HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-01 - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes APPROVED
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
938 King Street DAT 0 ,
Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
FIF IE
� �n�Agenda - 6 2016
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
1. #15-020 John Annunziata BUILDING DEPARTMENT
5 Argyle Road
Construct side addition; rear patio; relocate driveway and
extend front portico.
2. # 16-001 Bruce DePaola & Felicia DePaola
128 Country Ridge Drive
Construct one story side addition.
3. # 16-003 Philip Saline & Patricia Saline
564 Westchester Avenue
Legalize existing two car garage.
4. Approval of February 2, 2016 Zoning Board Summary
BOARD: Steven Berger
Andrew Kaminsky
Joel Simon
James S. Schutzer
Donald Moscato, Chairman
STAFF: Michael Izzo, Building & Fire Inspector
Courtney McGowan, Esq., Village Counsel
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator/IT
BOARD
LIAISON: Trustee David Heiser
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 1
Mr. Donald Moscato, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the Zoning Board meeting of
March 1, 2016. He introduced Village consultants and staff, and asked that anyone
addressing the Board please come to the podium, use the microphone, and state their
names and the nature of the application. He noted that there were three applications on
the agenda and a full complement of the Board.
He called for the first item on the agenda:
1. #15-020 John Annunziata
5 Argyle Road
Construct side addition; rear patio; relocate driveway and
extend front portico.
Mr. Annunziata noted that the architect, Mr. Mustacato, was running late. He asked to be
moved to the end of the agenda.
The next item on the agenda was called:
2. # 16-001 Bruce DePaola & Felicia DePaola
128 Country Ridge Drive
Construct one story side addition.
Chairman Moscato noted that the second on the agenda also required a temporary
adjournment as Mr. Mustacato was also the architect for the Applicants.
Chairman Moscato called for item #3 on the agenda:
3. # 16-003 Philip Saline & Patricia Saline
564 Westchester Avenue
Legalize existing two car garage.
Oscar Oballe addressed the Board. He stated that the Applicants were before the Board
for the legalization of an existing two car garage. He presented plans to the Board and
noted that the garage was constructed in 1953. It was also noted that the minimum
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 2
required setback for an accessory building is 5 feet. The Applicants propose to legalize
the existing accessory building by requesting a 4.9 foot side yard setback variance and a
2.5 foot side yard setback variance.
Michael Izzo, Building & Fire Inspector, gave the Board a brief overview of the
application. He stated that the detached garage was permitted in September of 1953, and
there was no setback requirement at that time because the Zoning Code was not adopted
until 1954 in the Town of Rye. Thus the detached garage pre-dates the zoning code by
about a year. The 1930 Town of Rye Code compelled the Building Inspector to issue a
Certificate of Occupancy for all structures created after 1930, but no C.O. was issued for
this garage. Therefore, it is not considered a legal existing non-conforming structure and
it must be legalized now. The two options for the Applicants are to relocate the garage or
seek a variance. According to the applicants, relocating the garage is a financial
hardship. The design professional for the home owner brought this matter to the attention
of the Village. No violations have been issued for this property.
Chairman Moscato called for members of the public wishing to speak in favor or
opposition to the application. There being no one, the public hearing portion of the
meeting was closed and the Board went into deliberation.
The Board reviewed the five factors, discussing the side yard and rear yard setback
reviews separately. The Board treated the application as two separate requests. The first
variance for the side yard setback is a substantial variance. There are no environmental or
character issues at this time. The variance issues are not self-created because the zoning
law came after the detached garage. The original owner built the detached garage
therefore the Applicant did not create the hardship.
Upon the Board's return, Chairman Moscato read the following resolution:
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 3
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, an application has been made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by
Philip Saline and Patricia Saline (the "Applicant") for (1) a 2.5 foot side yard setback
variance where the minimum allowable setback in the side yard is 5 feet for an accessory
building pursuant to Village Code §250-6(B)(1)(h), and (2) a 4.9 foot rear yard setback
variance where the minimum allowable setback in the rear yard is 5 feet for an accessory
building pursuant to Village Code §250-6(B)(1)(h) in connection with legalizing existing
accessory building on the property located at 564 Westchester Avenue in an R2-F zoning
district, approximately 40 feet from the intersection of Division Street and Westchester
Avenue, said premises being further identified as Parcel ID# 135.83-1-53 on the Town of
Rye Tax Map; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was held on March 1, 2016, at
which time all those wishing to be heard were given such opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the Board closed the public hearing on March 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a Type II action pursuant to the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and accordingly, no further environmental
review is required; and
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the side yard setback
variance:
I. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another
method, feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a
variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS NOT self-created; and
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 4
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the rear yard setback
variance:
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another
method, feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a
variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS NOT self-created; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, said application is hereby
tentatively granted subject to the following conditions. There are no conditions on this
one.
The roll was called for the Application for both variances.
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
James S. Schutzer Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Aye
Don Moscato, Chairman Voting Aye
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 5 Ayes and Zero 0 Nays
No permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the Applicant has paid in full
all application and consultant fees incurred by the Village in connection to review of this
application.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 5
Chairman Moscato returned to order of the agenda:
1. #15-020 Jahn Annunziata
5 Argyle Road
Construct side addition; rear patio; relocate driveway & extend front
portico.
Mr. Mustacato, of Richau, Mustacato, Grippi Associates of Rye, addressed the Board.
He noted that the Applicant was requesting a front yard setback variance of 26.5 feet, a
rear yard setback variance of 10.2 feet, and a variance to increase the maximum
allowable building coverage to 21.5%. The house is an existing non-conforming
structure. This is a corner lot so it has two front yards. The front entrance is being
extended, and the Applicants plan to build a garage addition. The front door faces Argyle
Road so the side yard is treated as a rear yard. The yard of the property that abuts this
property is a side yard for a home on Ridge Street.
This addition will allow the Applicant to create a third bedroom. The existing kitchen
will be converted into a bedroom, and a family room will be created, build a new kitchen,
and create a two car garage. The plan before the Board is within the Applicants' budget.
Architecturally, a one-story addition does not change the character of the neighborhood;
many of the neighboring houses are capes or ranches or are low to the ground. The
variances requested are the minimum variances needed to construct an addition that
would meet the Applicants' needs.
Chairman Moscato questioned what was happening with the curb cut of the driveway.
The response was that the curb cut is being moved.
Chairman Moscato also pointed out a change to the front entrance. Currently there is no
roof over the front entrance and the Applicants' plan on adding one. There is a bow
window in the front of the home, therefore extending the front portico allows for a clear
passage past the window.
Mr. Kaminsky questioned if the addition in the rear could be reduced because it is only
ten feet from the neighbor's fence and property line. Mr. Mustacato responded that they
could not accomplish the type of kitchen and the flow that they wanted to achieve if they
reduce the rear addition when coming in from the garage. Because the garage is down a
level from the first floor, there must be room for a staircase. If not, someone coming from
the staircase would be entering right into the working area of the kitchen.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 6
Chairman Moscato called for questions or comments from the Board, or members of the
public wishing to speak in favor or opposition to the application.
A neighbor addressed the Board. He noted that he received a letter that this matter was
before the Zoning Board. Phil Cambriello, of 153 North Ridge Street, noted that his rear
yard floods when it rains. He asked what the Applicants would be doing, if anything, to
help lessen the storm water runoff and flooding in the area. Chairman Moscato asked
what the sources of the water accumulation were. Phil stated that when it rains water
runs down the Applicants' driveway onto his property. Water also comes from the sump
pumps on the Applicant's property.
Mr. Izzo stated that there is a storm water management plan in place volunteered by the
Applicant. The front of the house is on Argyle Road. The architect for the Applicant
indicated because of the square footage being added, a storm water management plan was
required. That deals with the entire area, including the roof area and the driveway area.
The sump pump will be pumped into the dry well so it should not flow into the
neighbor's property. The pop up overflow will be located in the middle in the yard.
Mr. Izzo also noted that there is grading being done in the yard. The pop up overflow
should be at least 10 feet away from the structure and at least 10 feet away from the
property line, but will actually much further than that. Mr. Izzo mentioned the DPW has
indicated there is a problem with icing in that area. There is a house on Rock Ridge Drive
that is pumping and is causing icing. The Applicant will not be allowed to exacerbate
that problem.
Mr. Michal Nowak, Superintendent of Public Works, will review the application prior to
approving it and the Applicant indicated he has already done so. There were questions
from the Board about the height of the fence, and the height and type of structure of the
neighbor's house.
There being no additional comments, the public hearing portion of the meeting was
closed and the Board went into deliberation. It was noted that the Board was concerned
about storm water management and environmental impact. It was noted that the Zoning
Board of Appeals' approval can hinge on the approval of the storm water management
plan and review of the effects on the environment. The Board reviewed the three
variances separately, the front yard setback, the rear yard setback, and the total building
coverage.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 7
The Board's statement and assessment of the environmental impact is contingent on the
approval by Michael Nowak. The Board has considered this fact and will proceed.
Chairman Moscato read the following resolution:
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 8
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, an application has been made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by
John Annunziata (the "Applicant") for (1) a 3.5 foot front yard setback variance where
the minimum allowable setback in the front yard is 30 feet pursuant to Village Code
§250-22(G)(1), (2) a 19.8 foot rear yard setback where the existing non-conforming rear
yard setback is 15 feet and the minimum allowable setback for a rear yard is 30 feet
pursuant to Village Code §250-22(G)(3); and (3) a 1.5% coverage variance where the
maximum allowable main building coverage is 20% under §250-37(B) in connection
with the proposed one-story addition on the property located at 5 Argyle Road, in an R-
10 zoning district and Scenic Overlay District, situated the north side of Argyle Road at
the intersection of North Ridge Street and Argyle Road, said premises being further
identified as Parcel ID # 135.51-1-50 on the Town of Rye Tax Map; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing on the application was open on
March 1, 2016, at which time all those wishing to be heard on the application were given
such opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the Board closed the public hearing on March 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a Type II action pursuant to the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and accordingly, no further environmental
review is required; and
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the front yard setback
variance:
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another method,
feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS self-created; and
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 9
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the rear yard setback
variance:
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another method,
feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS self-created; and
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to main building
coverage variance.
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another method,
feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a variance;
3. The variance IS NOT substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS self-created; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the said application is hereby
tentatively granted, subject to the following condition:
• No permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the Applicant has
paid in full all application and consultant fees incurred by the Village in
connection with the review of this application.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 10
The roll was called:
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
James S. Schutzer Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Aye
Don Moscato, Chairman Voting Aye
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 5 Ayes and Zero 0 Nays
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 11
2. # 16-001 Bruce DePaola & Felicia DePaola
128 Country Ridge Drive
Construct one story side addition.
Mr. Mustacato, architect, addressed the Board. He noted that the Applicants were before
the Board requesting two variances in order to construct a one-story side addition. The
property is a corner property which fronts Country Ridge Drive. As a corner property, it
has two front yards. The Applicants require two variances; for a front yard setback and
an increase in gross floor area, in order to proceed with their plans to construct a one-
story addition.
This is an existing one-story study on the right side of the house built sometime in the
1960's and was poorly built. The problem is that the room is very narrow and they have
tried to come up with a solution to the seasonal temperature issues. The Applicants have
decided to increase the width of the room to make it a useable room so that there is a
place for seating and a television. A bay window will be added in the front of the room
and they plan to veneer the side to match the existing house. Right now it has vinyl
siding, so this will improve the overall look of the house. The roof pitch will be
increased and the insulation will be increased. The construction will be well screened
from the property on Rockinghorse Trail. The addition will improve the appearance of
the building and the impact will be minimal because it is only a one-story addition.
There was already a variance granted on the house for a two-car garage addition and a
master bedroom addition.
Chairman Moscato noted that a previous variance was granted on this property. By
granting the previous variance, the "bar" was moved higher because the maximum
allowable floor area refers to the variance that was granted. The new variance request is
based on the previously granted variance not on the original allowance of gross floor
area. By looking at the plans, it is clear, and was clear then, that the room is small and
unusable and someone looking at this could easily ask for a higher gross floor area
variance when the first variance was requested. The Board commented that because
twelve years has passed since the prior variance request, there is no concern that the
Applicant is seeking to incrementally ask for additional gross floor area. The district is R-
15, and therefore if the lot were not a corner lot, the variance would not be an issue.
Mr. Moscato called for questions or comments from the Board. He then called for
members of the public wishing to speak in favor or opposition to the application. There
being no one, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed and the Board went
into deliberation.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 12
Chairman Moscato asked the Board if the variance is substantial and if it is self-created.
The Board agreed it is substantial and it is self-created. Upon first read of the application,
the variance appears large, but the Board is not against improvement of property so that it
is usable for a growing family. The Board has all seen the property in person and on a
google map.
Upon the Board's return, Chairman Moscato read the following resolution:
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 13
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, an application has been made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by
Bruce DePaoIa and Felicia DePaola (the "Applicant") for (1) a 7 foot front yard setback
variance where the minimum allowable setback in the front yard is 40 feet pursuant to
Village Code §250-20(G)(1), (2) a 196 square foot gross floor area variance where the
maximum gross floor area of a main building is 3,413 square feet pursuant to Village
Code §250-20(E) and the existing legal non-conforming gross floor area is 3,860 square
feet, in connection with a proposed one-story reconstruction and addition on property
located at 128 Country Ridge Drive, in an R-15 zoning district on the east side of
Country Ridge Drive, at the intersection of Rockinghorse Trail and Country Ridge Drive,
said premises being further identified as Parcel ID # 129.66-1-14 on the Town of Rye
Tax Map; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing on the application was open on
March 1, 2016, at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such opportunity;
and
WHEREAS, the Board closed the public hearing on March 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a Type II action pursuant to the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act, and accordingly, no further environmental
review is required; and
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the front yard setback
variance:
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another method,
feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS self-created; and
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 14
WHEREAS, the Board, from the application, after viewing the premises and
neighborhood concerned, and upon considering each of the factors set forth at §250-
13(G)(2)(b)[2][a]-[e] of the Rye Brook Code, finds with respect to the gross floor area
variance:
1. The variance WILL NOT create an adverse impact to the character of the
neighborhood;
2. The benefit the Applicant seeks CANNOT be achieved through another method,
feasible for the Applicant to pursue, that does not require a variance;
3. The variance IS substantial;
4. The variance WILL NOT create any adverse impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood; and
5. The need for the variance IS self-created; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the said application is hereby
tentatively granted subject to the following condition:
• No permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the Applicant has
paid in full all application and consultant fees incurred by the Village in
connection with the review of this application. Also make sure the building
starts within the allowable window.
The roll was called:
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
James S. Schutzer Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Aye
Don Moscato, Chairman Voting Aye
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 5 Ayes and Zero 0 Nays
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 15
4. Approval of February 2, 2016 Zoning Board Summary Minutes.
The February minutes were approved as amended.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
March 1, 2016
Page 16