loss of life of natural resources from flooding and erosion, and it refers to LWRP Section 3 Policy Pages 8 through 16 for evaluation criteria to determine how to answer it. This is the only policy question that you answered, no, and I am wondering if that is an error somehow, since you answered Not Applicable for all the other policy questions, and somehow this one is answered, no. In other words, I believe it means the goal to minimize loss of life structural resources from flooding and erosion, to the question of a hot tub of where it is drained to, or how you deal with that, if you have some way of draining it properly to minimize, let's say flooding and erosion or pollution to that nice pound, wouldn't you be answering, yes, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 80 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 somehow to that question? MR. HEIDTMANN: It's quite possible that I didn't read -- understand the question. The grade is such that, any water that does overflow the Jacuzzi, the grade moves the water away from the pond. It can not drain into the pond because their is a slight berm. But at the rear the property, there is a bubbler, that of what are you going to tub occasionally, even if it's season. Where are you putting think is the question? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I have one more question here. I am looking at your decking plan that was submitted with the allows the water flow in the original application before I build the house, it feeds into there, because there is (In Audible) and clay in the area. So the water does not drain very well. Any water that is accumulating in the center lot crosses the property into a bubbler and then to the sump. MEMBER HORNING: Then to the question, do to drain the hot once a the water, I April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 81 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 application. It doesn't really reflect what exist there. For one thing, the hot tub is not there, on the decking plan, and I would imagine that you would need to submit a plan to the Building Department for a permit. So I would like to see a plan that actually reflects what is there. MR. HEIDTMANN: Sure, we can do that. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The hot tub and I guess the slab for the hot tub. You are going to need anyway. MR. HEIDTMANN: Sure. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Most of this reflects it but this area where the tub Do you know what I am talking about? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's on the survey, July 15th -- MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I see it on the survey, but I want -- MR. HEIDTMANN: We can certainly incorporate it on the building plans. CHAIRPERSON require it. Any comments? WEISMAN: They're other questions or MEMBER SCHNEIDER: going I'm done. to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 82 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no comments, I will Ail right. further questions or make a motion to close hearing date. and reserve decision to the a later additions/alterations to greenhouse structure and trailers, at: 1) existing new office less than the code MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6541 - DE ART OF NATURE, LLC. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before the Board is for De Art of Nature, LLC., #6541. Request for variances from Article III Code Section 280-13A(2), based on an application for building permit and the Building Inspector's December 29, 2011 Notice of Disapproval concerning proposed April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 83 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 required front yard setback of 60 feet, 2) less than the code required minimum side yard setback of 20 feet, 3) more than the code permitted maximum lot coverage of 20%, located at: 23423 Middle Road, Cutchogue. MR. STRANG: Good morning, again. Garrett Strang, architect for the De Art of Nature. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay, we have, Garrett, Suffolk County for local determination, but we also have comments from the Planning Board. Do you have a copy of this? MR. STRANG: No, I do not. I did not receive those. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Then I will give you those. MR. STRANG: I actually have a Planning Board hearing on Monday. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The comments are -- well they come to us. They do this as a courtesy, though we request applicant's to review their file prior to the public hearing to find out about additional letters that may appear from different April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 agencies. In any way, to sum it up for the public record, they are -- they indicate that the application is supportive. They support the process. MR. STRANG: Okay. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please proceed. MR. STRANG: As you are aware, the use of the property is agriculture, but due to the nature of the produce, it must be grown on the grass. We have looked at many alternatives rather than have to seek these variances, but the specifics of the mechanics of the operation, necessitates, that there be a small addition on the all four sides of the existing building. This addition is primarily for the issue of moving produce and trays around the perimeter of the building, as well as providing some protected shipping and receiving areas. The side yard relief that we're seeking from on the west side is for 15.8 foot at the south westerly corner. The side yard however does increase to a compliance 23.6 feet in the northwest corner. The building actually becomes April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 85 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 compliant to a 20 foot setback at approximately 130 feet back from that south westerly corner. So that side of the building's length in noncompliance but the rest is complying. With respect to the front yard setback, although appearing substantial. It's a very unique situation for this particular property. A couple of years ago, the previous owners of the property created by subdivision through the Planning Board, two residential lots on the north side of the property, which are both owned by the Graebe's. And so it's a family situation, but family and single lots. In doing so, the Planning Board required that there be a ten foot right-of-way along the easterly side of this property to access the middle lot. Essentially the right-of-way is solely to use for a driveway. In as much as the northerly most lot, is a flag lot and does have access to County Road 48. That can be seen on the tax map. That northerly lot is a flag lot, and the middle lot does have a right-of-way, the big parcel that we're April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 86 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 talking about today. When the right-of-way was required, I think, and this is an opinion on my part, speculation, the fact that there may have been a nonconforming front yard setback to the existing greenhouse building having been created. I think that was either overlooked or that was not part of the intention, as part of that subdivision, had that been considered the front yard, but nothing more than a driveway, if you will, to access the middle lot. If you were to consider that that right-of-way was not intended to be a front yard, but to be in fact a side yard, the required setback would be 25 feet, and as such, we would be looking at a relief of 13.4 feet, not 48.4 feet, the difference between the required side yard and required front yard. Now, with respect to the lot coverage, we have looked at numerous ways to address this as well. My client has even made overtures to the neighboring property owners to -- that abut his property, if he can purchase some additional property to help mitigate this April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 situation, but he was unable to work something out with regards to that. So the end result, is that what we have proposed here is the absolute bear minimum that is needed for this facility to function properly. One thing that I would ask be considered is that the immediate area of the building -- excuse me, in the area of the immediate structure itself, the abutting neighboring properties itself are agriculture uses. Some of which their property have had been put into preservation. To take advantage of preservation situation. It is my opinion that this proposed addition to the building will not have any significant impact on the building or will be noticeable in it's location because of the consistency of the (In Audible) that will remain. In closing, I would also like to make the Board aware of the fact that my client is making a substantial commitment to agreeing, pardon the pun, to installing solar energy systems. Geo thermal systems, as well as using recycled irrigation water, reclaimed April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 88 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1t 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the site the things refers to, pretty much where I thank you for your the rain water. That is we're at this point. attention and consideration of application. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you, Garrett. As you know, we have all been to to inspect the property. One of that the Planning Board comments is the condition that the fire district access that from the 25 finds that there is emergency you are proposing to reduce feet. MR. STRANG: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is a gravel area on the side of the building -- MR. STRANG: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is the proposed addition -- because you are actually proposing a perimeter addition? MR. STRANG: That's correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is that go in that area or is that going beyond that area? MR. STRANG: gravel driveway? going to to go That is -- what the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Not the gravel driveway. Right up against the existing side of the building, the east side of the building, is an area that is gravel. It is right next to the paved. MR. STRANG: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: On top of that is some platform. MR. STRANG: Oh, I see what you're saying. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail I want to know is, and I was trying to eyeball this, is that where the proposed addition is going or is the proposed addition going into the paved drive? MR. STRANG: No, we're not going into the paved drive, no. We're not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. That was something that I wanted to confirm, based on field inspection. Where are deliveries? Where do they take place? Would it be along that now ten foot wide access? MR. STRANG: Well, that is a good question, and I think at this point, what I would like to do is introduce my client, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 90 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Mr. Eddy Creces, who is the applicant, and who is day-to-day hands on, on what goes on there. I will introduce him, and I think he will better answer those questions than I. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. Can you just please state and spell your name for the record? MR. CRECES: Eddy Creces, E-D-D-Y C-R-E-C-E-S. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. MR. CRECES: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, Board Members. I am the managing director of De Art of Nature, owner of the specific property that we're discussing today. The operating company is Koppert Cress USA, of course we have the same owners, it was just a technical thing that we created. Koppert Cress USA is to produce herbs, micro vegetables and edible flowers and also produce wheat grass at that facility. I am have been trying to do that in the most natural way as possible, through our marketing company, Koppert Cress. We strive to use natural resources April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 91 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ~8 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 in the most responsible way as possible. We do practice state agricultural. We use recycled water. We don't use any pesticides, nor herbicides. We recycle water whatever we can. We collect rain water. We're planning to put in a (In Audible) system to generate electricity. Actually sunshine is the most important ingredient in farming. And that is why we chose this location four years ago. As you know, Cutchogue is the sunniest place in New York State. That is why we're here. Wheat grass juice that we produce is liquid sunshine, which is really the building blocks of selling a structure in human beings and plants. So we're very proud of what we do. This facility in Cutchogue was constructed about 25 years ago. At the time it was a very modern facility; however, it has not been updated over the years. The structure however, is very durable. So what we would like to do at this point, is bring the facility up to par with 21st Century agriculture. We employ about 20 people at the facility. We felt April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the need to improve the work facility, the work area, so that the people can in a more better place. In order that, you have the plans in front what we're seeking the variances from Town. Over the past few weeks, the majority of our immediate neighbor's, operate to do of you of the most of them are in favor of this renovations. Actually all of them area. In addition, I would want to say that we're doing a clean-up of the entire facility, and new landscaping. To give a better curbside appeal for the whole facility. And I can answer any questions that you might have. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I just wanted to follow-up that I had asked your architect, is access along deliveries done I would imagine front and back. that way? Would right-of-way? MR. CRECES: and that was one that right-of-way, are -- are trucks in that area? that there is travel going Do they have to stop along they ever be blocking that have had over the past couple At this time, they would, of the concerns that we of years. We April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 came up with this plan, and we're going to build a loading dock -- actually there is a loading dock there already. We need to build a building at that loading dock, so that we could easily load and unload trucks. You will see that on the south side, which indicates a two-bay loading area. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So I see that, but I don't see any particular driveway to that loading dock. I see there is an existing drywall here and two bays. That says proposed office trailer, where is that? MR. CRECES: Right next to it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Proposed office trailer. That is an existing loading ramp? MR. CRECES: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And you're proposing something next to it, or no? MR. STRANG: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, what my concern is, especially with reducing the width, that because there are residential April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 94 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 properties behind, even though the Planning Board said a ten foot right-of-way is what was necessary, that in and of itself might not be an issue, unless the determines that -- you know, equipment is a lot bigger than concern is that vehicles would that access. They would be unloading, loading, parking right-of-way. If this plan and it can assure that that will remain open trucks will come onto the back and forth of course. parked in the right-of-way, fire department emergency a car. My be blocking stopping, along that addresses that, right-of-way at all times and that site, they can go They will not be I think we will find a good balan'ce between the welfare of the general community and the right's of the property owner. MR. CRECES: May I? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please do. MR. CRECES: The east facade, the proposed addition will only have egress and ingress for productions. There will be no doors for (In Audible) or vehicles or traffic. Only emergency exit for people. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 95 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 That is all that is going to be on that facade. So that was the whole purpose to do the loading and the unloading in the front of the building. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What traffic from vehicles, you know, let's say, would be on the front, along the side to the rear? be MR. CRECES: The only doing that is the garage possibly once in a while, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: be pulling off the general area? MR. CRECES: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: understand what my concern MR. CRECES: Absolutely. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: firefighter, tell us about wide -- kind of trucks, going one's that would removal and some supplies. And they would right-of-way into that Okay. You is? You're a this ten foot You can not access MEMBER GOEHRINGER: -- you know, I am a Mattituck Fire Department Member, you can not access the right-of-way with ten feet and the present April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 96 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 use, with the trucks that we have. MEMBER HORNING: Doesn't the code require 15 feet? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Yes. The code requires 15 feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You're proposing a ten foot. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The truck itself measures -- they're just under 12 foot in width. And more in particular, the larger trucks. That is just my opinion. That is part of the issue. My question to you, sir, can you just give us a brief history, or me a brief history, on the purpose of creating this external floor around the entire building that you're proposing, and the additions there to? What is the purpose of them? MR. CRECES: The way that we grow our products is on growing benches. Most greenhouses are done that way. They construct these modules and the benches fit in these modules, or two or three benches fit in a module. Depending on the module. So we have that set up for that greenhouse. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 97 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Then you need people to walk to these areas, and you also need benches to go somewhere to (In Audible so that is what we're trying to create. A space for the (In Audible) to travel, instead of in the growing area. They're ready to harvest. So we're trying to get all the other traffic around the perimeter of the building. Since we're living in New York and have all this area, we have obviously four seasons. So in the summer it becomes too hot and the winter it becomes too cold. Wind, rain, you know, the elements that we have to deal with. So we're trying to protect all of that, and the people that obviously have to work in the facility and not have to go outside. In addition, food safety is a major concern in our food supply these days, which I am sure everyone is aware of. Our facility is currently (In Audible) certified. Certification that is more voluntary at this point, but it will become law in the near future. We already have it in place, but in order to comply the rules, we will have to keep any April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 possible contaminated products away from the growing area of the food. That is another reason why we would like to create that corridor. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Why does that corridor have to be so wide in the east side of the property? MR. CRECES: It's actually the a bench, plus three feet in space, which to accommodate a person walking next to that. But the bench size is 11 feet. size of is CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there any way CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is why we have public hearings for the specific nature of the application. A ten foot wide things. We plant seeds and they germinate. So they follow a certain path. It has to be a round about path, in other words. That is why we're trying to create that flow. that that square footage can be realized by enlarging the proposed addition on the north or the south side? MR. CRECES: Unfortunately, that is not an option because of the flow of April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 99 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 right-of-way is fine. It's unobstructed. It's for residential purposes. It's not going to be obstructing. Nobody is going to be parked there. People can come and go from their residential property without the inconvenience of having to wait for trucks. The remaining concern that the Planning Board raised in terms of site plan, and what Mr. Goehringer has raised, is that the code requires for emergency access a minimum, 15 foot side yard. Now, you're proposing a 15 foot side yard that expands to a conforming side yard on the west side of the property. So from an emergency point of view, Gerry can you address that? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Well, it's going to be the Fire Chief's call. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's unpaved. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: When I am referring to 11.6, I am referring to the overall body of the vehicle. When I went over to the site, I actually approached it both ways. That I did approach it from the west side, and I did notice that you had more (In Audible). At the time that I was April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 100 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 there, you had a machine working on that side, grinding the property out. And I certainly know Mr. Thompson, and he mentioned to me that is what you were doing. MR. CRECES: Correct. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: When I went to the east side, I found it extremely tight. So say to you other then reason why I am I don't know what to the fact that is the talking about that line of MR. CRECES: We have which is there. We have obviously you don't want berm, unless it would be the roadway itself, it feet area. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: asked about the gravel area questioning. already 14 feet, that berm, but to drive on that an emergency. But would be 15 to 16 That is why 0 because what I am looking at here, the site plan, and I also looking at the plot plan, that shows the flag lot, it looks as though what you are doing is proposing 11.6 feet from the 10 foot right-of-way, and then there is the 10 foot right-of-way. Does that count? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 101 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. CRECES: I am not -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is two different things that I am getting here. That would make it 21 1/2 foot wide from where the (In Audible) let's say, to the proposed addition. MR. STRANG: At the present time, from the property line to the actual building is 24 and change, I believe. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Right, 25.2. MR. STRANG: Right. I have to put my glasses on. So once we come out the 13 1.2 feet with the addition, it will go down to 11.6, but there is also -- there is the area adjacent, which is not part of our property, part of Ms. Graebe's property that is part of the traveled access to the two lots. That is another 15 feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It looks like it is 10. MR. STRANG: To the east. MR. CRECES: Overall, we will have 26.2 feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Part is paved and part is unpaved? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 102 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. CRECES: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: happen to know whether the Well, do you unpaved portion (In Audible) residential property owner the back, or are they traveling on the paved -- MR. CRECES: They're traveling on the paved area. That is on a slab. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is what I thought. It might be a 10 foot right-of-way, but it may not be a functional access, is it? MR. CRECES: Not at this point. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is what am trying to get at. Is that a legal -- is that property legally able to use your asphalt driveway? MR. CRECES: It is actually their asphalt driveway. So we share that driveway. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I think you can determine what I am trying to accomplish, which is to get an unobstructed access to the property, while at the same time getting 15 foot accessible area for in April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 103 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ~7 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 emergency equipment, which of course it is not only essential for the residential properties in the back, but for your property as well. MR. CRECES: Sure. Ms. Graebe actually came to me this morning with this concern. I actually agreed, we have to pay for widening that road of four feet. To bring it into that berm and provide some type of a retaining wall, so that that driveway would become four feet wider. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What length? MR. CRECES: I would say the length of the building. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, that would certainly help the residential property. It's not going to ultimately help more access all the way back for emergency equipment. That is apparently not the case now. MR. CRECES: All the way back there is no buildings on the west side of the driveway, so respectfully, not an issue. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: In particularly, in a snowy situation, you have to follow April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 104 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 t3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the tracks -- MR. CRECES: There is a deer fence about 10 foot high. MR. STRANG: Once you are in front of or behind the building with this addition, you have plenty of room for traffic. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Does this require Site Plan approval? MR. STRANG: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would have thought so. So that is going to be something that the Planning Board is also going to address, but I think your testimony shows us so far the cooperation to create an accessible condition. The safety, I think is, primary the concern for your property and your neighbor's. I have to go on record -- well, I don't have to, but I would like to go on record and say the product is wonderful. MR. CRECES: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The option for us to purchase those wonderful organic products. Who knew they were with such amazing flavor. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. CRECES: Well, you are always welcome any time. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let's see if Board has any other comments? George or Ken? MEMBER HORNING: Yes, just briefly on the character of the neighborhood, signage for your facility, do you have any? I didn't notice any signs along the road? MR. CRECES: Yeah, we have a small sign on the farm stand that is there. It is setback from the road. That is all we need. We're not a retail outlet. We're wholesale, although we will operate the farm stand during the season. MEMBER HORNING: So you have some retail operations going seasonally? MR. CRECES: In the farm stand. MEMBER HORNING: And I did notice a rather large -- Peconic Greenhouses, they're your adjacent neighbor? MR. CRECES: Yes. Diana and her husband, they operate the Peconic Greenhouses. Used to be the greenhouse that we operate right now. So he still the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 106 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 works for us and provides labor for us, and that is why the sign is still up there. MEMBER HORNING: He is. Peconic Greenhouse was the same site? MR. CRECES: That is correct. MEMBER HORNING: Okay. Thank MR. CRECES: You're welcome. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Would you additional coverage area governmental compliance new requirements for -- requirement to have enclosed because of MR. CRECES: Food MEMBER SCHNEIDER: doing, you're enlarging yOU . say the is necessary for with some possible you spoke to a all pollution or safety. So what the of your facilities something? you're building to apply that MR. CRECES: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MR. CRECES: food safety requirement? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: no further questions. MEMBER HORNING: another question? A part of it? That's correct. Ail right. I have Leslie, can I ask April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 107 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: Yesterday, you had these large storage trucks in this area, that we talked about earlier, that had compressors running. Are you going to enclose those? That loading area, is that going to be enclosed that these compressorized trucks pull into those areas? That has been a little bit of an issue in some other locations with neighbor's complaining of compressor trucks running 24/7. Is this going to be an issue on this property or are they going to be going into an enclosed structure where the noise would not be released into the general neighborhood? MR. CRECES: That is kind of a good point, and the reason for our application and expansion. One of those trailers is a storage trailer that runs as a refrigerator on diesel fuel. We're going to eliminate that, as soon as we can get this expansion. That trailer will be eliminated. It's a pollutant, so I definitely want to get rid of that, absolutely. I 100% agree with April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 108 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that. We do not want to do anything that is pollutant. I always want to avoid that. That is why we're going with the solar panels as well. So we can produce soft and easy by the sun. MEMBER HORNING: Again, sir, if you eliminate one, I saw, I believe, two. So are there going to be trucks there with running compressors any time of the day on that property outside of an enclosed area? MR. CRECES: They're definitely going to be removed. The only time they will be there is when they're delivering something or picking something up. They have to comply with the idling rules of New York State on a stationary vehicles. I need an active loading and unloading dock. MEMBER HORNING: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this Board? You need to come to the mic and state your name. MS. ?. GRAEBE: Phyllis Graebe, and I own one of the property owners for Lot #1. The only thing I am curious about is, this April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 109 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 map was produced when De Art of Nature purchased Peconic Greenhouse. It shows a 25 foot right-of-way, and all I am hearing today is 10 and 15. What happened to the 25 foot right-of-way that went with the deal, that would be the best way to put it? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If you look at what the applicant is proposing, which is this drawing, they're proposing an addition on here. MS. P. GRAEBE: I understand that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Currently there is a 25 foot space from when the existing building is and they're proposing to add more greenhouse space where they currently have that gravel part now. And what that will do, that will then become building. So the 25 feet that you are seeing, you can't ride on it -- MS. P. GRAEBE: fence. It's right on the deer CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So that is what we have been exploring. We have heard testimony that the applicant is willing to, at their own expense, for the entire length April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 110 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 of that building, side of the building, to go wide -- MS. P. GRAEBE: But -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The paved driveway that is still going to stay there. They're proposing to widen it at their expense with a retaining wall and grade it, so that emergency -- personal cars, and also that emergency vehicles can come in and go to the back. MS. P. GRAEBE: I wasn't understanding myself. I didn't know where the 10 feet was coming from. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's probably not a two-way traffic situation. MS. P. GRAEBE: Thank you. MS. D. GRAEBE: Diane Graebe, I am #2 on the blueprint. Just want to go on record and in talking with them today in regards to building and that retaining wall, and you know, he is doing a great Lot job with making all these vegetables and everything is great, but we have always had issues with the safety of driving up and down the driveway, parking in the driveway. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 111 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The kids get off the bus in front of the Route 48. My kids are in Elementary, Junior High and High School. They go down that road as well, but I just want to make sure that when he does widen it with the condition of the variance and adding that drivable surface. I know you said you were going to go there and reevaluate everything? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: That is a condition of a variance. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When we make a determination, we have an authority as an appellate board to condition variances based upon mitigating, what we call adverse impact. That it's going to negatively effect the health, safety and welfare of any type of community. You can address that with a variance but only if you do such. So the issues of widening, which is on the part of the applicant, that area, the access road for emergency vehicles. So they can have access to their property and yours, is something that we can have the choice of writing something specifically April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 into the decision. And they don't get a Certificate of Occupancy, until all conditions are met. MS. D. GRAEBE: Well, you know, in agreement with what they're doing. we're we did talk in regards to building that retaining wall, it's a big expense, but just to have an 18 foot wide driveway, so two cars can go by or a truck and a car, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good. You are working things out in a nonconfrontational matter makes things a lot easier. I found it fascinating to explore why the nature of growing these particular crops is seasonal sunlight from different angles requires the modules of the actual rolling cart. Requires perimeter additions on all four sides, which logically one would say to put it on the front or the back to get the square footage of what you need. Which is why we need to understand the authenticity of the particular needs as a grower. Who knew. MS. D. GRAEBE: So in talking with Eddy and Tom Thompson today in doing that, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 113 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 and then we get propane back there. The garbage comes back there. So that would just be it and we kind of agreed to it but like I said, I just wanted it to be a condition of the variance. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would both of you, and I am asking the applicant as well as the attorney, be willing to sign a letter of understanding about what the applicant is proposing to do to address safety issues with the right-of-way? MS. D. GRAEBE: Absolutely. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you both be willing to get that, to your satisfaction, sign that and so we can attach it to the file? MR. STRANG: Well, we still have to go to the Planning Board. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is correct. And that will probably be a very significant part in your application, I would imagine. Do you have an application before the Planning Board? MR. STRANG: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's right, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 114 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 you just said it. MR. STRANG: Monday is the hearing. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone else in the audience that would like to address this application? MR. CRECES: I would like to say one more thing in regards to the lot coverage. I recently attended a meeting about the Southold Comprehensive Plan, and a number of things were discussed there, which were a lot of valid points. One of the issues that was pertaining to this application is that, suggest to increase lot coverage up to 60% for greenhouses in Agricultural District, in this Town. This may never happen in my life time, but maybe end up in the neighborhood of 40 to 50%. I just wanted to make this comment. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So you are saying they are proposing to up the lot coverage of agriculture properties in Town? the MR. CRECES: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 20% lot coverage of that sort, is sort of reducing your April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 115 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 yield as to make it financially unfeasible. MR. CRECES: I just wanted to apologize to the Graebe Family for obstructing the driveway. It was not done intentionally, but we hope to remedy that soon, so that we can live together happily. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Certainly I am sure they appreciate it and this Board does. Anything that can come to a mutually satisfactory agreement is always good. I am going to make a motion to close this hearing subject to receipt of a letter from the applicant and neighbor with regard to the right-of-way. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6549 - JUSTIN SWARTZ & JOANNA WEINER CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 116 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 application before this Board is for Justin Swartz and Joanna Weiner, #6549. Request for variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's December 20, 2011 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct additions/alterations and deck addition to existing single family dwelling: 1) less than the code required minimum rear yard setback of 50 feet; located at: 275 Back Road #5 in Orient. State your name MS. THOMPSON: Thompson, architect Lane, a.k.a. Private please, for the Yes, Elizabeth for the project. Board? green CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Do you have any cards? MS. THOMPSON: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Great. Do you want the Suffolk County local determination letter for your file? Please proceed? MS. THOMPSON: This is a small project. Very simple, to wrap a deck around a front door entrance of the house to the back deck. And actually pin that rear yard April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 117 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 up a little bit, by relocating an existing shed to the far side of the garage. We have this 50 foot setback. The house is only about a 20 foot setback. The garage is 1 foot setback, so I am certainly not increasing any nonconformity, and in fact, that is the very back of a long rear yard. The adjacent party, so they're not affected in any way. In fact, it opens up their view a little bit by relocating the shed to the north side of the garage to the south side. We're trying to connect -- we have bit of a roof, just trying to get a connection from the house to the garage a with the deck underneath it. And that is pretty much it. Any questions? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Elizabeth, I think this is a consequence of attaching the accessory garage to the dwelling, is that why the Notice of Disapproval -- MS. THOMPSON: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: foot rear yard setback, attached? MS. THOMPSON: Yes. Now becomes a 1 because it's April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 118 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON preexisting structure? be that? ask them WEISMAN: nonconforming MS. THOMPSON: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: clear about that. Did MEMBER HORNING: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: some questions so that into the record. Rather then a detached I just wanted to everyone get Yes. Yes. Well, let's just you can answer Okay. You have a new 10 X 20 roof dormer to the porch. The deck is 34 X 8. Explain why the reason is that the deck is needed along the side of the existing detached garage? Is there a grade situation? MS. THOMPSON: It's a fairly level grade. We're trying to connect the front door around the back side and open up that rear yard. It's not accessible. It's just the chimney there. It's a very tight yard, as you can see. The north side of the lot April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 119 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 or the entry side kind of driveway, trees and and then it does rise up to north. It's empty wooded, approaches the sound. to make a bit of a yard that we have. backyard, so that trying to put a deck on that's the water view. which of the house, it's all boulders there, the lot in the rocky lot, as it So we're just trying use out of the limited Basically open up the it is more useful. And the south side, It's -- the grade look over the road and drops. So you can see the farm stand, basically. We have a new screened porch, which we're adding, and is conforming. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: From the field inspection, it certainly looks like the relocation of the shed is certainly going to make it a little more functional for the applicant. MS. THOMPSON: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: existing shed now? Is that away? Where is the also a foot right MS. THOMPSON: Yes. It's actually on the property line. I have a small April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 120 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 site plan that CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: shows the existing shed. Is there a CO on the shed? MS. THOMPSON: The garage, yes. I am not sure of the shed. It's just kind of preexisting. I don't know. It doesn't show upon any of the Building Department CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Was it there when the property owners bought -- MS. THOMPSON: Yes. They bought it about two years ago. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Comments, questions from the Board? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. MEMBER HORNING: I just want to clear up one little detail. The agriculture statement that was recently submitted with the file. Statement %7, Is the parcel within an Ag District? You answered, yes. Ag District %1. Statement %8. Is the parcel actively farmed and you also answered, yes, which I think is an error. MS. THOMPSON: Well, in that it lengthens the Ag lot. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We didn't April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 121 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 generate those forms MS. THOMPSON: MEMBER HORNING: refers to. MS. THOMPSON: farmed, correct. those by the way. You meant your own lot? That is what it It is not actively MEMBER HORNING: Sometimes I catch little details. MS. THOMPSON: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Actually, the proposed additions and changes are not going to have any impact at all on Back Lane. MS. THOMPSON: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I have no further questions. Does anyone else have any questions? MEMBER HORNING: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no further comments, I will make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a late date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 122 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I make a motion to recess for lunch. Is there a second? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (Whereupon, a recess was taken at this time.) HEARING ~6554 - THOMAS & IRENE KALOGERAS CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application is for Thomas and Irene Kalogeras, %6554. Request for variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's February 15, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 123 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 construct alterations and "as built" deck addition to existing single family dwelling: 1) less than the code required minimum side yard setback of 15 feet; located at: 700 Sound Beach Drive, on Long Island Sound in Mattituck. MS. RIVERA: Good afternoon. Chris Rivera, for Mr. And Mrs. Kalogeras. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. We have side yard setback of 10 feet, while the code requires 15 feet, that was granted previously by this Board, and two dormers, that are added to existing garage. Legalizing a small elevated wooden deck at t0 feet. The garage is in the side yard for the breezeway. MS. RIVERA: That's correct. Back in 2000, when we built the garage, I was told that we didn't need a ZBA approval, because Mr. Bruno made me move it in. I was originally 5 feet in and then 10. So when we applied for the dormers up there, I was told that I was noncompliant because it needs to be 15. I didn't need a ZBA back then. So when we wanted to put the dormers April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 124 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 up, we were told that we were noncompliant. So Mr. And Mrs. Kalogeras have just moved out recently. This is their permanent residence now, and unfortunately with the gable roof, you can't stand up in there or store anything. Therefore, they're asking that we put a 9 foot 7 inch dormer, so they can accommodate storage up there. The staircase was also back when we got the final approval on the CO, that we have been there to have access to that storage area. There was no other way to build that, other then the way it is, because it would have been too steep going out one side. Covering the breezeway entrance if we brought it out. So basically pretty simple, and the Building Department said we can only dormer 40% of the roof, which we have limited to. So basically that is where we stand with that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We all know. We have all done site inspections. So we have all been there. There are -- on the plans itself, doesn't show -- it should show the first floor of the garage. We don't see -- April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 125 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 No, there is -- WEISMAN: There I only have plans for the first floor of the garage. Assuming that there are no interior steps. MS. RIVERA: CHAIRPERSON on the outside? is steps MS. RIVERA: Correct. There is no attic stairs on there at all. The garage It was in a AE-13 changed -- I'm sorry is built on pilings. Zone and it has now within a VE Zone and now it's an AE Zone. It was built on pilings back then. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And how is the space currently being used? MS. RIVERA: It's basically storage right now. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there any plumbing in there? Heat? Electric? MS. RIVERA: No. Just downstairs they have a (In Audible) tank. I am not sure. I know they have a refrigerator and a freezer in the garage. That's it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. There might very well be some plumbing because there is a shower underneath that deck. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 126 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is that space? MS. in there, think you MS. RIVERA: Yeah. That is -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The assumption there is no existing habitable RIVERA: No, they except for in the maybe have you can stand up CHAIRPERSON plans right now to space? MS. permanent can't stand up middle. I about three feet that in that place right now. WEISMAN: Is there any make that habitable RIVERA: No, since this is their residence, they're possibly thinking about putting a second story on the existing house right now. That is not going to happen for a couple of years maybe. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I just want to clarify something. I don't want to run into a situation where we may assume that they are going to use it for one thing and now they room and they decide the refrigerator from having have head that they can move downstairs, upstairs and start guests staying there. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 127 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 If they do want to they have to come before MS. RIVERA: eventually use it, the ZBA. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have a whole application packet that is online now. They would need a Special Exception Permit. MS. RIVERA: If they want to maybe room or a convert it to a poker room -- CHAIRPERSON space. MS. RIVERA: den or a pool WEISMAN: No habitable I understand. They don't want to do a kitchen or make another room, habitable space, they have to come before the ZBA and they would be -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If they want to make it into an artist workshop -- MS. RIVERA: Okay. I will let them know that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please so. I want to make sure that we actually deliberate on what is before us. MS. RIVERA: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry, questions? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 128 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So the dormers that you are going to put on, as we speak? That is what you're going to do? road. I are, but away, who kids also quite a bit to pull out could. MS. RIVERA: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: But that can change based on this new information? MS. RIVERA: I would imagine down the don't know what their intentions right now, their mother passed also lived in Mattituck. The live with them. So they have of storage that they would like and stick upstairs, if they MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And the deck has been there for some time? MS. RIVERA: Yeah, the deck was actually approved during the final walk through. It was on the survey. It was on the CO when we got the garage. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: In other words, the Building Inspector missed putting that on the CO? MS. RIVERA: I guess so. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And that was Bruno April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 129 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 at the time? MS. RIVERA: Yes, it was. And they also had me go before the DEC at that time, I was exempt from the DEC because I was out of their jurisdiction, but I still had gotten a DEC permit, which I really didn't need at the time. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The garage has a CO but the deck does not? MS. RIVERA: Correct. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. MS. RIVERA: You're welcome. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George, questions? MEMBER HORNING: Board of Trustees? MS. RIVERA: I was out of their jurisdiction. MEMBER HORNING: And when the Building Department refers to the "as built" deck, that is the section behind the garage with stairs? MS. RIVERA: Correct. MEMBER HORNING: That's it? MS. RIVERA: Yeah. It's kind of insignificant. If you look at the plans, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 130 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the stairs go up and comes back in order get to the storage area over there. MEMBER HORNING: And that was built after -- MS. RIVERA: No, simultaneously. MEMBER HORNING: that was built With the garage? MS. RIVERA: With the garage, yes. MEMBER HORNING: But without a building permit. MS. RIVERA: I know that it was built with the garage and we got a CO for it. They came for the final inspection. It on the survey. Apparently it was missed. I don't know what would have happened, but it was still done simultaneously. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Just so understands the information here, the water was right up to the bulkhead. Since then (In Audible) took out all of to was everybody in 1974 the proposed inlet that was occurring on Jamesport #1 and #2, actually across from Uncle Bob's house on the Sound, which then started to replenish all the sand coming down. Now, they have been completed a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 131 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 tremendous amount of beach area including the Park District Beach, am I correct on that? MS. RIVERA: You are absolutely correct, Mr. Goehringer. MEMBER HORNING: But the Coastal Hazard line didn't change? MS. RIVERA: No. MEMBER HORNING: Did it exist then? MS. RIVERA: Not in 1974, I don't believe. It hasn't changed since then, although the DEC Zoning from DE-13 to AE-12 now because of the build up of the sand. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So today it would probably be built on a regular foundation? MS. RIVERA: They would require slope route vents there, as oppose to the pilings that the garage is on now. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MS. RIVERA: It's nice now. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Just to be clear to me, the Notice of Disapproval, the proposed alterations are the dormers and the "as built" deck? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 132 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. RIVERA: That is correct. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. No further questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is no one else in the audience. Hearing no further comments, I will make a motion to close the hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6552 PHILIP MARCO CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The. next application before the Board is for Philip Marco, #6552. Request for variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's February 13, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit for "as built" deck addition to existing single April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 133 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 family dwelling: 1) less than the code required minimum rear yard setback of 60 feet; located at: 4380 Indian Neck Road Peconic. state MS. MOORE: Yes, good afternoon. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please just your name. MS. MOORE: Oh, I'm sorry, Patricia in Holding's and that a large part of it was sold to the Indian Neck Lane Holdings, LLC. And what ultimately -- they tried with different ways of approaching this. The deck had been built in some time -- at the time that there were renovations to the house, and they were under the impression that there plans had been amended to include the deck and somehow the timing Moore on behalf of Philip and Pat Marco. They had planned on being here and then they had something that was interference with their schedule. They apologized, they would have liked to be here. This -- you already have it all written out. It's pretty straight forward, in that this property has once been part of the Marco April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 134 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 didn't work out. A portion of the deck that encroaches on the rear yard setback had not been included. So they were actually -- they needed to replace their deck, and they did some additional work here on the property and that is when it was discovered there was no CO on part of the deck. So here they are trying to clean-up, and that is why it was an "as built" replacing/repairing the existing deck. Some of the deck along the left side where that bite is on the house, actually has a C of O and the rest of it, that needs a variance to complete the deck. If you have gone out to the property, I am sure you have, tucked in. The original house is tucked in close to the rear property line. There is a driveway but what is showing still on the survey, is the stone roadway. It's not a road anymore. Not an access point. It has been access when the farm was one piece of property. That is not currently a road and hasn't been revegetated. So the property on the side yard has a side yard of 36.9 setback to the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 135 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1t 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 closest point of the house, and the garage -- excuse me, the deck is somewhat of an angle, it's the closest point, it does encroach on the rear yard. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. It's pretty straightforward. There are no neighbor's, other then Indian Neck Holdings, and those are the horses. I understand that Wayne Bruin -- he did speak to me and sent me a copy of the letter that he sent to the Board. So you have that. I acknowledge that you do have that in your file. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yes. Looking at the CO from July 18, 2011, it says window replacement, mudroom and deck addition. MS. MOORE: Right. is MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The subject that what is referred to here? MS. MOORE: A portion of it. deck, MEMBER SCHNEIDER: A portion of it. Can you give me a rough idea of how much? Do you have any idea? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Small portion. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 136 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. MOORE: Yeah. I think it's just that portion where the cut out of the house -- where the cutout is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The step down? MS. MOORE: Yes. deck believing not. MEMBER that they permit? MS. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: So the subject wood had existed? MS. MOORE: Yes, it had existed, that it was legal, but it was SCHNEIDER: And they thought could just replace it without a MOORE: Exactly. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Or reconstruct MS. MOORE: just boards were MEMBER SCHNEIDER: happen over time. Okay, It's the same exact deteriorating. Things like that the backyard has it? deck, nice horse farm there. MS. MOORE: They did contact Indian Neck Holdings and asked them if they might be interested in a lot line change, to avoid a variance and to meet the rear yard setback, and they weren't interested. a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 137 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 There was no other method, other then this variance. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: We have a letter from them. Do you have a copy of that? MS. MOORE: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No further questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: This was Holdings, is that what you said before? MS. MOORE: It was a separate piece of property. It has always been a separate piece, but it was always part of the overall Marco Holdings. And so when they sold the big house, they moved into this little cottage there, that is their home. Over time, they just needed to make it more comfortable. It had been more of a caretaker's house when they were in the big house. Now it is their home. MEMBER HORNING: And how did they get the Notice of Disapproval? How did that process work? MS. MOORE: My understanding is, they had gotten the building permit for some of April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 138 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the renovations. The CO with respect to the deck and window replacements, and at the same time, we're not seeing this CO for the deck, and after some months of trying to look for it and an alternative for going for a variance, it was finally decided to go get the variance and move forward. So that is how they ended up with a Notice of Disapproval. The Building Department in their research discovered that they didn't have a C of O. MEMBER HORNING: And can you put on the site plan or survey, the exact area of the conforming section? Is that possible? MS. MOORE: You are talking about what the house is 56.7. 60 yard setback. So it's This is a portion that portion is conforming, the 60 foot? MEMBER HORNING: Yes. MS. MOORE: Well, actually, the house at its closest point is 56.7. So I believe that the entire deck up to or very close to the -- pardon me on this. If I can come up. If you see this measurement here. To is the required rear right about here. has the CO. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 139 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER HORNING: the exact portion MS. MOORE: MEMBER HORNING: put it on scale? MS. MOORE: We Right. But don't know what couldn't somebody want to use a ruler? (Stepped away from the microphone.) MS. MOORE: I think part of the problem is, when the house was placed on the property, they tried to create the privacy. You can see at the entrance, it's an entry way with a big berm and everything. It's a very private area. You don't see this. And I drove by several times. I said the house was here. I never saw the ZBA poster that was there. For some reason, I drove right passed it. It's tucked in the back. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry, any questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. It's going to remain open? MS. MOORE: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing (In Audible.) So if you April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 140 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 no further comments or questions, I am going to make amotion to close the hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6553 - WILLIAM TONYES CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before the Board is for William Tonyes, #6553. Request for variance from Article III Section 280-15 and Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's December 28, 2011 Notice of Disapproval, based on an application for building permit for an accessory garage at: 1) location other than the code required rear yard, 2) lot coverage more than the code permitted 20% maximum, located at: 75 8th Street corner of Front Street, a.k.a, 717 Front Street, Greenport. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 141 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 name for the record, State your please? MR. TONYES, JR.: A. Tonyes, Jr. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hi, thank you. Let's just go over a couple of things. The proposal is for a 480 square foot, 18 foot high 20 X 20 accessory garage in a front yard, where the code requires a rear yard. My name is William You have two front yards on your property. That is the problem, and a 31% lot coverage, where the code permits a maximum of 20%. So tell us what you would like us to know about this application? MR. TONYES, JR.: Well, I would like to build a nice garage there, to try and kind of replicate a nice carriage house more or less. And I wanted Charlie to build it for me and make it kind of match the house. To have the same look of the house. I am not really done with the scroll look of the house but I am working on it. Chipping away at it. I want to replicate the garage to the house. Use it for, like an accessory storage. Put an April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 142 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 antique car. You know, stuff, paraphernalia that I would like to put in there. You know, maybe boat hardware and other things. That's about it. MR. THORP: The lot coverage -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Charlie, you have to state your name. MR. THORP: Hi, I'm Charles Thorp, contractor for Bill. The lot coverage here on this survey shows 31%. I remember somebody saying something about 32% they -- they would consider something under 32% coverage because it's Greenport Village? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No. The Greenport Village has it's own Zoning Board and it's own jurisdiction. You are in Greenport and not Greenport Village. So and all that comes under of Southold Code maximum of 20%. MR. THORP: to mention that I the Southold Town, applies, which means a Okay. I would also like spoke to every homeowner and nobody had any problems with anything. We're missing two green receipts that they received. And that's about it. We have to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 143 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 get two more cards, or at least track it down by the Postal service. Return that to you and we will find out. MR. TONYES, JR.: Ail the neighbor's that I have spoken to have no problem of building a garage there. MR. THORP: Chris Markel in the back, he is our spackler. He will be doing the sheetrocking and spackle. Everybody know also. It's a happy day. we You did a beautiful job on renovating the house? MR. THORP: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any intent plumbing or heat? MR. TONYES, JR.: No. MR. THORP: Just electric, garage CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: CHAIRPERSON door. on WEISMAN: Okay. The proposal is three feet from the property line, front yard, where there are other accessory detached garages in the neighborhood. We have driven around. We also know the neighborhood. I doubt that there is any as close to the sidewalk. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 144 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. THORP: The house in the back is somewhat in line with it, I believe, behind the garage. So the south side. Right across the street going west, that garage is right on the line to that property. I did work on their house years ago. MEMBER HORNING: I think she is talking about the front yard setback. MR. THORP: Front yard setback. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: They are both front yards. MR. THORP: That's right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The Board is required by justified. small lot. coverage is 23% according to your application. The shed contributes to that lot coverage and it's also located in a place that makes it pretty difficult or impossible to move the garage farther away from that front yard. From 8th Street. If the shed were not there or moved, two things would happen. One, you would be able to move it back law to grant the minimum So we need to look. It's a We know. Right now the lot already over the 20%. It's April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 145 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 farther for more privacy. Maybe put up a few shrubs or something, and the other thing is you would reduce the lot coverage by getting rid of the shed. MR. THORP: Bill mentioned he wanted to get rid of the shed anyway. MR. TONYES, JR.: There is a -- I believe it's about 20 feet from that where the garage would go, a cesspool so I wanted to keep that as far as I could from that cesspool. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Where is that cesspool? MR. TONYES, JR.: It's about 20 feet, in the corner area. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Which corner is that? MR. THORP: The corner of southeast corner. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Right there. MR. THORP: That is where build not the I would it, but it has a cesspool there. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Of course it showing on your survey. is April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 146 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. TONYES, JR.: I would mention that there was a garage prior. I gave you a copy there. before we bought the place. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. We have a a building permit, sorry, from a also like to there You know, Linda Bellinger, 2002. accessory garage, that That is where it was torn down. MR. THORP: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: like to know is, if you how far over can you -- Demolition of an was applied for. What is the proposed lot coverage without the shed? It's not going to be a huge difference, because the shed isn't all that big, but it does reduce it somewhat. It does reduce the number of accessory structures on the property. It's a little bit more of backyard. MR. TONYES, JR.: The shed is 10.2 X 8.3, so that would be two square feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We are looking at what is on your survey. The shed is listed as 84.7 square feet. What I would remove the shed, two questions then. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 147 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tt 12 t3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. TONYES, JR.: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have to subtract that. That would give you the square footage. We have to try and figure out what percentage that. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: 1% of lot coverage is almost 62 square feet. It's not a lot of coverage. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So you are only going to reduce it by 1 point something, but it will bring it down from proposed, to let's say 30% or 29.5%. MR. TONYES, JR.: Excuse me. You 31 know, I wanted to leave a little grass for the children when they come home. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. MR. TONYES, JR.: I mean, if I have to move it over and you will give me the okay, then it's no choice then really. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, we need to know where the cesspool is in order to determine how you can move the garage, without getting in trouble. MR. TONYES, JR.: Aren't we supposed to stay within 15 feet of any cesspool? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 148 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: don't know about an know about a house. MR. TONYES, CHAIRPERSON 10 feet. So if we the cesspool is. MR. THORP: We have about where 10 feet. I accessory structure. JR.: It is a foundation. WEISMAN: I would say could figure out 49 feet to that line. 26 feet to the center where the cesspool is 13 feet from the garage. So the cesspool is to say 8 feet wide. Right on 10 feet. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Well, if you say it's 13, then we can go another 3. MR. THORP: Well, to the center of cesspool. So it might be right there, I the within 6 inches. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, you know what is interesting, according to the survey, this PVC fence that you have up there is not on your property. MR. TONYES, JR.: When Linda sold the house to me, she had that moved. She had that moved and she had that taken down too. It was too high or something. We needed to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 149 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 do THORP: Well, we had a surveyor that. I believe, to close. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The one that is along the rear, that is like on or straddling. Look at your survey. And the one that is along 8th Street, is along the shoulder. MR. stake off the four corners of the garage for us. We can actually move the fence. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I think the fence should be put on your property. MR. THORP: That was moved. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That PVC fence is no longer there? What is the date of the survey? MR. TONYES, JR.: No, it's still there. I believe at the closing, Linda told me she had to move it to sell the house. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: On your property? MR. TONYES, JR.: Yes. She told me that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When did you it? buy April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 150 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. TONYES, JR.: Approximately two years ago. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the date of the survey. MEMBER GOEBRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me look at July 30, 2009. This says December 7, 2011 proposed garage. Whoever did this survey is probably just added the garage without resurveyed. MR. TONYES, JR.: He was at the property measuring. He was there. MR. THORP: He surveyed the property. where he your feet property MR. fence -- MR. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So you believe drew this fence is correct? MR. TONYES, JR.: I believe so. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Then it's not on property. MR. TONYES, JR.: The stakes are three from that fence and the fence is -- MR. THORP: Three feet from the line. TONYES, JR.: Right. And the The fence could be moved. If you guys need THORP: That is not a problem. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 151 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that moved, I will move the fence. We wanted to put some type of arborvitae's there to make it look nice anyway. Some kind of hedges to grow up and make it look nice. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So you have no problem with removing the shed? MR. TONYES, JR.: No, I was planning on moving it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, removing it. MR. TONYES, JR.: Removing it from the property. Somebody had told me already that would have to go. I already had it to be taken off the property. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. MR. THORP: It would be the first thing that we're taking out of there. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. So let's assume that you have to move that fence and put it on your property. You have three feet that is proposed between the property line and the fence. The is going to take up at least a foot. know what I am saying? MR. THORP: Uh-huh. fence You April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 152 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 know that up -- words, that want. front CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So I want to how far back you think you can move garage from 8th Street without messing you can move it up forward. In other you can reposition it to increase setback. You can do it anyway you It's going to be in a I don't care. yard anyway. MR. THORP: So we have to get you another survey showing that we moved it a foot over and foot forward? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I want to see the fence proposed on your property and the farthest possible setback from 8th Street that you can create for the location of the garage and the removal MR. TONYES, JR.: MR. THORP: Okay. of the shed, Okay. gone. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And we're going to have to make sure that the surveyor puts down what the proposed increased setback is on the survey. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have them locate the septic system as well. MR. THORP: I think I had that April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 153 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 originally drawn from an older survey. MR. TONYES, JR.: Also with the shed, I have a lot of things in the shed that I just can't do anything with until I get the garage built. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's okay. If you put down -- MR. TONYES, JR.: I will get rid of that as soon as we can get the CO on the garage. can able met, and you garage. showing CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's okay. It be done as a condition. MR. TONYES, JR.: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So you won't be to get the CO until the condition is but by then, the building can be built can put your stuff in there, in the We have an old survey from 1975 the old garage in the corner. That is not showing a septic. I thought maybe it would be on an old survey. MEMBER HORNING: Just a couple of questions, sir. You have property footage on two streets, Front Street and 8th Street; correct? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 154 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. TONYES, JR.: Correct. MEMBER HORNING: So then do you have any designated rear yard area on the property? MR. TONYES, JR.: That corner where the shed is basically. MEMBER HORNING: You know, we work with the differences between front yard and rear yards and side yards, so we know you have a lot of front yard. Do you even have a rear yard? Is it tucked -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: He has none. MEMBER HORNING: That's what I wanted to know. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's only a side yard. Because you have front yards, you see what's the back of your house, architecturally, because that house also has frontage along street, it doesn't matter where your front or your back door is. That area is considered a side yard because the side of your house fronts on the street. MR. TONYES, JR.: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So that is a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 155 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 l0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 side yard. You do not have a conforming place for this garage, anywhere on your property. So you have no alternative but to get a variance for the location of the garage. MEMBER HORNING: So if you had a rear yard, then we might be inquiring as to why you didn't have it in your rear yard. MR. TONYES, JR.: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have two front yards and one side yard -- two side yards. Okay. Let's do this. We can do one or two things. I would like you to go ahead and get this survey amended. So we have the septic system there. So the fence is on your property. You can show the removal of the shed and recalculate the lot coverage. A surveyor will do that for you. You don't have to remove the shed; however, until the garage is built. And then we will know exactly how far according to code you can shift the garage from 8th Street over towards that corner without being too close to your septic. And that would be the maximum setback you can accomplish April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 156 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 without changing where your septic is. We have to have that information from a licensed surveyor. So what we can do is get that information from you, as soon as we can possibly can, and we have two options. We can either close the hearing today subject to receipt of that information, and then proceed to deliberate. We have 62 days after we get that information, the clock starts on when we have to decide. We will try and decide it as soon as we can, but we meet twice a month. So it just depends. From today, we meet two weeks from today. A month from today will be another public hearing. The other option will be to adjourn this to May, in case when you submit that stuff, which will be before the May hearing, the Board has questions. Because if the hearing stays open we can talk to each other again a second time, and then conclude and go ahead and deliberate. I am just going to poll the Board and see what they think will be the best way we should do this. You have to get us the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 157 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 information one way or the other. MR. TONYES, JR.: Does the Board -- have spent quite a bit of money on this situation, and I have spent part of this money on the house already. And if the Board doesn't realty think that they're going to approve this, I really don't want to spend any more money on this project, you know? I am going to move onto I something else that maybe the Board will approve. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I can't second guess -- we're a democratic organization. And we have actually five votes, Member Dinizio was actually unable to be here today. MR. TONYES, JR.: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And you know, majority votes. I will say for myself, if you can reduce the lot coverage and you can build a one car garage rather then a two car garage, that would then give you some garage, and it would mean even less lot coverage. MR. TONYES, JR.: I would like to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 158 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 build the size that - CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: you are proposing size. The problem is you don't have a big lot. MR. TONYES, Right. What is not an unreasonable the location and JR.: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have a nice size house on it. MR. TONYES, JR.: I can go to the Building Department right after this meeting and find out the distance from the cesspool. I will have Doug Morris come down and dig it up and actually look inside, so we actually know what it is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The surveyor will have to put it on your survey. MR. TONYES, JR.: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And have the surveyor amend it to show what the lot coverage is with the shed gone. The fence on your property and what the new setback is going to be based on the septic. My question to the Board is, do you want to adjourn just in case we have questions or do you think we have covered enough April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 159 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 testimony in this hearing, and all we need is an amended survey? What is your opinion? Do you want to adjourn or close subject to receipt? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I would say subject to receipt right now. I don't know what else -- the only thing pertinent to me would be where the septic system is. As far as lot coverage goes, the option by them reducing the shed, reduces it a little more than 1% and whether this Board is willing to grant such a large garage. Since the garage itself comprises of almost 8%, which is quite a lot in the big scheme of things. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Well, that is the whole issue. We should really leave it open until such time we see where it's going to be. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. So adjourn it? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: I concur with leaving it open. The other thing that would be helpful for us to understand, how many April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 160 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 garages are in the front yard within the neighborhood. MR. TONYES, JR.: They are all there. There is -- one guy can't even pull his -- MEMBER HORNING: So you can provide us with such a breakdown, such as maps like this with some parcels laid out and you can identify the places with garages in the front yard. MR. TONYES, JR.: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Bear in mind, if other properties are not corner lots -- MR. TONYES, JR.: They are all corner lots. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The one slightly diagonal across the street, that is in a side yard. That's not -- MR. TONYES, JR. : It has a front yard too. He is on a corner as well. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Down a little. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I just want to tell you that we deal with this all the time. Ail the way up to Brown Street. Ail the way around. Everything is exactly the same. When you get by 6th, the lots are April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 161 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 even smaller. This is something that we go through all the time. So we will do our darnest best to assist you. MR. TONYES, JR.: Thank you. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: We just want to keep it open just in case we have any other questions, so we can assist you. MR. TONYES, JR.: I understand. I understand you have to understand what is fully going on. Okay. What I can do is go to the Tax Assessor's Office and get tax numbers. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The reason being, if you look in your application packet. For people who are really not experienced -- MR. THORP: It was my first time doing it. reasons, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, it said the Board operates under the basis of six State statutes, called a balancing test. Which looks at whether the benefits for the applicant is outweighed by any particular detriment to the community. The first of those statues talks about April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 162 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 character of the neighborhood. What you are proposing will not adversey affect negatively the character of the neighborhood because, okay. You can say it does not because these lots are all small lots. They all have exceeded lot coverage. They all have accessory garages in front yards, or not all, but a percentage or a number of them or whatever. That strengthens, that helps your argument. What I am proposing is keeping within the neighborhood because that is what's going on. Do you follow what I am getting at? MR. TONYES, JR.: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The other one is that you have no choice. The other one is environmental impact. Gutters and leaders. The other one has to do with the minimal Increase the setbacks. This is the best that you can do so that we can grant you a garage. So we just don't decide off the top of our head. MR. TONYES, JR.: I understand that. variance necessary, which is what we're exploring here. Get the lot coverage done. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 163 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Horning was suggesting is that strengthen your application by So what Member you providing us with more always on MR. information. the applicant TONYES, JR.: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: help, that can be for the neighborhood. MR. TONYES, The burden is to make the case. Pictures? Pictures will character of the JR.: Okay. of CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So based on all that, I am going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to May 3rd at 2:00 o'clock. Is there a second? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Second. Ail in favor? Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6550 - KIMOGENOR POINT, INC. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Kimogenor Point, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 164 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is the next application before us. #6550. Request for variances from Article XXIII Code Section 280-123 and Article XXII Section 280-116 and the Building Inspector's January 19, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit for demolition and construction of a new single family dwelling at; 1) a nonconforming building containing a nonconforming use shall not be enlarged, reconstructed, structurally altered or moved, unless such building is changed to a conforming use, and 2) less than the code required bulkhead setback of 75 feet, located at: 50 Jackson Street in New Suffolk. State your name, please. MR. SAMUELS: My name is Tom Samuels. I am the architect for Jackie and Dan Bingham, on behalf of Kimogenor Point Incorporation. And we are just hear to answer questions. I can make a presentation if it would be helpful. It is somewhat self explanatory. This is the second replacement house that we have done for Kimogenor April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 165 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Point, which is a Co-Op, for by definition, nonconforming single family single lot in Southold. The site is configured in such a way that the extremely tight. reconstruct this bulkhead of the waterfront We're trying to house mostly in the is footprint. We have a proposed modest expansion to that footprint. And I am hear to answer any questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Before we get started, do you have a copy of he LWRP memorandum showing consistency? If you do not, I will give you copies. MR. SAMUELS: I do not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: This is a demolition of a seasonal dwelling, and to construct a new single family dwelling. We understand the nature of the nonconformity, the fact that we have multiple dwellings that is one residential lot. And a consequence, even though it is a residential lot, with a residential use, it's considered nonconforming. The second, is the bulkhead setback is 57.4 feet, where the code requires 75 feet. The reason that April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 166 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 this becomes difficult is because of the demolition. Well, more difficult, if this were additions and alterations, the preexisting nonconforming status would remain intact, but because a demolition is proposed, we have a whole other board game. The only tool we have available to us to, we're discovering, to address this issue, even though it is not technically, standard use variance. The criteria as you know for a use variance is very different then from an area variance and it has to do with economic hardship and so on, which is not part of the standard for area variance. The only way we can establish the reestablishment and nonconformity is by granting a use variance to reestablish it. So that gets to be a lot more cumbersome. So I suspect the first question, why a demolition and not additions and alterations? MR. SAMUELS: In the project that we did two houses down, the name was Archer, we did that about five years ago, that was the course that we took, renovations and April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 167 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 additions. In doing that, that process that we actually -- there was no foundation, we lifted the existing house, build a foundation and put it down and do a large assessment on the house. We kept the floor structure and not much of, in order to end up -- and build almost exactly the way it had been but it was built with 2 x 4's. So when it came around to us this time, we said why we're playing sort of charades and unless there is a good legal reason to do so, it seems more appropriate just to tell you, no this is really what we want to do, is reconstruct this house because it is so inefficient. There is some masonry foundation now but it just seems like the more honest thing to do is just say exactly what we really have in mind. That presents an (In Audible) legal obstacle then we can certainly revise and go back to that as an alternative approach here. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, as you know, a use variance is pretty difficult to obtain but normally that is because it's a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 168 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 use not permitted in the zoned district. So that becomes a rather different set of concerns. We have a previous ZBA decision for Unit #9, is that the one you were referring to, March 2005? MR. SAMUELS: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That was considered a second floor addition and a renovated first floor and 70 feet from the bulkhead, but was not considered technically a demolition. The proposal here is also to consider the expand the nonconformity. You are not building within the same footprint. You have now a one-story -- MR. SAMUELS: No, two-story. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It is. It's 1899 square feet, two-story seasonal dwelling. MR. SAMUELS: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: With 664 square foot covered open porch, and you're proposing a 2,555 square foot conditioned two-story framed resident. It's not a seasonal dwelling anymore. It's a year April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 169 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 round residence without a basement, and 866 square foot covered open porch. That will then meet code for damage areas and so on. to turn this over to the touched upon the issues, to Gerry. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I think the question is, can you renovate this house? MR. SAMUELS: We certainly can. By all means, of course. I think there is a lot of frustration in the Town nowadays as to what constitutes a demolition. In other words how much -- there has been this kind of unofficial standard out there that you floods, hurricanes, Okay. I am going Board. I think we let's turn it over need to leave a few pieces of wood and it's a renovation. I mean, I understand that, and maybe we have even done it on occasion. I don't think it's the appropriate way build a house, but we could do it. We could take that floor plan -- to basically it's the first floor plan and then there is a section of interior space with a tiny little space on the other side. Whether we get that or not, I don't know. That is the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 170 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 porch. Physically we can do it. It would mean, you know, heroic means, unless we have to do that for technical reasons because of the nature of a use variance, I wouldn't do it for any other reason then that. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The reason why I ask that question, anything that I say is not meant to be smart. You guys are a tremendous, tremendous architect. I made statement to a person on the Sound side down by the Boas (phenetic) Restaurant, I said, how do you put pilings underneath it? You take the roof off and drive pilings through the -- you know, and he said, no, not necessarily. So I mean, are the pilings intact enough to do something like this? MR. SAMUELS: They're not pilings. It's a mixture of locust post and masonry piers that were built a few years ago. So what we did on the other instance, was not pilings. We're not sure here, you know, that it will necessarily be piles. Because, we're not -- I don't believe that a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 171 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 we're required by the zone to put this on a pile foundation. So we're not sure whether it would be on piles or not. We literally had to lift it and wonder if those were underneath and clear out, and pour a foundation. It can be done. It's not -- the floors now are all uneven. It's 2 x 6's. So does that make sense to say -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I totally understand what you're saying and I respect the integrity and honesty that you bring to the Board. But I know that you are experienced enough with this Board, and the code, to understand the problematic nature of what we have jurisdiction to do and -- MR. SAMUELS: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And we always conjure yourself when we make the determination, the existing bulkhead setback 50.3 and you're proposing 57.4. That is an expansion of the footprint. Not by much, but by some amount. MR. SAMUELS: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There are other properties in Southold Town that are -- April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 172 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that they're not common, but there are other properties that have the same sort of situation, where it's cooperatively owned piece of land with dwellings on it. And we have to be aware of the tendencies because the properties are valuable, for people who want to take a seasonal dwelling down and build really large year round houses. The property warrants such a thing. It changes the historic character and also the degree of nonconformity. You know the Town does and tried very hard to eliminate nonconformities other then to expand them. And if you are going to tare it down, why not at least maintain the same bulkhead setback. You can create conformity. MR. SAMUELS: Well, we have been trying to maintain the front line. The water side, the bay side, all is aligned. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. MR. SAMUELS: Technically, it should be able to move closer to the Bay, obviously we would need a Trustees permit for that, but to expand it at all and if you still have the little house that is April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 173 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 there, yes, it is charming. It was never modified. Most of the other houses have been modified and added to. This is pretty much the same as it was. They added one little bathroom to where the porch is, otherwise it stayed the same. It's very, very small, for a house that was probably purchased for like $2,500,000.00. Not that -- I am not making -- well, we're making a case for part of a use variance, but there really isn't too much place to go to expanding it in any fashion. They would like to try and make it a little more proper house. Now, you would have to walk through this house to realize. You walk through the kitchen and there is a hot water heater there. There is no entry hall. It's just a very awkward house. This is a modest expansion that definitely makes sense. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What would be involved if the house came down and you built within the existing footprint? MR. SAMUELS: Exactly within the existing footprint? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 174 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. No expansion of the footprint. Same bulkhead setback. Same front yard setback, well, there really isn't a front yard. MR. SAMUELS: Right. There is no front yard. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The only setback that we can really discuss is the bulkhead. MR. SAMUELS: My client would see it as a tremendous hardship because they're trying to make a proper size -- I don't want to say a proper size bedroom. You can see from the plan, they're still tiny bedrooms. It's an existing five bedroom house, believe it or not, and that tiny bedroom is 6 foot wide, 9 feet long. We're trying to at least get a 10 X 12~ They would do that I am sure. I mean, I would have to speak with them. I am sure they would see that as kind of an owner condition. have use CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, shall we you proceed to talk to us about the variance standards then? MR. SAMUELS: Sure. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 175 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If you need to address economic hardship, you need to prove of course for every permitted use of that property, which is really nothing. MR. SAMUELS: Well, one family. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, the only thing that you could do is to establish another residential use. MR. SAMUELS: It's a shame that when the Town went through the master plan, that they didn't give these kinds of sites recreational -- there were some other zones discussed for multi-family, I think, and it never happened. Well at least not here, but as far as use of concerns, six houses on one lot, plus a club house that exist. To recreate it, I understand what you're saying. How shall I address this? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: In your application, you have a page that says use variance, and there are standards there. There are four strict tests, all of which need to be met. The Board has no wiggle room. We can not grant alterative relief to a use variance. I mean, conditions, April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 176 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 yes, but not alternatives. So you need to tell us about those four standards. Does everyone have a copy of that? If you would like, we can show you? It's in the packet. Tom did fill it out. So let's take a look at it and see what you filled out. I am certain you might want to amplify it a little or even consult with an attorney in this case. It's entirely up to you. MR. SAMUELS: If we get to that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Here we go. Part B, Reasons for Use Variance. MR. SAMUELS: You know what Leslie, I don't think -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You want a copy of your own application? MR. SAMUELS: For some reason it didn't make it into my file. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have a two page typed up addendum. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Tom, you think this is the house that has been located there since 1915 and hasn't been much done to it? MR. SAMUELS: No, hasn't been much April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 177 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 done. I have some old photographs. I mean, it may have had a little more beach then. Ail of those houses are at least started then, and I don't think any of them have been completely replaced. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I think that iow water in the front actually helped those properties. MEMBER HORNING: I believe you submitted an aerial photo of the point there? MR. SAMUELS: Yeah. MEMBER HORNING: And then you put the house numbers and then there was a prior variance in 2005, and that was -- you said it was two houses down. I presume that was %9, Archer? MR. SAMUELS: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: This one is #7? MR. SAMUELS: Correct. MEMBER HORNING: And I saw in another location that there was a questionnaire with the ZBA filing, "are there any proposes to change or altar the land contours and you said, yes. And you had a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 178 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 comment, you have Describe contour? MR. sanitary minimally contour changes. Now a 5'6" foot elevation there. what a minimal change of the SAMUELS: Yeah. It's for system, which of course has meet Health Department and the DEC. to have a DEC permit for it. It's in that area between House %7 and at the drawing to the right of it the to Need really looking and to put a sanitary system into there that meets the standard. We have to take a contour line that now is contour %5 and run through there and take it up to %6. So it's probably a little more than a foot. Maybe like 18 inches to get the height that we need to put a sanitary system in. So minimally meaning, you know when you dig the hole and you put these rings in it, and probably we put the same amount of dirt back. Probably not adding fill. Putting the rings into the ground and covering them back up again. MEMBER HORNING: Okay. MR. SAMUELS: We're still talking to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 179 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the Health Department and they may want us to put a little -- waterproof retaining wall on one side in order to maintain their regulations, the slope of the grade on the top surface. MEMBER HORNING: Right. I probably missed it, but I know you mentioned the application was locust post pilings in the ground. MR. SAMUELS: And some masonry repair. MEMBER HORNING: And what are you proposing in terms of a new foundation? MR. SAMUELS: I think we're talking about a masonry foundation probably. It's -- unless we were required to go to a piling foundation, I don't think we would probably do that. It's awkward in some -- but pilings are an option, if there is some sort of a condition that warrants it. MEMBER HORNING: Gerry mentioned about storm conditions. Do you think that you would be required to allow water to go -- flow through underneath the house, do you think that will be one of your requirements? April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 180 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. SAMUELS: Because it's in a flood zone, we can not have a slab. So yes, water will have to flow through. It's an AE-6 Zone, so we have to maintain that minimum flood elevation of 8. Now, the house is -- I am not sure exactly, but it is probably now around 6. So we would need to lift it no matter what. And figure out -- like I said, you lift the whole thing up and build a foundation under it and put it back down and then go through this process of reconstruction/renovation or whatever. It's to be called. It's a lot more difficult then just starting from scratch and reconstructing a house. But I understand the reason why we're talking about it and it doesn't have to do with the practicality of the nature of a use variances and restrictions that you guys are facing as well. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me ask you a couple of questions. In order to verify economic hardship, primarily the most difficult to prove but also most compelling evidence in granting a use variance. We April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 181 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 need to have some sort of financial substantiation. Do you have any kind of recent appraisal on the property as it is? MR. SAMUELS: No, I don't. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there a mortgage of some sort? We need to have something that addresses it's current value, the value of the property, the value of the other houses around it. Do you follow what I am getting at? MR. SAMUELS: Yeah. I mean, from what it was purchased for, I can point that out very easily. If you want me to find out what it's value was on the market place, I am not sure if that is what you are asking. When we get into the 50% rule with the Town, they usually looking for a market value of a structure, which is very -- I mean, you can have an appraiser do that. You can have this structure without that property, find out what it's worth, the amount of money? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. I mean, I don't want to suggest that you put your client through a whole bunch of additional April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 182 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 costs, but we have to have -- the law requires us to have substantiation of economic hardship. We all may know that the property is worth a lot of money, but we have to have something in writing indicating the necessity for a demolition rather to the value of the property and the current value of the structure. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Which makes it really worse, because it's just the posts that stands underneath the house. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What they essentially have in the way of ownership is a footprint. MR. SAMUELS: What they have in ownership is a share of the corporation. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Right. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Right, but the right of that house being in that location. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER HORNING: are there? MR. SAMUELS: two adjacent pieces it's That footprint. How many shareholders I believe 12. There are of properties with six April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 183 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 houses on each. So this has six and that one has six. The corporation has 12 members. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: To present such an application that has potential for yielding has very sufficient consequences. And should this Board say go ahead and demo, and build a bigger house, there is no way that you can say no to anyone else's request to tare it down. And the more you do that, the more nonconforming circumstances could come exaggerated. It's like a domino effect. It would be arbitrary and caprices to grant one situation and completely deny -- MR. SAMUELS: Are there other Co-Op's in the Town that are like this? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There are. There are. Breezy Shore's is one, and it's before us also, which we are certainly barred from talking about it. So we are going to have to proceed with thoughtfulness around this for everyone. Not that we don't always give thoughtfulness. We need to get some April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 184 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ~5 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 financial documentation of hardship. MR. SAMUELS: Just so that I am clear on what exactly it is that you are looking for, we can tell you what this. The value of the structure. We can determine that. How are you applying that -- where does that number go? Let's say $500,000.00, what does that mean to you next? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's really not the Board's responsibility to kind of direct the application? I understand -- MR. SAMUELS: I just want to know what you're making of that? MS. ANDALORO: Usually you have to provide proof of dollars and cents and under the law. And why you are trying to do your job and describe the valuableness generally, this Board will need proof. MR. SAMUELS: Okay. So we can do that. We can give a number? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would assume that you need to speak to some real estate agents, appraisers, you know. Also, looking at the rest of the dwellings. Is this substandard for the rest of the April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 185 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 dwellings burden to the other MR. want not . in Kimogenor Point? Is this a your clients in relationship to SAMUELS: Does that mean that you them all appraised? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can be No. Certainly an constructive -- MR. SAMUELS: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: to you to discuss it with figure out on how to make MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Is talking about the value of CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: structure, relative to the waterfront property. To that corporation. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: buys into the It's really up your client and the argument. this Board the structure? The value of the value of the ownership the structure. exist, there applicant to When that owner corporation, they buy into If the structure didn't would be no reason for the buy into the corporation? that CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I am just out there. I am not making a throwing April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 186 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 statement of fact. I am more or less asking a question. So according to value, I would say most of the value would be in that structure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's all in the structure, but it's location, waterfront property. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: But what that applicant buys is the structure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Because right under the corporation. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the land. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: the house without buying a corporation. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: right. he has no He doesn't own You couldn't buy share of the Are you aware of -- I don't recall if you addressed the application but you may have, are there covenants and restrictions on this property? Is there a homeowners -- MR. SAMUELS: Well, it's not a homeowners association, it's a corporate Board. So they have to approve -- their any April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 187 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 public Board has application. CHAIRPERSON anything from them? MR. SAMUELS: something in there. to approve this WEISMAN: Do we have great advantage to the collection of this data. MR. SAMUELS: Just so I understand what it is that you are really looking for, we find out that the structure "as is," and I think it's probably not going to be in excess of $300,000.00. So if you look at don't have it, but they recently voted on the project itself. So they have endorsed the project itself, not just the actual application. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: You know what's interesting, Tom, when we get all this information, probably something that would behoove of the owner, just in case God forbid, we ever had another crazy one of those windstorms we had, you know, where we had significant damage, fortunately it missed Kimogenor, you know, there may some Yes, I think you do have And they recently, I April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 188 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 this and say what's the value of this? Just on what is there, it's not going to have a particularly high value. In order for them to live here, they paid $2,500,000.00, which I think is about what they paid for this, that is the kind of relationship that would be germane to this discussion? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would think that would be something -- MR. SAMUELS: Because they're going to of a million spend close to three quarters dollars to construct that. MEMBER HORNING: Sir, do they pay The lawns property. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: are all mowed. They share the Anything having to do with the Board's endorsement, assessment of the overall value, the way in which they have the entire property, whatever you come up with. I can't predetermine without spending the next half annual maintenance fees? MR. SAMUELS: I am sure they do because it's all communally maintained. April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 189 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 an hour just brainstorming, but I think you get the gist of it. MR. SAMUELS: I think I do. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Two and three are the same question. We're looking at character of this parcel and the adjoining areas. That is not difficult to prove. You can get other tax maps, and say that's it, without a four mile radius. You need to be specific. This is why lawyers usually do this. No. 4, is that it speaks to the character of the neighborhood. That I think is also fairly clear. We understand that character of that neighborhood. I do not agree that it's not a self created hardship, because if you think about it, the applicant's knew fully well what they were buying into. They had knowledge of the limitations on that property or should have had. And is it the minimum relief necessary, a demolition and a reconstruction of a house? You have to answer that. You may not say it's the minimum and it's the desirable lot, but you want to base that on not that it's just April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 190 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 want they want, too bad, but the fact that it is economically feasible. And you have to demonstrate why you need to expand that footprint. Why at the very least a demolition will not increase the removed and being reduce if to expand the footprint a much greater request, to know how to nonconformity of what was replaced. If you are proposing to the bulkhead setback even further, you are proposing even more, that is if you were essentially say we're taking it down. It's not structurally feasible. It's outdated in every way. It's a valuable property. We want to rebuild the footprint and that is the minimal we can spell it out more do. I don't clearly. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: You really have to define the whole uniqueness of this property. I think that -- there is nothing like this anywhere else? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: This is where you go to the Assessor's Office and you find out how many parcels in the Town for that matter -- April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 191 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER HORNING: There -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There the immediate If I may be in the Town. Not in It -- MEMBER HORNING: excused -- are a few area. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. George has to go catch a ferry. MR. SAMUELS: Now so far we have been talking about the use variance? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MR. SAMUELS: to do with a -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MR. SAMUELS: If my Right. And so these issues Demolition. client were have willing to take, what I am taking heroic to save a portion of this house and not demolish it, I am not sure what that means this point. Means to what we did at Archer, floor structure. which was me to you at similarly keep a CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Tom, I would that the conversation take place suggest with very, the Building Department so that we are very clear that if you are going to April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 192 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 t9 20 21 22 23 24 25 pursue not to demolish because the easier way to go is to get a brand new building -- our definition of reconstruction, by the way, I already know that they do not define reconstruction as rebuilding in-place and in-kind. Something has to be left. What exactly that is, as you know, the code is being revised, even as we speak to try and clarify what that means. MS. ANDALORO: (In Audible). (Not near a microphone.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have never interpreted reconstruction to mean the piece by piece removal of a dwelling and the rebuilding of it all brand new. They have viewed it and their interpretation of the code, you are rebuilding renovating, rather whole thing. It's at the moment, but a substantial portion is left in-place and in-kind then demolishing the and all kind of a gray area we can only go by what the law says at this point. We have to. We are not a legislative body. We can not change code. We don't write code. We have to uphold what is there, but I would April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 193 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 certainly go and talk to the Building Department. MR. SAMUELS: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Right now what we have before us is demo, and if you are able to say what would I have to save so that this is not a demo? How much do I have to build, you can make a better decision and talk to your clients and see what they think. MS. ANDALORO: (In Audible) last meeting come in and speak to the structural integrity. Have someone open up the walls in these houses. MR. SAMUELS: They are actually open. There are no walls. I can speak to that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: He is qualified. He has a license. MS. ANDALORO: Just checking. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: But that is the case too, we have had testimony where an architect/engineer, somebody has really managed to calculate the percentage of the structure that can be sured up, what has to be -- what has to come down and be April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 194 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 replaced. And I understand exactly why you proceeded this way, but I think now you understand why the Board is kind of caught in this difficult situation because of the nonconforming, and why we ask you to approach it from a new standpoint, because that nonconformity is gone with the demo. MR. SAMUELS: That's why it might be helpful for us to pursue that direction. I am also interested in the other Part B, which is the reason for appeal, and this is having to do with most of the setback from the bulkhead. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is the only could be any additions. I know that it's not before you right now, but is there any guidance you can give me on that subject? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If you are rebuilding in a way that it's not increasing the nonconformity of what is already there, it's certainly from a legal thing -- MS. ANDALORO: I am wondering in the instance that we can work out, you know, renovations and additions project, if there April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 195 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 perspective, from a it's far less substantial increasing or -- you know, variance perspective, request than increasing the nonconforming bulkhead setback, expanding the footprint of a nonconforming structure. MR. SAMUELS: We would be increasing the footprint. There is no question. As soon as we get pass the use variance issue and the area variance issue, we are certainly not anywhere close to the maximum coverage on the site, would you -- can you imagine giving us an additional footprint in an area that does not increase the nonconformity for the bulkhead? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If it wasn't a demo, I think the Board would entertain that differently. You know, we all vote -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It's a difficult request. MR. SAMUELS: asking it. I know, that's why I am CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have five people and five different opinions and we can't predetermine -- MR. SAMUELS: No, but I am learning April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 196 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 from your responses. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Our area variance standards require us to grant the minimum relief necessary to avoid unnecessary hardship. That is in a sense a balancing act. MR. SAMUELS: Understand, but in this instance -- what I am really asking, the primary addition is included here and is conforming, and so why wouldn't you grant us that? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's conforming to a -- MR. SAMUELS: Setback. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: To a setback, there are no setbacks other than on this property. although bulkhead MR. SAMUELS: Then that is all that we are talking about. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is why the Building Department wrote it that way because there is no front yard and side yard, really. the MR. SAMUELS: If we can get by with use variance and somehow maintaining April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 197 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 part of the structure, then why can't we do -- are -- I mean, are we even here for a variance? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Nothing here would be as of right because it's a nonconforming building with a nonconforming use, and any alterations would -- or expansion of any kind is going to increase that nonconformity. Even if it's a foot. MR. SAMUELS: If I am not mistaken though, if we had a building that was in a setback and we were adding to the opposite side of that building, we would not require a variance, am I wrong? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If it's on the land side MEMBER GOEHRINGER: You're wrong. MR. SAMUELS: I have done it before and gotten a building permit for it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: He's not completely wrong. Under section of the code. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: piece of property. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: a different On a different Let's say it's a April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 198 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 waterfront property and you are adding on the landward side, and the front yard is still conforming and the side yards are still conforming, then you are right, you can do it as of right. MR. SAMUELS: Because this is a larger site, in a sense, is that what we are talking about? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's the problem. This is a really tough property. MR. SAMUELS: I think we can run that one up the flagpole again, if we can get through the use variance issue. You know, we will make a case for financial hardship, and I think we can, you know, do a credible job of that. In this instance, it's a tiny little beach cottage worth millions of dollars and to say you can't even add a bedroom on the side, doesn't seem appropriate to me, but I understand where you are coming from at least. Okay. MS. ANDALORO: (In Audible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If there had been a demolition, and the Building Department you can't put that back, it's April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 199 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 gone. There may be a greater argument for a building on that then there is hardship. other then pitching a Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is no demo the restoration of footprint because You have no value tent. MR. SAMUELS: yet . are MR. SAMUELS: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: approaching this right, So I think we rather then go and do something and it backfires. MR. SAMUELS: Right, but I don't want to do it fruitlessly. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: to waste time, however, we Nobody is trying are trying to offer a variety of strategies for you to accomplish something for you and your client, at the same time, protect the integrity of the Board's precedence in setting decisions, and you know, just proceed here with a awareness of potential consequences. That is about what we're doing here. So I think the best conversation is to go back to the Building April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 200 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Department and look at options from their point of view, because they are the one who is going to look at amended Notice of Disapproval's or anything else and then talk to your client, and really see where you want to go with this, and maybe even talk to an attorney. MR. SAMUELS: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And then decide how you want to proceed. Today it just appeared to flush out all the issues, so that we can understand as a Board, and you as an architect, where we might or might not go with this. I am going to suggest, if the Board so inclines to adjourn this until June, because we're really clogged up for May, and I think you are going to need time to really get together and gather information, depending on whatever way want to proceed. June 7th, at 1:30 -- MR. SAMUELS: That's a Thursday? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Always a you Thursday. Motion to adjourn -- I'm sorry, I forgot to ask, is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 201 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So hearing no further comments, I will make a motion to adjourn this hearing to June 7th at 2:00 o'clock. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: favor? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Ail in Aye. Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) (Whereupon, the public hearings for April 5, 2012 concluded.) April 5, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 202 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, Jessica DiLallo, certify that the foregoing transcript of tape recorded Public Hearings was prepared using required electronic transcription equipment and is a true and ~urate record of the Hearings. Signature ..... Jes~ca DiLallo Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter PO Box 984 Holbrook, New York 11741 Date: April 22, 2012