Crystal Lake Park

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Minutes

of the City of Crystal Lake Park, Missouri

Regular Meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment

Thursday, March 2, 2006

          Bulding Commissioner Robb Lappe called  the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment to order and announced a quorum.

 ROLL CALL:

           Present:  Building Commissioner Robb Lappe, P&Z Chairperson David Evans, Commission Members Paul Licavoli and Amy Cislo, and Mayor Matthew Balcer and Alderman Jim Gehringer, as well as Board of Adjustment Members Martin Long, Mary Jane Cusumano and Barry Larson.

           Absent:  P&Z Commission member Rita Brinkman, and Board of Adjustment Members Sue Glarner and Mary Ann Stewart.

 REVIEW ITEMS:

           A.  Neil Ettinger (P&Z).  Preliminary Approval for 2162 Oak Drive for back yard renovation.

           Building Commissioner (BC) Lappe opened the meeting with a discussion concerning the request by CLP resident, Neil Ettinger, for preliminary approval for back yard renovation at his home at 2162 Oak Drive.  Lappe explained that while Ettinger ultimately wanted to construct a small pool and concrete surround in his back yard, at this time he was solely asking for a grading permit to grade his property so that water funnels north to the existing drain.   

           BC Lappe displayed the preliminary plan for pool construction, which showed a regular pool, although Ettinger told Lappe that revised plans would show a rectangular pool.  The dimensions of pool and surrounding concrete measure 12’ by 26’ and would ultimately encompass most of Ettinger’s back yard.  Ettinger would also like to construct a concrete retaining wall with a face of ceramic or coil tile.

           A discussion ensued regarding the aesthetics of having Ettinger’s entire yard virtually comprised of concrete, the lack of green space, and the ensuing effect that would have on neighbors’ views.  Others on the commission noted that a resident’s back yard is private space and, therefore, homeowners should be allowed to do what they want with that space. 

           Further discussion involved concerns about how this construction, as well as possible future such construction, would affect the aesthetics of the entire neighborhood.  BC Lappe and P&Z Chairman Evans agreed that the Commission could later discuss proposing ordinances that would protect the green space of the neighborhood, perhaps declaring that a percentage of homeowners’ back yards should be devoted to green space.

           P&Z Chairman David Evans voiced concerns about where the water would drain in Ettinger’s back yard if the pool were placed where water currently drains.  BC Lappe replied that all of Ettinger’s neighbors would be protected by either their own existing retaining walls or upslopes to their property, and the fact that with the new draining, the water would ultimately drain to the north, not affecting the neighbors.

            After lengthy discussion, BC Commissioner and Mayor Balcer indicated that according to the current ordinance, residents are not required to obtain a permit solely for grading purposes; however, they agreed that approval for fencing, a retaining wall and pool would be required.

           BC Lappe volunteered to contact Ettinger to tell him that no approval for grading was necessary, but such approval would be necessary for a fence, retaining wall and pool.

           Before moving on to the next agenda item, BoA member, Martin Long brought up the issue of construction on East Drive, which was severely hampering traffic on the street, particularly that of the Ladue Elementary School District busses.  It was noted that the construction company had already been notified on a few occasions not to block traffic with its construction equipment and vehicles. 

 P&Z Commission member Cislo stated that under current city regulations (Section C 505.04.1) involving the regulation of streets, the construction company is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be fined accordingly.  A discussion ensued as to how to proceed to rectify the problem and it was noted that current fines were too minimal to have any real impact on the construction company.

 BoA member Long suggested that a sign be placed on the door of the home being constructed, notifying the builder that access on East Drive cannot be blocked, particularly during school bus times during the hours of 8:10 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.  It was suggested that the Commission post the related ordinance and include the bus schedule as a reminder to the contractors.  Instead, the Commission approved a measure to allow the purchase of five signs to place on properties undergoing construction noting the City ordinance and the fines that would be imposed if requirements were not adhered to.

B.     Review of Current City Ordinances 

BC Lappe opened the discussion by indicating that because there were so many ordinances to review, the Commission should decide on which ordinance to initially focus.  He indicated that bill 405.040 involving District D was one of immediate concern, as it is  the oldest section of Crystal Lake Park and its lot sizes of 100’ are considerably smaller that those in the other Districts.   

          BC Lappe suggested that the Commission should contemplate changing the ordinance relating to new construction by incorporating a percentage calculation to the size of new construction as compared with lot sizes.  Also at issue are double garages, as well as room height, which has increased in new construction.  The original ordinance allows for two-story homes, 35’ home height, front yard set back of 16’ and a side yard of not less than 6’5” in width. 

          Mayor Balcer inquired if the Commission should only be discussing these issues as they related to District D when the Commission is contemplating addressing these issues for all districts.  It was noted that District A, The Willows, is comprised of multi-family residences and was not in need of review.  Alderman Jim Gehringer said it would be difficult to focus on all districts at once because of the different lot sizes in each district.  BC Lappe suggested that there was a greater sense of urgency with the ordinance in District D.   

A discussion of the Commission ensued where it was noted that some indentures are nonexistent or have an expiration date.  It was recommended that a Commission member talk to CLP City Attorney, Daniel Human concerning the matter.  In addition, Mayor Balcer suggested that the Commission reconvene at a later date in March to discuss the ordinances solely as they relate to District D.   A Motion was made and approved by Commission members to reconvene on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. and that a notice would be posted of same.

NEW BUSINESS 

A.  BC Lappe asked Commission members if there was any new business to discuss.  Alderman Paul Licavoli said that he had obtained a copy of the City of Olivette’s Residential and Redevelopment Guidelines and noted that they could be useful in addressing such issues in CLP.  It was recommended that discussion of the guidelines be tabled until the next full meeting of the P&Z Commission. 

B.  The issue of real estate signs also arose wherein BC Lappe suggested that there was a proliferation of signs due to extensive sales and new construction of homes.   He reminded Commission members that home sellers were limited to one For Sale sign.  On Sundays and Tuesdays, however, when agents traditionally hold open houses, home sellers are allowed an additional Open House sign.  Moreover, on these days only, if a home seller receives consent from an existing homeowner to place a sign on his or her property, one additional sign would also be allowed.   

          NEXT MEETING 

          A special meeting of the Commision was scheduled for Thursday, March 9 to further review and discuss city ordinances, particularly as they related to District D.  

          VOTE TO CLOSE MEETING 

          A vote to close the meeting ensued and was unanimously approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

          MINUTES RECORDED BY:

          ______________________________________________

          Lois A. LaDriere

          ATTEST:

          ______________________________________________

          Building Commissioner, Robb Lappe