DCPCUP-0000-01425 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

14/5 Concerning the Conditional Use Permit Application by Leroy Kahl I. Initial comment Although this application is in the name of Leroy'Krdhl, I feel it is inappropriate for the conditional use to be approved in his name, as the proposed change is requested in the context of, and for the sole purpose of, allowing Mr. Kahl to sell his property to Mr. Dan Keyes, who is the owner/operator of a lawn care business. Mr. Kahl has no intention of himself operating such a busi,5s. Any conditions attached to this permit by this board should properly be agreed to (and legally covenanted ) by Mr. Keyes, and binding on his heirs and assigns. Otherwise, we will all be faced with a permanent structure in our residential neighborhood, built with a commercial intent, between the existing house and the public thoroughfare, with no restrictions on its use. II. Specific considerations As all of the dwellings in this subdivision are attached to large lots which require at least some machinery to maintain, and as there already exist freestanding storage structures on multiple lots, it seems pointless to argue that another storage structure will destroy the character of the neighborhood. However, it is very valid indeed to insist that the new structure not visually impact on the surrounding properties adversely, because this will be the first such structure to be built so close to the shared circle drive, between the house and the road, and no effort at landscape screening is being contemplated. Even if a landscape plan were part of the conditional use permit, it would still be true that plants, shrubs and trees can die--and their foliage certainly changes enough with the seasons to make the planned structure at least partly visible from Spring Rose Circle at all times. Therefore, the structure itself must be constructed in such a manner as will insure that it not glaringly contrast with the surroundings-- most particularly with the existing house on the lot. I offer the following suggestions, with the intention that all concerned might be happy (or at least content) with the final Conditional Use: a. Orientation of the building should place the narrow end facing the road, with the long axis of the structure parallel to their own private driveway. b. Roofline should match that of the existing house, with a roof height not radically higher than that of the house itself. As the property slopes gently down from Spring Rose Circle, this restriction would not prevent Mr. Keyes from shallow excavation to provide high ceilings within the storage building. c. If the structure is built like most standard metal storage/utility buildings, it will not at all resemble a residential structure. These buildings are recognizable at a glance as commercial or agricultural structures, and would