MINUTES
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
August 21, 2007

1. CALL TO ORDER.

Chairman Kent called the regular monthly meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Adjustment to order at 7:00 PM.

2. ROLL CALL.

Members Present:   Kent, Barnes, Gibson, Van Note, Sylvester
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Hockett, Kaiser

3. MINUTES –

Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 17, 2007

Minutes were unavailable for the April 17, 2007 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.  They will be available for review and approval at the next regular meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 17, 2007

Motion by Barnes, seconded by Van Note to approve the July 17, 2007 minutes as submitted.

All “ayes” motion carried.

4. CONSENT CALENDAR.

a. Motion to receive and file all correspondence from applicants and staff reports regarding the variance requests on the August 21, 2007 Marion Zoning Board of Adjustment agenda.

Motion by Gibson, seconded by Sylvester to receive and file documents related to variance request.

All “ayes” motion carried.

5. APPEALS -

Clyde Satterly, Owner/Sam Knudson, lessee, 260 13th Street, Marion, Iowa – Conditional Use request pursuant to Section 176.24-2A of the Marion Code of Ordinances to allow a watchman’s living quarters in the
C-4, Warehouse / Commercial zoning district.

ZBA Resolution No. 07-07 approving Conditional Use request.
ZBA Resolution No. 07-07 denying Conditional Use request.

Hockett presented the staff report regarding the proposed conditional use request.  Hockett indicated that the property currently accommodates a warehouse with interior offices in the C-4, Warehouse / Commercial zoning district.  He stated that surrounding zoning includes C-4, Warehouse / Commercial and R-5, Moderate Density Multiple Family Residential.   Hockett discussed the Standards for Review of Conditional Use permits.  He noted that all standards have been met.  He further noted that the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission at the August 14, 2007 meeting, recommended approval of the request (6-0), based on the established Standards for Review.

Gibson questioned the historical relevance of the “watchman’s quarters”. Hockett replied that watchman’s living quarters were initially used for larger facilities that needed a night-time presence for safety purposes and that there are no limitations in size for the watchman’s living quarters.

Gibson asked if rental properties would be allowed in the proposed living quarters.  Hockett replied that only employees and their families are allowed to reside in the established living quarters. He stated that property owners will not be allowed to rent any residential space out to non-affiliated persons.

Hockett stated that this permit will be granted to the property, not just the current owner.  Hockett further explained that if the property were to be sold, the watchman’s living quarters will still be allowed with the corresponding business.

Gibson asked if it was possible for parking and restroom requirements to be met.  Hockett assured the Board that there would be adequate on-site parking for the living quarters, and the residential restrooms would be kept separate from the business.

The petitioner spoke in favor of the request, noting that he is interested in purchasing the property for his own business in which he and his family will reside in the watchman’s quarters.  He also noted that he is aware that the living quarters are for employees only, and that all required permits will be filed through the City.

Motion by Gibson, seconded by Sylvester to approve ZBA Resolution No. 07-07 approving the Conditional Use permit based on the established Standards of Review.

All “ayes” motion carried.

6. ADJOURNMENT.

There being no additional business to come before the Marion Zoning Board of Adjustment the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Gordon Gibson
Secretary