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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-2004 Board of AdjustmentAGENDA IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 11, 2004 — 6:00 PM EMMA J. HARVAT HALL A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Consider the July 14, 2004 Board Minutes D. Special Exceptions: 1. EXC04-00006 Discussion of an application submitted by Valerie Russell for a special exception to permit a commercial child care center for up to 24 children in the Low Density Single -Family (RS-5) zone located at 735 Westgate Street. 2. EXC04-00018 Discussion of an application submitted by Karen Sheldon for a special exception to reduce the required front yard adjacent to 5`h Avenue from 20 feet to zero feet for property located in the Low Density Single -Family Residential (RS-5) zone located at 1906 G Street. E. Other F. Board of Adjustment Information G. Adjourn NEXT BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING — SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 STAFF REPORT To: Board of Adjustment Item: EXC04-00006, 735 Westgate Street GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicant: Requested Action: Purpose: Location: Size: Existing Land Use and Zoning: Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: Applicable code sections File Date: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Prepared by: Shelley McCafferty Date: August 11, 2004 Valerie M. Russell 735 Westgate Street Iowa City, IA (319) 339-0800 Approval of a special exception to allow a childcare center in an RS-5 zone. To allow the conversion of a childcare home to a childcare center. 735 Westgate Street .35 acres Low Density Single Family Residential, RS-5; Childcare home use North: Residential, RS-8 South: Residential, RS-5 East: Residential, RM-12 West: Residential, RS-5 14-6L-1D Provisional Uses, Special Exceptions and Temporary Uses; Childcare Centers 14-6W-2 Boards of Adjustment Powers and Procedures 18 March 2004 The applicant, Valerie Russell, is requesting a special exception to allow the establishment of a commercial childcare center in a Low -Density Single Family Residential, RS-5, zone. Ms. Russell currently operates a childcare home from 735 Westgate Street. A childcare home is a home - based facility that provides daycare for a maximum of 16 children in a residence. A childcare center is a nonresidential daycare facility for 12 or more children: if this special exception is approved, Ms. Russell would move out of the house and convert the entire structure into a commercial childcare center. The maximum number of children for childcare centers depends on the size of the facility and available parking spaces. This application was submitted in March 2 requesting approval for up to 65 children. The original application did not provide the required parking spaces. In July the applicant submitted a revised site plan showing 4 parking spaces, which would allow for the care of up to 24 children at any one time. ANALYSIS: The purpose of the Zoning Chapter is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, to conserve and protect the value of property throughout the city, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land. It is the intent of the Zoning Chapter to permit the full use and enjoyment of property in a manner that does not intrude upon adjacent property. The Board of Adjustment may grant relief from the requirements of the Zoning Chapter through a special exception if the action is considered to serve the public interest and is consistent with the intent of the Zoning Chapter. Specific Standard: 14-61-41), Childcare Centers Subsection 14-6L-1 D of the Zoning Chapter states that a special exception may be granted by the Board of Adjustment to allow the use of a property for a childcare center provided the following standards are met: The center shall provide a fenced outdoor play area of not less than 100 square feet per child using the area at any given time. There is currently a fenced outdoor play area of approximately 5,330 square feet, which is more than adequate to meet the standard of 2,400 square feet required for 24 children. 2. No playground equipment shall be permitted in the front and side yards. All playground equipment is located within the fenced play area in the rear yard. 3. Fenced play areas shall be enclosed or protected, well drained, free from hazards, and readily accessible to the center. The fenced play area is located in the rear yard directly adjacent to the house, therefore it is readily accessible to the center. The yard is enclosed with a 4-foot high chain link fence and is free from hazards. The yard slopes gently towards the west and therefore is well -drained. 4. The center must contain at least 35 square feet of accessible, usable interior floor space per child, excluding kitchens, bathrooms and halls. The childcare center will have 1,875 square feet of usable interior space, excluding kitchens, bathrooms and halls. This is more than adequate to meet the 840 square feet required for 24 children. 5. The drop-off/pick-up area for the center shall be designed to allow for sufficient stacking spaces located in proximity to the center's entrance. The separation of pedestrian access and vehicular traffic is encouraged to minimize the extent to which children are required to walk across drives or roads to gain access to the child care center. One-way drives are also encouraged. The applicant is proposing to change the use of this property from residential to institutional. Childcare centers require one off-street parking space per six children in addition to one stacking space per 20 children. Furthermore, in R zones, no parking is allowed in the front yard. There are currently two parking spaces located in the garage, which may be counted towards the required parking. The applicant is proposing to construct two additional parking spaces on the north side of the existing house for a total of four spaces. With four parking spaces, up to 24 children may be cared for at this center at any given time. The driveway and garage 3 location will allow for children to be dropped off in an area where they will not have to walk across drives to reach the door of the child care center. The proposed parking spaces on the north side of the building are less convenient and are more appropriate for employee parking. 6. The center's operation and maintenance shall meet all applicable State requirements. This facility must be licensed to operate and in order to be licensed, all State requirements must be met. The State is still in the process of examining the childcare center application. General Standards: 14-6W-2B, Special Exception Review Requirements The applicant's statements regarding each of the general standards are included within the attached application. Staff comments regarding the general standards are stated below. The specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. During the three years that the applicant has operated a childcare home, the City has not received any complaints regarding noise, traffic or other issues that may be detrimental to public health, safety, comfort or welfare of the neighborhood. Although the proposed special exception will result in an increase in activities on this property, in staff's opinion the increase from 16 children to 24 children is not likely to have a significant effect. 2. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. The current childcare home is located in the Low - Density Single Family (RS-5) zone. The noise generated by a childcare center has the potential to negatively impact the adjacent six properties that have rear yards abutting the area where the outdoor play area is located. Any negative impacts of the childcare facility appear to be mitigated in part by the large rear yards of these properties and the separation of three of these properties from the play area by the Willow Creek stream corridor. To date there have been no complaints from neighbors regarding the existing childcare home. Moreover, because the proposed center operates only during working hours, it is less likely to be detrimental to the enjoyment of adjacent properties. If this special exception is approved the existing residence will be converted entirely into a childcare center. To assure the appearance of the property remains compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood, staff recommends that the building be required to retain its residential exterior appearance. 3. Establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. The adjacent properties have already been developed, therefore this special exception will not be contrary to this standard. 4. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided. Westgate Street is a collector street that is terminated by two arterials; Melrose Avenue to the north and Benton Street to the south. This provides good vehicular access to the proposed childcare center. This property was developed relatively recently (2000) and therefore has adequate utilities and services. The applicant will be required to construct two additional parking spaces on the north side of the house. n 5. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. In addition to the two parking spaces available in the garage the applicant will build two parking spaces north of the house. This will require a second driveway on to Westgate Street. Grading work may be necessary to install the two spaces and driveway. 6. Except for the specific regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. Construction of this house was completed in 2000 and conforms with applicable regulations and standards of the RS-5 zone. The applicant will need to obtain a building permit to convert the building from a residential use to a childcare center. Some building upgrades may be required by the Building Code. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City, as amended. The childcare facility provides an essential service to the neighborhood. Conversion of the childcare home to a childcare center will allow the applicant to care for additional children, including an after -school program for children from Weber and Horn elementary schools. The Comprehensive Plan supports coordinated efforts to provide safe and reliable childcare. This proposal is not contrary to any land use goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan or Southwest District Plan. Given the center's location on a collector street with an adjacent religious institution and multifamily residential uses, staff feels that the proposed childcare center for up to 24 children is compatible with the neighborhood and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that EXC04-00006 an application for a special exception to allow the establishment of a childcare center for up to 24 children at any one time at 735 Westgate Street be approved provided two additional parking spaces are provided per City code, a building permit for the change of use from residential to childcare center is approved and that the building retains its exterior residential appearance. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Location map 2. Application Approved by: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner, Department of Planning and Community Development APPEAL TO THE rxc� - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SPECIAL EXCEPTION TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE W DATE: PROPERTY PARCEL NO. / 01715 Sb 3Y APPEAL PROPERTY ADDRESS: 7.35- APPEAL PROPERTY ZONE: F� APPEAL PROPERTY LOT SIZE: $ 35 n f a n APPLICANT: Name: Gi3le r i o M. Flu 5S e l i Address:735 lfes-oQfe Sfre.ef Phone:(3122 .13 2-- U F(On CONTACT PERSON: Name: La le c [ P_ M . t) U 55 e / ( O Address: 4UP_8tglyfe S�rPG� Phone: c PROPERTY OWNER: Name: '6 le ri 417. 155Pa/ Address: 35- 574T'NP74- Phone: (1,319) .3.3�- Specific Requested Special Exception; Applicable Section(s) of the Zoning Chapter: ac re wt'fh 13V in -Fr- o n-f =; TI pay c'10 (Section 1'j-6D-1 (EM-12j,'L IO. (�.`17-3773,2-3- Purpose for special exception: Z l� 1 n u �/I / �P_ -68 ha dL M V 179? �cen7er Date of previous application or appeal filed, If any: -2- INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY APPLICANT: / / A. Legal description of property: 4oi ('a /le�Sfga1 e acld,-- '(oa Q/e,5crf bed as 14adi Lr's Farce( /Vn, `�9�58 r�lof dock B. *Plot plan drawn to scale showing: yd P VV a 9 e- 2- Z $ N 1. Lot with dimensions; Ell 2. North point and scale; t 0 as 3. Existing and proposed structures with distances from property'Ftneo; 50 T{ 4. Abutting streets and alleys;- 5. Surrounding land uses, including the location and record oTir of each"; j property opposite or abutting the property in question; -a 6. Parking spaces and trees - existing and proposed. y w [*Submission of an 82" x 11" bold print plot plan is preferred.] D C. Review. The Board shall review all applicable evidence regarding the site, existing and proposed structures, neighboring uses, parking areas, driveway locations, highway and street access, traffic generation and circulation, drainage, sanitary sewer and water systems, the operation of the specific proposed exception and such other evidence as deemed appropriate. (S)ection 144W-261, City Code). child —ar-e Genie(- /5 con'Ipaflhle" r'r! thls Zone, In the space provided below or on an attached sheet, address the areas of Board review which apply to the requested special exception. In this narrative statement, set forth the grounds offered as support for the special exception. Yrom �errf n a v� D� U i ('fnUe- -ro T-Oe nOr7'fi art ar 7a J?C /7 J7"r' he applicant s required to present specific in ormation, not just c general standards for the granting of a special exception (Section Code), enumerated below, will be met: 1-05e. o of f-o -M&- ccfh, pini6As, that the 14-6W-2B2, City The specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare. L / " years. av'e 55 7�or- and ofher- r7e(' Grbors belie✓e- _ pro e a dQlua6/e a co a t u r l Commrcnr'ca%e wlfh, my�si-«r'our?d��� ner�h ars_ ale- help One an67%er, lf/e do nolt'- 617dalver anyUr7&-,, -3- 2. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish and impair property values in the neighborhood. nei'l h h -ror Ck� ad l n j M yoweve(' a b eq,,,%t t +6r -ffie-e-r1' meAf ot'the stables ment of the specific prop se exception will not imps and orderly development and improvement of the surroundir uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. i a ea r14- �-o 6 u c` 4. Adequate utilities, access roads, i been or are being provided. 01-1., In this /Z ige and/or necessary Proper f aerosLs 7%e-�ror�t rued �b�or h ocl, dIrmal forte hood, ive w it not 6 e. evelop— rneot 2ral of��lo-f �So, �is area ahal o�rer��s�aces ire avar'l�zL��� �or PCre�1��5. �arel�i, �o any Pare�1-�s �Q� here �or more ��h 5"minutes, l�ostP�rrer7�� ctlro�- o�'�r��✓�«/<-u� -4- 6. Except for the specific regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. [Depending on the type of exception requested, certain specific conditions may need to be met. The applicant will demonstrate compliance with the specific conditions required for a particular use, as provided in City Code Section 14-6L-1, Special Exception Enumerated Requirements; Section 14-6N-1, Off -Street Parking Requirements; Section 14-6Q, Dimensional Requirements, or Section 14-6R, Tree Regulations, as appropriate.] �J 1 -S. 7. The proposed use will be consistent with the short-range Comprehensive Plan of the City. E. List the names and mailing addresses of the record owners of all property located within 300 feet of the exterior limits of the property involved in this appeal: Please ae a-f-�ache2 llst aDank R s 0u. N O J � - :G' D — -5- NOTE: Conditions. In permitting a special exception, the Board may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards, including but not limited to planting screens, fencing, construction commencement and completion deadlines, lighting, operational controls, improved traffic circulation requirements, highway access restrictions, increased minimum yard requirements, parking requirements, limitations on the duration of a use or ownership or any other requirement which the Board deems appropriate under the circumstances upon a finding that the conditions are necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of the Zoning Chapter. (Section 14-6W-2B3, City Code). Orders. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, all orders of the Board shall expire six (6) months from the date the written decision is filed with the City Clerk, unless the applicant shall have taken action within the six (6) month period to establish the use or construct the building permitted under the terms of the Board's decision, such as by obtaining a building permit and proceeding to completion in accordance with the terms of the permit. Upon written request, and for good cause shown, the Board may extend the expiration date of any order without further public hearing on the merits of the original appeal or application. (Section 14-6W-3E, City Code). Petition for writ of certiorari. Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the Board under the provisions of the Zoning Chapter, or any taxpayer or any officer, department or board of the City may present to a court of record a petition for writ of certiorari duly verified, setting forth that such decision Is illegal, in whole or in part, and specifying the grounds of the illegality. (Section 14-6W-7, City Code). Such petition shall be presented to the court within thirty (30) days after the filing of the decision in the office of the City Clerk. Date: , 20_ ppdad minlappboase.doc Signature(s) of Applicant(s) Signature(s) of Property Owner(s) if Different than Applicant(s) f , Q o 0 � r 0 {( co �J D� N Schedule for Arrival and Departure of children attending Early Learners' Enrichment and Child Care, in the future: (Please note that it is already legal, according to the city and state laws, for a registered group category C child care home, as mine is now, to have 14 children in attendance, at any one time. Therefore, it is legal now for all 14 children to arrive and depart all at the same time. However, that has never happened at my business because the parents naturally arrive and depart within about a fifteen minute time span themselves. The parents would most likely continue to do this, in the future, too. The following schedule is for the future. I only have a maximum of 14 children in attendance, at any one time, here, now. Also, this schedule would be at full capacity, which may never happen. Either I may not have this many children attending or some may be absent. Usually one or two children are absent each day, now.) 8 children arrive at 7:30 a.m. and depart at 5:00 p.m. 7 children 8:00 a.m. and depart at 5:15 p.m. 12 children " 8:15 a.m. and depart at 11:45 a.m. 14 children 8:30 a.m. and depart at 12:00 noon 12 children 8:45 a.m. and depart at 12:15 p.m. 12 children " 9:00 a.m. and depart at 11:30 a.m. Afternoon group: 14 children arrive at 12:30 p.m. and depart at 3:30 p.m. 14 children arrive at 3:00 p.m. and depart at 4:45 or 5:30 p.m. The last 14 children would be elementary age children who need after -school care and supervision for only an hour or an hour and a half or so. Horn Elementary School and Weber Elementary Schools have long waiting lists at thew after -school programs for children. Also, child care was identified as a "high" priority need in the City Steps plan for the City of Iowa City. Thank you for your consideration of my proposal to help provide services to more families and their children. Sincerely, Valerie Russell Owner/Teacher Early Learners' Enrichment and Child Care The people involved in the CITY STEPS plan, Michelle Hankes, the Director of the 4-C's (Community Coordinated Child Care), the directors of the Horn and Weber Aft -School Programs and Nancy Chown, one of the Site Supervisors of the HACAP Head Start Program all agree that child care is an important unmet"high" need among many families, especially for families with low income and even among families with moderate income. On page 100 of the CITY STEPS plan, it states, "According to 4Cs statistics, documented child care needs in the Johnson County area have increased dramatically. The unmet needs are strongly focused on ... before/after school care..." (as well as other types of child care) On page 116 of the CITY STEPS plan book, it states, "The lack of funding for decent, affordable childcare is a major problem that prevents many low-income people from making efforts at becoming self- sufficient It continues, "The key to solving this problem is financial resources. Public inve$tment in childcare is cost-effective when compared to the greater costs of job absenteeism, unemployment, and welfare dependence. The City of Iowa City, State Department of Human Services, and local agencies are not in a position to provide the needed funds." On page 101, it states: "Strategy: Provision of Neighborhood Facilities Short -Tenn Objective: Expand neighborhood child care facilities. Long -Tenn Objective: Explore the need; plan and constrict neighborhood facilities.' As an experienced licensed Teacher, (for 11 years) with 25 graduate hours earned toward a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, I am well -qualified to plan and manage a larger child care center than the one I currently own and manage. Even now, 13 children enrolled in my child care program are from families with low to moderate incomes. (Parents of enrolled children filled in income surveys for me, in January 2004.) In the future, I would like to expand and reserve 10 openings exclusiveiv for families with low to moderate incomes Also, with more space, 1 could add a before and/or after-scnooi program for children from Horn and Weber Elementary Schools. . My program is a very high quality one which meets the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of young children. I am enclosing four letters of recommendation, including one from my former principal. Additionally, I am enclosing our mission statement Currently (and for the past several years), Weber and Horn Elementary Schools have long waiting lists for their after school programs. I am enclosing letters documenting this fact from both schools' program directors. Also, according to Nancy Chown, Site Supervisor of the HA CAP (Head Start Program) at 2007 Waten'ront Dr., them is a "high need in the community for early childhood education programs focusing on the 0-3 age range. " Ms. Chown said they have a waiting list. (See enclosed letter) Also, I have a wailing list of toddlers for my program. Most importantly, my services would provide affordable and continuing care and early education for each child, ages two through six years old and for after -school child care. Parents may also have the convenience of picking up all of their children from the same location, (at the facility) each evening, when they return from their jobs. These benefits: affordable, accessible and high quality child care services fill a gap in the City's continuum of care as outlined in CITY STEPS, page 101. where it states, 'Many residents (from Pheasant Ridge, within walking distance from the proposed child care facility) reported that a lack of affordable childcare prohibited them from pursuing an education or obtaining employment,. N Q r.� w, = c) -_ 71 — Tl �^ w D — N f � Iowa 4C$ Child Care Resource & Referral Child Care Resource Child Care Resource & Referral * Child Care Provider Education "Toy Library & Resource Center' & Referra I Home Ties Child Care Center * Child and Adult Care Food Program Parent Education "Child Advocacy _ ' j ' www.lowa4Cs.com January 20, 2004 Bard d Dk*ctas 2M President Judith Crussea Vice -President Dave Merrick Treasurer James Pusack Secretary John Halley Board Members Aka Atkinson Kristin Fink Jan Tephy Al keen Lynn Kubt Propmm Stan Executors Director Michele L Hankes Associate Director & Education Coordinator Susan Gray Resource & Referral Coordinator Justine Retz Food Program Coordinator Traci Miller Food Program Assistant Elise Hamm Home Ties Coordinator Courtney Gregfis Home Ties Lead Teachers Seneca Dabetrc Jessica Tushoskl Io-Home Provider Mentor Diane Kean Toy Library Coordinator Vanaja Chandw Receptionist Victone Water? 10. Li No Of Johnson County TO: CDBG Committee RE: Need For Child Care/CDBG Grant FROM: 4Cs Child Care Resource & Referral Dear Committee Members: Johnson County continues to see a need a need in child care for all locations and ages. One of the greatest identified needs is in school -aged child care (before and after school.) With 87% of families employed or attending school full time, more and more parents require this service. The Weber and Horn school areas are no exception. Affordable, high -quality care is also at a premium for families living in the University Housing com- plexes (Weber School District). Title XX families are searching for child care in all areas of Iowa City. Iowa City/Coralville can not only support another child care center, it abso- lutely needs more child care options. As Johnson County's population con- tinues to grow, family services must also grow. Sincerely, O c r— I Michelle Hankes rrt ML S�� w Executive Director y _ N Administrative Offices 1500 Sycamore Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 338-7684 Fax: (319) 338-9139 Home Ties Child Care Center 405 Myrtle Avenue Iowa City, IA 52246 Phone: (319) 341-0050 Fax: (319) 338-9139 Toy Library & Resource Center Sycamore Mall Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 341-0075 Fax: (319) 338-9139 I am the BASP Director at Horn Elementary in Iowa City. Our program currently holds 45 children with no room for expansion and a very slow turn over rate. The waiting list for the program is up to 48 families. Some have been on the list for 1-1 1/2 years and still are waiting for a spot to open. The families are worried because there is no after school child care and are not aware of any other alternative. In Iowa City, especially the Horn district more childcare providers are desperately wanted. In my opinion it would be beneficial to provide as much start up support financially as needed in order to help these families provide care for their children. Sirr�erely, Deanna Young `Z, Do N C� I � N Weber Before & After School Program 3850 Rohret Road Iowa City, IA 52246 (319)356.6184 cell (319) 530-1494 January 20, 2004 To: Grant Selection Committee Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Amy Faulkner, Before & After School Program Director at Weber Elementary in Iowa City, Our program serves over 75 children after school and currently has a waiting list of nearly 60 children. Our program is unable to expand in numbers due to the limited space we are provided in our facility. There are very few options for parents if their child is unable to attend our program. I have worked in years past to advocate for additional space or additional programming in our community for before and after school care. I have witnessed first hand the struggle for proper care available for school -age children, while parents try to juggle work and a family. That is why I was pleased to learn of Ms, Valerie Russell's decision to explore the expansion of her current program to allow for school -age programming. Her program will provide children a safe and meaningful experience after school and allow parents to feel comfortable in their child's daily schedule. I urge you to consider Ms. Valerie Russell for the grant to expand her program to include school -age care. The families in the area are in need of additional providers. Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions you may have. hJ C� r Thank you, 0 Amy Fau kner, Director w '-- #319-356-6184 D N HAWKEYE AREA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC ■ a help up January 8, 2004 To Whom It May Concern: not a hand out I believe through my experience, that there is a high need in the community for Early Childhood education programs focusing on the 0-3 age range. I am currently the Site Supervisor of the Waterfront Family Resource Center in Iowa City. We have 3 Head Start classrooms as well as a Toddler program. Currently we have a large number of families waiting for Toddler care. We often take phone calls from people looking for care for children age 0-3. Based on these observations, I believe that it would be a great benefit to increase the availability of 0-3 care in this area. Nancy Chown Waterfront Family Resource Center 2007 Waterfront Dr. Iowa City, Ia (319)337-5765 1515 Hawkeye Drive ■ PO Box 490 a Hiawatha, Iowa 52233 ph 319-393-7611 a fx 319-393-6263 a email hacap@hacap.org a www hacap.org AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY a A MEMBER OF THE UNITED WAY N G7 o T 1 I CIO D N Early Learners' Enrichment Our Mission Our mission is to empower all our students to become responsible, respectful and confident young people who maintain self-control, take initiative, solve problems_and develop love for reading and life-long learning. As role models, we love and respect all people. We share responsibilities. We are patient and maintain self-control, especially when being challenged. Also, we encourage all children to take initiative, meet challenges and become successful, independent problem solvers. Further, we are very enthusiastic readers and we always,, love learning.,_ N VALERIE MICHELLE RUSSELL 735 Westgate Street Iowa City, Iowa 52246 (319) 339-0600 OBJECTIVE: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR EDUCATION: B.A. from The University of Iowa; Iowa City, Iowa; 1 992 Earned 2 5 graduate credits: Reading/Early Childhoc(!� n MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: Grades: Pre-K - 8 — Specializations: Early Childhood Education — English/Language Arts art Speech Communication/Theatre EXPERIENCE: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHER: Douglass 6drly _ Childhood Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Successfully guided students using the "Project Approach" and "Centers." Motivated students to develop a love for learning and an appreciation for books. Empowered children to find answers to their own questions and become responsible problem -solvers. Dramatically read to students and guided meaningful, story -related activities including field trips, "writing," simple "cooking" and art projects. Evaluated children's progress i n reaching educational goals. Served as "Teacher I n Charge" for two years. Prepared school newsletter for four years. August 1994-June 5 , 2000. FIRST GRADE TEACHER: Crispus Attucks Annex Elementary School, Kansas City, Missouri. Provided aprint-rich environment and hands-on math and science activities. Incorporated active participation, cooperative groups, problem -solving and social skills. Met individual needs. Edited school newspaper. 1993.1994. KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: Crispus Attucks Annex Elementary School, Kansas City, Missouri. Successfully used developmentally - appropriate practices. Implemented whole language philosophy. 1992-1993. STUDENT -TEACHER: Calvin Coolidge Elementary School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kindergarten, earned an "A+;" Seoond grade, earned an "A." Hosted aspecial "Parents' Night." Spring 1992. d LU M O � u1 Ll u C O 11 z }> °o v J 1-- n cr �x — 'G U U I/1 G W w a W 0 ' CD I I� a r w � _ d J J i;J _u V N 4 o � 7 u a �r W :u S cZ V u 4. U) W W H 'z w D CD /7 3 W r � O S H > x ^+ w O R J G is iu w u o. J u O O S J U ✓, Cr i.l e,�aa N LL cn ^ra JT.. oa r LD C V UJ py� w .S W .... �`�'' 1• W F- ;n o a c ^ J .t`a w yC 21 CL- OD_to y i 1 0-fuM-low 5 0 O O v c H w w .O. CL a ary cz Its" •ISM a% "O is .. 6' 'OU' ?• O �' •ed _ Fi) O ° to N x o N O �• 't3 �o � ,a � '> a o ,4-," d b a u a • ^" C, V C d N° ° o 0 0 t) z 0 y O ar ° y a nq v�o N'eu z < a U Y ° o o 4 NCO U x t44 mto U O p y n a O +' a fl a d � ` o Q Letter of Recommendation for Ms. Valerie Russell, Early Learners Enrichment, April 2003 I am the mother of two children who attend the Early Learners Enrichment program. My oldest child, Adam, is 5 and will be starting Kindergarten next fall. My daughter Madeline is 3 years old. My children have been attending the program for more than two years. Both of my children have made significant gains, especially in reading, while attending Early Learners Enrichment. By the age of 2, Madeline was able to recognize all the letters of the alphabet and state at least one word that started with each letter. She could spell her name and almost write it (she can write several letters). She knows the first letter of every one of the other children's names who attend the program. And she now shows a strong interest in writing long words and phrases, asking us to spell them while she tries writing each word. Adam's progress has been quite remarkable. As both of my children were in an unstructured, in -home daycare setting prior to beginning the program, I know his progress is entirely attributable to Ms. Russell's teaching methods. He quickly learned his letters and sounds, then began reading familiar books and posters around his classroom, and by the age of 4 was reading even unfamiliar materials. He is now 5, and is able to read long words, adult reading material (like the daily newspaper) and can read aloud to his sisters. He keeps a journal, enjoys "word find" and crossword puzzles, sends notes to his friends, and assists Ms. Russell with some classroom time for the younger children. Both children, have also made great progress with math, social skills, art and music. They have learned quite a bit of Spanish, including Spanish conversational phrases, foods, colors and counting. They enjoy their activities at Early Learners Enrichment, and always look forward to Ms. Russell's welcoming smile. I whole-heartedly recommend her program to my friends (and, in fact, my friends have also begun sending their children there). And I would be happy to speak with anyone who is considering the program. o O 71 5n Sincerely, _ � � �Tl Holly Tapper 319-339-8398 y _ thetappersa'mchsi.com w IRVING B. WEBER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL March 2003 This letter of recommendation is to support Ms. Valerie Russell of Early Learner's Enrichment to further her exceptional work with children. Ms. Valerie Russell has worked collaboratively to care for and teach our daughter from the fall of 2000 to the present. She enthusiastically encourages family involvement and readily shares her philosophy and passion for children and learning. Ms. Russell has the unique ability to assess the strengths and needs of each individual and sets reasonable goals. She consistently perseveres to meet the needs of all children. Ms. Russell strives to meet each child's developmental needs academically, socially and emotionally. She helps foster a love of learning by providing ample opportunities to read, write, listen and speak. Some examples include reading and writing in many forms using pictures, labels, lists, menus and notes and checking out books from the classroom library to encourage daily reading with families. Children are immersed in a language rich environment including songs, story time, phonemic awareness activities, word recognition, innovative stories and counting. These activities have proven to greatly impact children. Her program's routines and structure greatly help children with transitions and develop social skills including self confidence, manners and working cooperatively. Ms. Valerie Russell provides a safe, loving environment rich with developmentally appropriate activities and routines that foster the love of learning at an early age and provide skills necessary for the transition to kindergarten. _ N Gf �Ll z<r COr m _U Lisa Guthart w Team 2 teacher (6-8 year olds) D _ Irving B. Weber Elementary w 3850 Rohret Road Iowa City, IA 52246 -Tl i7 1 i� I)OUglass 2640 Belleview Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Ph(816)418-6475 Fa:(816)418-6480 May 8, 2000 This is a letter of Recommendation for Valerie Russell. Ms. Russell has worked in The Douglass Early Childhood Center under my supervision for the past six years and I feel that I am well acquainted with her skills, abilities, and ambitions in the child care field. Ms. Russell has proven herself to be not only capable and dependable, but also very talented at her work. She is consistent and positive in all ofher interactions with the children, and works hard to give individual attention to all children in her care. During the time Ms. Russell has been employed at The Douglass Early Childhood Center, she has been given increasingly greater responsibilities and has met each new challenge with energy, creativity and determination. Ms. Russell is committed to her teaching career. The teaching profession needs her enthusiasm and creativity. Should you think it necessary or desirable, I would be happy to discuss Ms. Russell's qualifications with you personally. I can be reached at (816) 418-6485. Sincerely Bianca Love, Princ.i z' TI =� C-, CO �^ m D — w THE UNIVERSi 71 F 10WA RECOMMENDATION FOR VALERIE RUSSELL Valerie was a former student of mine who graduated from our pro cram in 1992. She took a position teaching preschool children in the Douglas Early Childhood Center in Kansas City, MO. In 1998, I spent a day there observing Valerie and her morning and afternoon classes. and I was pleased to see how well she worked with the children. She has a good knowledge of early childhood curriculum and has a very kind and caring manner. Valerie is a serious and experienced childhood professional, and I am proud to have had her as a student. d2"� � V,4' /oix' Richard Elardo Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education July 13,2000 College of Education Division of C::mculum and Instruction Iowa City, Iowa 522421529 FAX 319/3354560F I IW D w o� �o > Co L $ o c° > 71oz �—�i �rnrn o�oa o o /\ \ mz „ c>, mmam corn �C-)zE z \\ mom zH �m mry \s fro _ a0 m (LD D O �ED L z 7, 2610 0 Z N z m cn a z a U) rrn z m a rn m z STAFF REPORT To: Board of Adjustment Prepared by: Tokey Boswell, Planning Intern Item: EXC04-00018, 1906 G Street Date: July 27, 2004 GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicant: Karen Sheldon 1906 G Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Contact Person: same as above Phone: 319.354.7554 home 319.356.5005x2268 work Requested Action: Reduction of required front yard setback from twenty feet to zero feet for a house in a Low - Density Single -Family Residential (RS-5) zone. Current setback is nine feet. Purpose: To allow an addition to an existing residence and to bring the structure into conformity with the zoning code. Location: 1906 G Street Size: Lot - 6,000 square feet Existing Land Use and Zoning: Single-family residence, RS-5 Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: North: Low -density, single-family residential, RS-5 South: Low -density, single-family residential, RS-5 East: Low -density, single-family residential, RS-5 West: Low -density, single-family residential, RS-5 Applicable Zoning Code sections: 14-6D-2E-4a (minimum front yards in RS-5) 14-6T-3 (Nonconforming uses) 14-6Q-4B (special exceptions possible) 14-6W-2B (spec. exception review standards) Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as a residential zone. File Date: July 2, 2004 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: This residence is located at the corner of G Street and 5`h Avenue in southeast Iowa City in an RS-5 zone. This property is a narrow, nonconforming corner lot, and the street right-of-way on both frontages is much wider than is currently required for a residential street. The southern front yard measures 20 feet from the house to the property line along the G Street right-of-way, but the western front yard setback along the 51h Avenue right-of-way (ROW) is only nine feet wide, and is therefore already non -conforming to the current zoning code. The rear and side yards, which abut an alley and a neighboring property, are conforming. The applicant wishes to put an addition to the house in the western front yard, which would allow expansion of the kitchen and dining area, and addition of a deck off the kitchen. The proposed structure is nine feet wide, which would be right at the property line. Under the zoning code no enlargements or alterations that increase the nonconformity of nonconforming structures are allowed; therefore the applicant seeks a special exception to the front yard setback requirement that would make the structure conforming and allow the addition. ANALYSIS: The purpose of the Zoning. Ordinance is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, to conserve and protect the value of property throughout the City, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land. It is the intent of the Ordinance to permit the full use and enjoyment of property in a manner that does not intrude upon adjacent property. The Board may grant relief from the requirements of the Zoning Chapter through a special exception if the action is considered to serve the public interest and is consistent with the intent of the Zoning Chapter. Specific Standards: 14-6Q-4-B, Exceptions to Established Setbacks Subsection 6Q-4-B of the Zoning Chapter states that a special exception may be granted by the Board of Adjustment modifying yard requirements when the owner or lawful occupant of property demonstrates that such person's situation is peculiar to the property in question, that there is a practical difficulty in complying with the dimensional requirements of the Chapter, and that the conditions of Article W of the Zoning Chapter (Board of Adjustment Powers and Procedures) can be met. Peculiar Situation: The applicant has a small lot for the RS-5 zone. Dimensional requirements for RS-5 are 8,000 square feet of lot and a minimum lot width of 60 feet. This particular property measures 40 feet wide by 150 feet long, and is therefore nonconforming in both width and overall area (6,000 square feet). There are several other lots of this size in the neighborhood, but they are all interior lots. That this property is a corner lot complicates the size problems because there are two front yards (south and west) which normally require twenty -foot setbacks. Further, there is an abnormally large street ROW in this area. In Staffs opinion, this combination of factors is a unique situation. G Street has a 66-foot ROW, and 5ch Ave has a 75-foot ROW. In contrast, local residential street ROW under the current subdivision ordinance is required to be only fifty feet wide. It is even more peculiar that with a ROW this large, there are no city services located in the right-of- way. Neither sanitary sewer, nor storm sewer, nor water mains are located along this portion of 51h Ave. There is no sidewalk in the 5`h Ave ROW. Thus, even though the applicant's home is only nine feet from her property line, there is 34 feet of open space between the near curb and the foundation of the house. Even after a nine -foot addition, there would be 25 feet of yard area between the home and the street. This area of Iowa City is fully developed, and no expansion of utilities or services is expected in the neighborhood. Even so, the resulting area is more than enough to assure adequate space for any future sidewalk or necessary infrastructure. It is rare for primary structures to be allowed on the property line, but there are other homes in this neighborhood that abut the public right-of-way. In particular, the home directly south of the applicant's is situated no more than one foot away from the 5" Ave ROW. Practical Difficulty: Due to the current non -conformity of the yard requirement, Ms. Sheldon will be precluded from adding any addition to this portion of her house without a special exception. The north (rear) yard is large enough to contain an addition without violation of the yard requirement, however an addition to the rear of the house is not practical to meet the desires of the applicant. An attached garage separates the living areas of the house from the rest of the lot to the north. As the purpose of the addition is to expand and create more room to maneuver in the dining room and kitchen, an expansion to the rear of the house would not be useful. Reconfiguring the interior of the home without adding on to the front of the house is theoretically possible but would not generate the desired result nor be economically efficient. In Staffs opinion, there is a practical difficulty in complying with the 20 foot setback. General Standards for the Granting of a Special Exception: In addition to determining whether the situation is unique and if there is a practical difficulty in complying with the Zoning Ordinance, the Board must find that the applicant meets several standards spelled out in chapter 14-6W-2B. The applicant's statements regarding each of the seven general standards are included within the attached application, and Staffs findings are below. A. The specific exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. Staff finds that the proposed exception will have very limited affects on public health, safety, comfort and welfare. The addition is small (less than 200 square feet) and will be at least 25' from the curb. Sight distance will not be affected for vehicles on either 5"' Ave. or G Street. The large public ROW and the amount of open space in the front and rear (north and south) of the property will limit any negative effects. B. The specific proposed exception will not be Injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. The addition, as proposed, will be stylistically similar to the original structure and small (less than 200 square feet plus the deck). The addition will not directly affect use or enjoyment of neighboring properties. Staff does not feel that the proposed alteration will substantially alter the neighborhood. C. Establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. Many homes in the neighborhood have larger front yards than the resulting area, but the yards along 5°i Ave vary to a great extent. The house across G Street has a setback similar to that proposed for this parcel. Staff finds that neighboring property should not be affected. D. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided. The proposed exception will not increase the population density or affect the use of municipal facilities. E. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Adequate facilities exist to serve the addition and no change in the ingress or egress is proposed. F. Except for the specific regulation and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. This parcel will still be nonconforming in many respects. The lot is narrower than required in the RS-5 zone, and lacks the required square footage. This special exception will allow the entire structure with frontage along 5th Avenue to become conforming with respect to the yard requirement. G. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City, as amended. Staff finds that the exception and renovation conform to the City's Comprehensive Plan, which calls for preservation of the existing housing stock in the Central Planning District. SUMMARY: Given the peculiar situation and the difficulty in complying with the setback requirement in this case, justice may be served by granting the request. The necessity for special exception is due to the unique size of this corner lot which creates a practical difficulty in locating the living spaces. The addition would allow the applicant greater use of her property, and impact on neighboring uses should be minimal. The elevation drawings submitted to Staff appear to be in keeping with the neighborhood. Staff feels that given the limited options available to the applicant, granting a special exception to the yard requirement is just. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that EXC04-00018, an application for a special exception to reduce the required front yard from 20 feet to 0 feet and 9 feet, respectively, in the areas indicated on the site plan for a single-family home in the low -density single-family residential (RS-5) zone, be approved, subject to general conformance with the elevation drawings and site plans submitted to the Planning and Community Development department on July 12, 2004. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Location Map 2. Application Documents Approved by:�rcl/� Robert Miklo, Senior Planner, Department of Planning and Community Development SAInterns\Urban Planning\EXC04-00018, 1906 G st. Jul-06-04 03:39P CLB PLANNING AND DESIGN 319-339-4885 P G 120 , LON r �- 7- N L j LAC) � US .z _ o \\ LZ T o 4 0 i `o TO p -vo N IPA Jun-23-04 09:01A CLB PLANNING AND DESIGN 319-339-4885 P.01 �p JWJP Wzt u �uw / ��f 1�jf■ S EL N I. Jun-23-04 09:01A CLB PLANNING AND DESIGN 319-339-4886 P.03 s i O O s w m W U_ LL LL C) J�a sort O ..m woo aru O s � >_ - J _z 7 J a = F- d co 7 W 1. C) F Z W G = W V F.. F- y Y X 11J "aft Mims mw W e LF_ Y a xw V) r x �— ui 0 r g .« r I I N Q. cl Ccz G U cz 0 0— a ..TI il U I I m PC D Fxc a4_ao.oIz APPEAL TO THE FILE[) BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT A,! 9:04 - SPECIAL EXCEPTION,.! ` `UWiA- TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE W DATE: I.O-3-\3L - by PROPERTY PARCEL NO. 10 14 l G ( bb 4 APPEAL PROPERTY ADDRESS: I qV C. G r APPEAL PROPERTY ZONE: Rs- 5" APPEAL PROPERTY LOT SIZE: 4/0i k r 5-b APPLICANT: Name: Address: Phone: CONTACT PERSON: Name: Kp' Address: q0� G ST Phone: � � �'� (;-�cr Zy'tc) PROPERTY OWNER:Name: Address: IQo� G Phone: Specific f t Requested Special Exception; Applicable Section(s) of the Zoning Chapter: Mal [-0402�t -A ! L 6'`d /Ff+1CG+'"C,N! C I- �Iw 7� 2- - riC4.GC. '�4' Purpose for special exception: / V - �0Q � Nl.dlr� Date of previous application or appeal filed, if any: -� -2- INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY APPLICANT: A. Legal description of property: LO 1/2 (�0 t) ►< 33 B. *Plot plan drawn to scale showing: 5� P-1�et�o 1, 1. Lot with dimensions; 2. North point and scale; 3. Existing and proposed structures with distances from property lines; 4. Abutting streets and alleys; 5. Surrounding land uses, including the location and record owner of each property opposite or abutting the property in question; Sera ArAcr= :5 +eET 6. Parking spaces and trees - existing and proposed. [*Submission of an 82" x 11" bold print plot plan is preferred.] C. Review. The Board shall review all applicable evidence regarding the site, existing and proposed structures, neighboring uses, parking areas, driveway locations, highway and street access, traffic generation and circulation, drainage, sanitary sewer and water systems, the operation of the specific proposed exception and such other evidence as deemed appropriate. (Section 14-6W-2B1, City Code). i In the space provided below or on an attached sheet, address the areas of Board review which apply to the requested special exception. In this narrative statement, set forth the grounds offered as support for the special exception. �ilillillM�IIlIIilli� III 'III D. The applicant is required to present specific information, not Just opinions, that the general standards for the granting of a special exception (Section 14-6W-2B2, City Code), enumerated below, will be met: 1. The specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare. a 7 Y o r- _3_ — 2. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish and impair property values In the neighborhood. -F(ZUi 3. Establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property Is located. 4. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided. 5. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Nil y O r -4- E. 6. Except for the specific regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. [Depending on the type of exception requested, certain specific conditions may need to be met. The applicant will demonstrate compliance with the specific conditions required for a particular use, as provided in City Code Section 14-6L-1, Special Exception Enumerated Requirements; Section 14-6N-1, Off -Street Parking Requirements; Section 14-6Q, Dimensional Requirements, or Section 14-6R, Tree Regulations, as appropriate.] MaUE 7. The proposed use will be consistent with the short-range Comprehensive Plan of the City. �M UC List the names and mailing addresses of the record owners of all property located within 300 feet of the exterior limits of the property involved in this appeal: NAME ADDRESS r c� -, (t rQ .. �' O -5- NOTE: Conditions. In permitting a special exception, the Board may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards, including but not limited to planting screens, fencing, construction commencement and completion deadlines, lighting, operational controls, Improved traffic circulation requirements, highway access restrictions, increased minimum yard requirements, parking requirements, limitations on the duration of a use or ownership or any other requirement which the Board deems appropriate under the circumstances upon a finding that the conditions are necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of the Zoning Chapter. (Section 14-6W-2133, City Code). Orders. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, all orders of the Board shall expire six (6) months from the date the written decision is filed with the City Clerk, unless the applicant shall have taken action within the six (6) month period to establish the use or construct the building permitted under the terms of the Board's decision, such as by obtaining a building permit and proceeding to completion In accordance with the terms of the permit. Upon written request, and for good cause shown, the Board may extend the expiration date of any order without further public hearing on the merits of the original appeal or application. (Section 14-6W-3E, City Code). Petition for writ of certiorari. Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the Board under the provisions of the Zoning Chapter, or any taxpayer or any officer, department or board of the City may present to a court of record a petition for writ of certiorari duly verified, setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, and specifying the grounds of the illegality. (Section 14-6W-7, City Code). Such petition shall be presented to the court within thirty (30) days after the filing of the decision in the office of the City Clerk. Date: IO -do L- - c' 4 , Date: 20-4 ppdadmi nlappboase.doc Signature(s) of Property Owner(s) If Different than Applicant(s) r- it � O F C. We need more space for our kitchen as we have a galley kitchen. By adding on the 22'X9' addition this would give us more space. It would create an easy flow floor plan. This would make the area more handicapped accessible. The addition would give Natalie LaCroix (one of the owners) easier access since she is a disabled Viet Nam veteran with a back injury. Our garage is to the north so we really don't have the space to build to the north. We could remodel that area but that is not financially reasonable for us to do. The plan for the extension to come out to the west will fit in with the architecture of the house. It would also fit in with the rest of the architecture of the neighborhood. There would be approximately 25 feet of city right of way to the curb of 5d` Ave. from the proposed extension. This would not be encroaching on any of our neighbors. We have also reviewed the aerial map of the property lines of our neighborhood. It seems that the properties to the north and south of us have structures that abut their property line. The map is included. O `~y _ Ti -U J - DCD Z-