Minutes 06-13-83 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING AT CITY HALL~
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983, AT 7:00 P.M,
PRESENT
Vernon Thompson, Jr., Chairman Bert Keehr,
George Ampol, Vice Chairman Deputy Building Official
Robert Gordon, Secretary City of Boynton Beach
George Mearns
Joseph Moore
Paul Slavin
Harold Weinberg
Lillian Artis, Alternate
Leo Grossbard, Alternate
Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00
Mr. Weinberg asked to be excused due to a sore jaw. The
Chairman asked Mr. Grossbard, Alternate, to take his place.
INTRODUCTIONS
Chairman Thompson introduced Bert Keehr, Deputy Building
Official, who was there to advise the Board regarding
technical information. He also introduced the Members of
the Board and the Recording Secretary~ Virginia Jackson.
The Chairman recognized the presence of ~Vice Mayor~ Carl
Zimmerman, Councilman and Mrs. Nick Cassandra, Mr, Simon
Ryder, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, Councilman
Joe deLong and a former Member of the Board, Mr. Teddy Blum,
MINUTES OF APRIL ll, 1983
Mr. Gordon moved that the Minutes be ado~d as received,
Mr. Mearns seconded the motion and the motion carried 7~0.
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
For the benefit of the applicants and all others in the
audience, Chairman Thompson advised that other than going
out and viewing the property, there are six criteria on
which Members of the Board base 'their~'?d~cisi6n-~_ They are:
"a. That special conditions and circumstances
exist which are peculiar to the land,
structure or building involved and which
are not applicable to other lands, struct-
ures, or buildings in the same zoning
district.
b. That the special conditions and circumstances
do not result from the actions of the
applicant.
MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
"c. That granting the variance requested will
not confer on the applicant any special
privilege that is denied by this
ordinance t.o other lands, buildings, or
structures ~n the same zoning diStrict,
d. That literal interpretation of the provisions
of this ordinance would deprive the applicant
of rights commonly enjoyed by other
properties in the sam~ zoning district
under the terms of the ordinance and would
work unnecessary and undue hardship on the
applicant.
e. That the variance granted is the minimum
variance that will make possible the
reasonable use of the land, building,., or
structure.
f. That the grant of the variance will be in
harmony with the general intent and purpose
of this chapter (iordinance)~. and that such
variance will not be injurious to the area
involved or otherwise detrimental to the
public welfare."
Although there are many other criteria on which a decision is
based, Chairman Thompson advised that the. above six take pre-
cedence. When the applicant comes forward~ Chairman Thompson
further stated, they will have him shed any light that is
possible to help the Board make a decision as to whether
the variance is to be granted or not.
Inasmuch as the first applicant, Vincent Pecorella was
not in the audience, the Board proceeded to go forward
with the ~second application. Mr. Ampol called attention
to the fact that this would be the second postponement.
At the request of Mr. Keehr, the Chairman and the Members
last.of the Board agreed to take the application of Mr. Pecorella
PUBLIC HEARING
Case #34
Applicant: Thomas ~ - Roche
Request: Relief~'fr°m minimUat~3tO~ ~a~e~ 'fOr~ Ri ~zoning of
Proposed
Improvement: This variance is for a site approval.
Location: 149 S. Atlantic Drive
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~ ~INUTES ~ BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
Board Secretary Gordon read from the application as follows:
"Property involved: Lot 19, Block 8, Rolling Green Ridge,
Seacrest Addition, Plat Book 25, Page 22, Palm Beach
County.
Address: 149 South Atlantic Drive
Property is presently zoned: R-l, Formerly zoned: R~2~
Denial was made upc~ existing zoning requirements frcm
which relief is required: Minimum lot area for R1 zoning
is 6,000 square feet.
Nature of exception or variance required: Subject lot
has. approximately 5,550 s~e feet, therefore a
variance of 450 square feet is required.
Proposed improwm~_nt: This variance is for a site
Name of Applicant: Thomas Roche
4360 Gleneagles Road
Boynton Beach"
Secretary Gordon continued to read:
"Answers to questions:
a. The lot in question has existed for many years and
according to location sketch, the parcel directly
to the East is the same, approximately the same size,
and presently has a single family home on it.
b. None
c. The single family residence I propose appears to fit
in with the rest of the existing hc~es in the area.
d. It would not be possible to obtain another vacant lot
on this block because they are all developed with
single family hcmes.
e. The only relief requested is from the minimum square footage
from 6,000 to 5,666.2. ·
f.I can not see any detr~tal effect on the area and
it will certainly be in harmony with the rest of the
Mr. Thomas Roche, 4360 Gleneagles ~Road, Boynton Beach
came before the Board. He proposes to build a single family
home on the lot and said it was_s~hy450 square feet and was
platted in 1957. Mr. Roche said he was not asking for
any other relief other than to build a house that would
conform to the setbacks required by zoning.
In answer to Mr. S'lav~n's question, Mr. Keehr replied that
the subject lot represented the original platting in 1957.
Mr. Slavin observed the stakes and sharp angle at the site.
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
Chairman Thompson observed when visiting the property that
the lot is landlocked by homes and there is no opportunity
to buy additional land. Mr. SlaYin asked Mr. Roche if the
house was being built for his own residence or for an inv-
estment. Mr, Roche replied that it was not so much an
investment but if it wasn't sold by the time it was complete,
he might move into it. The Chairman commented that the
Board would be voting on the land itself instead of the use
of it. Mr. Sla~in knew that but when he was at the site,
he was told a variety of stories and therefore wanted to
find the answer out for himself.
The Chairman ascertained that there were no more questions
at this time. He asked if there was anyone wishing to speak
IN FAVOR of granting the variance. No one responded. The
Chairman then asked if there was anyone wishing to speak
AGAINST the granting of the variance. There were no
responses. It was ascertained~that no communications were
received by the Secretary of the Board.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
Mr. Gordon questioned the disparity 6f. square footage shown
on the paperwork. Mr. Keehr explained and Mr. Roche added
that it was his own error.
Mr. Slavin moved that Mr. Roche be ~ the variance
for the following reasons:
1) The way the lot is platted is through no
fault of the applicant.
2} There is no additional ground or footage
to be bought.
3) Nobody wants to have a vacant lot ~earby-
and there is nothing that can be done
with the propert~ with its present
zoning. The overall footage isn't that
great.
Mr. Slavin further ~on$idered the sharp..ang!e going from~_~
east_~to west on the survey and the surveyor's stakes on
the lot. He realized that nothing can be done the way
the lot is.
Mr. Gordon seconded the motion. Chairman Thompson
asked the Recording Secretary to take a roll call vote.
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13~ 1983
Mr. Mearns ~ Aye
Mr. Grossbard - Aye
Vice Chairman Ampol - Aye
Chairman Thompson - Aye
Mr. 'Gordon - Aye
Mr. Slavin - Aye
Mr. Moore - Aye
The motion carried 7-0. The variance was grant'ed.
PUBLIC HEARING
Case ~35
Applicant: James Michael Fichera
Request: Relief from rear yard setback requirement
for R-1AA zoning from 25' to 10' rear
yard setback
Proposed
Improvement-: Additional rooms
Location: 800 North Road
Secretary Gordon read from the application~ as follows:
"The Property involved is Lot 10 together with the
west 100' of the east 129' of Lot 46~ Harbor
Estates, Plat Book 21, Page 98.
Address: 800 North Road
Property is presently zoned: R-1AA Formerly zoned: R-1AA~
Denial was made upc~ ~existing zoning requirements frcm
which relief is required: R-tAA zoning requires 25'
rear yard setback.
Nature of exception or variance required: Owner is
requesting that the rear yard setback be reduced to
ten feet (10'), therefore a variance of fifteen feet
(15') is required.
Name of Applicant: James Michael Fichera
Address: 800 North Road, Boynton Beach, Florida,
Answers to questions:
a. That special conditions and circumstances exist
which are peculiar to the land, structure or
building involved and which are not applicable
to other lands, structures, or buildings in the
same zoning district;
b. That the special conditions and circumstances
do not result from the actions of the applicant;
MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13~ 1983
.... c. That granting the variance requested will not
confer on the applicant any s~cial privilege
that is denied by this Ordinance to other lands,
buildings, or structures in the same zoning
district;
d. That literal interpretation of the provisions of
this chapter would deprive the applicant of
rights conmonly enjoyed by other propert~ies
in the same zoning district under the terms
of the ordinance and would work unnecessary
and undue hardship on the applicant;
e, That the variance granted is the minimum variance
-~' that will make possible the reasonable use of
the land, building, or structure;
f. That the grant of the variance will be in
harmony with the general intent and purpose
of this chapter and that such variance will
not be injurious to the area involved or
otherwise detrimental to the public welfare~"
Mr. Gordon continued to read Section 10 - Answers:
"A. That the lot is only 80 feet deep and with
the proper setbacks, it does not leave much
room to build.
B. The size of the lot and the setbacks on the
lot were. established before I owned it.
C. Variances have been granted to several of
the property owners 'in the same area,
D. Other property owners in the same zoning
district have received'variances to increase
their living area to acc~-~-~-~date their needs
and I would like to increase mine to be able
to accommodate my sisters and family,
E. Due to the existing structure the fifteen
foot-variance would be the most reasonable
~ attempt to readapt 'the structure.
F. The addition to the structure will not
decrease the setback already existing."
Mr. James Michael Fichera, 800 North Road, Boynton Beach,
came forward at the request of the Chairman. He had
nothing further to add to the above. In answer to Mr.
Slavin's question, Mr. Fichera stated that he wants to
add a bedroom and a dining room to a particular area.
Mr. Slavin asked Mr. Keehr if the Building Department
had a plan for those additions. They did not.
...... With regard to Section 10 "D", Mr. Slavin asked if the
MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
answer .."to be able to accommodate my sisters and family"
meant one family. Mr. Fichera concurred. When asked if
the family has the name "Fichera" or if there were any
"in-laws", Mr. Fichera replied that none of his sisters
were presently married and that he would not deny them
that but it would change their last name presumably.
Mr. Slavin asked the applicant if he knew that a variance
was applied for in 1981 for the "same proposition". When
told that the applicant knew that, Mr. Slavin then asked
what had come up since then that the Board could consider
and grant the variance to override the old objection,
Mr. Fichera advised ~that he was the new property owner
and that he might have a much larger family in the future.
In answer to Chairman Thompson's question, Mr. Keehr
advised that his records indicate that the property was
bought in May of 1981. That was the only time the City
'has any record of. Mr. Fichera stated that he did bring
a floor plan in from which Mr. Keehr made his drawing
and then returned Mr. Fichera~s plan. Mr, Keehr explained
that it was not one that would'be submitted for a . ~
permit. Mr. Fichera. said he did have a full sized plan.
Mr. Mearns asked the applicant about further clarification
of the additions. The Chairman questiOned Mr,~Keehr regarding the
old code. The City had no record of the original setbacks.
Chairman Thompson then ascertained that the south addition
was not one put on in the last ten years. Mr. Grossbard
was told by Mr. Keehr that the property in the middle of
the two additions was there originally and that there is
no record of a variance being granted. Mr, Grossbard further
ascertained from Mr. Keehr that if the applicant made the
two additions, that would square the house' off~ Mr. Mearns
confirmed that the applicant was allowed to build within 10'
of the property line and that all he is doing is squaring
it off and that "he is no worse off or better off".
The fact that the applicant is l0T away, Mr. Keehr explained,
does not Obligate the City in any manner to grant this
variance. In adding these two additions, it woUld be
adding to a nonconforming situation and Mr. Keehr wanted
the Board Members to keep that in mind.
Chairman Thompson asked if there was anyone who wanted
to speak IN FAVOR.of granting the variance. There were
no responses. The Chairman then asked if there was anyone
wishing to speak AGAINST granting the variance. There
was no response.
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
The Board received one communication which Secretary Gordon
read as follows:
"June 4, 1983
Dear Sirs:
No objection to the request. The original developer's
setback was 10' on the rear property line.
/s/ Henry Merkel, Jr,
(~The Developer)_"
Chairman Thompson remarked that this communication was in
favor. As there was no one else to speak for or against,
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED, The Chairman asked for comments
from the Board Members.
When Mr. Mearns viewed the property he noted that it was in an
ideal location OVerlooking the canal. As long as Mr~ Fichera
was staying within the periPhery of the present existing line
of the building, Mr. Mearns thought it would enhance the
appearance for his neighbors. Personally, Mr. Mearns was
in favor of granting the variance.
As there were no other comments that the Members of the Board
wished to make, Chairman Thompson stated that he had one
comment to express. Over 60% of the homes in the area
are 10' or less off the line and the reason for that was
beyond the Board'.s control. Chairman Thompson further
stated that the lots were small when they were-Platted
and people have continued to' add on to what they have;
the-whOle community is tight.
Mr. Ampol stated that he has seen quite a bit of the area
and in view of the hardship on the applicant, he believes
the variance should be granted. Mr. Ampol so moved to
grant the variance. Mr. Grossbard seconded the motion m
Before proceeding, the Chairman asked if there were any
questions.
Mr. Slavin Wished to asked a question of Mr, Keehr.
When Mr. Slavin visited the property, he was told by a pro-
pertY · owner that it was going to be used for "multiple~
family" and that was why he asked Mr. Fichera questions
relating to this. Mr. Slavin asked if he was not correct in
that any changes made, i.e. adding kitchens, make it a
duplex, would have to come before the Building Department.
Mr. Keehr concurred and said that was quite impossible.
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
AS there were no further questions on the motions
Chairman Thompson asked Mrs. Jackson, the Recording
Secretary, to take a roll call vote:
Mr. Moore - Aye
Mr. Slavin - Aye
Mr. Gordon - Aye
Chairman Thompson - Aye
Vice Chairman Ampol - Aye
Mr. Grossbard - Aye
Mr. Mearns - Aye
The motion carried 7-0. The variance was~ granHed.
C~airman Thompson noted that there was one more application.
Mr~ Keehr asked through the Chair if the Board. could take
a 10 minute recess to call the applicant on the phone. He
thought the applicant could be at the meeting in 10 minutes
and he knew the applicant would appreciate it. Chairman
Thompson stated that the request was granted.
PUBLI~C ~E~ING
Case ~33
Applicant: Vincent P.ecorella
Request: (1~ ~Relief from rear year setback
requirement for R~iAA zoning of' 8'
to 1'3" rear yard setback
(2) Relief from front yard setback
requirement of 25' to 17' front yard
setback
Proposed
Improvement: Screen enclosure for pool
Location: 2775 S.W. llth Street
Secretary Gordon read from the application as follows:
"Property involved: Lot 6, Plat 11, Golfview Harbor,
Section 1, Plat Book 26, Page 178o
Address: 2775 S.W. llth Street
Property is presently zoned: R~AA, Fo/~erly Zoned: R-1AA
Denial was made upon existing zoning rsquirements from
which relief is required: Section ll-F -No screen
enclosure shall be constructed close~ than eight feet
(8') from the rear property line or closer than twenty--
five feet (25') from front property. On corner lots
property bordering both streets shall be considered as
front yards.
Nature of exception or variance required: Owner is
reques~ng the rear yard setback for a screen enclosure
be reduced to one foot three inches (t'3"), therefore a
variance of six foot nine incb~s (6'9")_ is ra~u~ ired and
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
"the front yard setback to be reduced to seventeen feet
(17'). Therefore, a variance of eight feet (8') is
required.
Proposed i~provement: Proposed screen enclosure to be
constructed at edge of pool deck.
Name of Applicant: Vincent Pecorella
Address of Applicant: 2775 South West llth Street"
Secretary Gordon read the applicant's answers to the
questions as follows:
"A. Pool and deck was located by previous owner and
out of my control, Fourteen year old daughter has
allergic reaction to insect and bee bites (see
attached doctor's note) and granting of this
variance will allow her to enjoy the use of pool,
B. This condition of pool being located close to rear of
property was accomplished by the previous owner and
out of my ccntrol. My daughter's condition would
be helped by enclosing the pool.
C. A screen pool enclosure is in harmony with the
surrounding ~neighborhood as there are many existing
properties that have them, including adjoining homes.
There are numerous screen pool enclosures in the
area, some recently built that are closer to
property lines than the City requizements, Denial
would limit my family from the same cc~fort and
safety enjoyed by others in the neighborhood.
E. The screen enclosure will 'be built on the existing
deck, leaving at least one foot three inches (~1'3")
to the property line and ~11 be affixed permanently
to the house. The screen enclosure will be built
according to all city codes and would certainly not
be considered an eyesore.
F. As stated previously, there are many other screen
pool enclosures in the area ~nd they add to the
beauty and value of the property, rather tb~nn being
detrimental."
A note from Luis A.. Galainena, M,D~',P,A,, 6.25 S,E. 2nd
Avenue, Boynton Beach was submitted as follows:
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MINUTES ~ BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1R83
"April 4, 1983
To Whc~ It May Concern;
Suzanne Pecorella has an allergic reaction to
insect bites. For this reason, T reCommend that
the PeCOrella's have a screened enclosure over
their pool.
If you have any further questions, please contact
my office.
Sincerely,
/s/ Louis A. Galainena
Louis A. Galainena, M.D., F.F.A.F.P,"
Mrs. Barbara A. Pecorella, 2775 South West llth Street, came
forward saying she really did not have too much to add .otherJ~.than
a comment on what Mr. Gordon just read. Her daughter had been
biten several times and required medical attention. She
described tha~ reaction and her concern and answered Mr. Ampol's
question saying that Sue is allergic to bee stings and insect
bites and referred to the doctor's note.
Mr. Keehr answered the Chairman's question explaining that
the variance requested is ~o the rear)~, the west side and
the south side. Mr. Ampol asked if it would extend beyond
the concrete slab. Mr. Keehr replied, "No, sir." He added
that they want to put the screen on the pool deck.
In reply to a question Chairman Thompson asked as he looked
at the survey, Mr. Keehr stated that the actual measurement
from the screen to the street was 17' and that was why the
applicant was asking for an 8' variance on the south side.
Mr. Slavin noted the little walkway where the screened porch
is. Chairman Thompson concurred.
From the pool to the property line~ Chairman Thompson asked
how many feet there was. Mr. Keehr said it was 5'3" from
water's edge to property line and further answered the
Chairman's inquiry that it was in violation in that it
was constructed in violation of the zoning setb~ack ordinance
for pools, however, it was approved by the Building Depart-
ment on inspection.
Chairman Thompson invited questions from .the Members of the
Board as.~.well as the Alternates.
Mr. Slavin observed that the house was sold in 1977. Mr,
Keehr answered his inquiry stated that it was
constructed in 1973. Mr. Keehr told Mr, Ampol that he
was correct in that the Building Department did approve
Something illegal and nonconforming. Mr. Keehr further
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
stated that he had the permit and the.plans of that particular
pool which was constructed prior to the applicant's purchasing
the property. On the application the pool is 10' from the
rear property line, however, Mr. Keehr added, when this
survey was made, it showed the pool~.to be only 5'3" ~o
that a final inspector did not notice the footage differential
which, on a new home, would be understandable if there were
no fences up, etc. It was before Mr. Keehr and Mr. Howell's
time and would not happen today, As Mr. Ampol understood it,
the existing footage at this time was 5'3". Mr. Keehr said
Hhat was correct and told Mr. Slavin that he was correct in
saying that when the applicant purchased this piece of
property, they purchased a violation.
It was Mr. Grossbard's thinking that the real hardship in
this application was one of a medical nature. He questioned
Mrs. Pecorella further about her daughter's allergy, She
told Mr. Grossbard that this occurs particularly in the
back yard.
Mr. Slavin ascertained through questioning Mr. Keehr that
if the pool deck were 1'3", that the screen in no way, would
be permitted to go beyond that and would be contained. When
Mr. Ampol visited the property, he noted a number of pools-~hat
he believed were nonconforming. Mrs. Pecorella agreed and
said there was one right next door to her property. Mr.
Ampol asked some of the neighbors and added' that they would
not object to it at all. Mrs. Pecorella said, "Right".
As there were no other questions from the Members of the
Board, the Chairman thanked the applicant and stated that
if she had anything else to share with the board, she
would be recognized by raising her hand. Chairman Thompson
asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak
IN FAVOR of granting the variance. There was no response.
Chairman Thompson asked if!there was anyone in the audience
wanting to speak kGAINST granting the variance.
Mr. John D. Paul, 1135 S.W. 28th, said he resides ~mmediately
to the west of the property. He believed he had an objection
on file. In answer to Mr. $1avin's question, Mr. Paul said
he filed an objection as of the last meeting, Mr. ~ordon
stated that~ he had no record of it~ Chairman Thompson said
he took everything out of the box on the way up. Mr. Paul
had a copy and was aSked to read it.
Mr. Paul stated that his visual objection was that the
subject house and pool was built on a corner lot and is
subject to setbacks on both sides. "The requirement
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
effectively states that a corner lot has two fronts. Given
that the pool and the house are currently in viola%ion of
City Code and that the hoUse does not meet the 25' setback
nor does the pool - the side that faces 28th Avenue not only does
not meet the 25', but extends past it, What was therefore
called the front of the house on the 28th Avenue side
andis approximately 5' from the western property line, is
again in viOlation of City Codes."
Mr. Paul continued to say that none of these have variances
on record that he ',i's aware of. Of the 2 adjoining lots
one is screened and'one is not. Of the two other lots which
would adjoin the property across the street from it that
have pools, one is screened and one is not and Mr. Paul
stated this was approximately 50%. The screen enclosure
that would be closer to 28th Avenue than this house, would
extend past the front of! the house on the 28th Avenue side
and Mr. Paul felt that would be an eyesore, It extends
nearer to the street than other houses do on the street
and extends closer to the street than this existing house,
Mr. Paul continued to elaborate on the contents of his
letter by saying that the removal of the existing fence,
which goes along with the screened enclosure, would require
two adjoining property owners to replace the fence at their
own expense, maintain their existing privacy and on the north
side, would be required that 'that property owner maintain
the integrity of his pool enclosure which is required bythe
code an~d t~at~neighbor? kas an~open pololi~ th~refo~e~_-~
has to have a fenced lot.
Replacement of the fence along the Paul's property line
to maintain their existing privacy would mean putting a fence
within a few inches of the screen enclosure and would
not allow for proper maintenance .of that enclosure,
Mr, Paul said there would not be room enough to go between
the fence and the screen enclosure. For example he said in
replacing the screen ha would not have enough clearance,
If he were to set the fence further from his property
line to allow for proper maintenance then he would be
decreasing his own side yard. Mr. Paul did not think
that would be a reasonable move for him to take,
Mr. Paul wanted to know if he had a right to ask a question
along the medical line. Chairman Thompson replied that if
it were one of the six questions, he had a right to ask it,
Was-it not a fact that this daughter, asked Mr. Paul~ is
with the Eaglettes or with the Cheer Leading Team of Atlantic
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
High School which is a significant outdoor activity and
would put her into close proximity to the possibility of
insect bites and therefore might-began exposure that is
far greater.
For clarification, Chairman Thompson wanted to ascertain
that the 19' shown on the south side of the subject property
was also a violation. Mr. Keehr said that was correct and
that the Department has found that to be a common occurrence
of the people that were in charge of ~the Building Department
before. For whatever reason there imight have been, the
current Building Department has found several houses that
~have violated this particular setback ordinance and are
legally nonconforming because of the fact that they were
allowed to be built that way.
When Chairman Thompson drove around the property~ he obServed
that it protruded further than the others, Mr. Keehr said
that was correct. The other houses on 28th Avenue are back
25'
With regard to communications, Secretary Gordon had one
in favor. He read the letter of April 4, 1983 from Dr~
Louis A. Galainena.
Mr. Mearns expressed his compassion for the applicant~'s
daughter and questioned the many other hours in the day
that she is exposed to bites. He stated, "They don"t
build a fence around her or a screen enclosure around
her all day long." He did not question the existence of
the hardship but wondered if it truly is a hardhip in the
sense that it exists all day long. Mrs Pecorella advised
that her daughter has been bitten when she is in their
back yard around the pool and that it doeSn't happen when
she is active in her Eaglettes football field activity.
Secondly, Mrs. Pecorella brought up the matter of Mr.
Paul's privacy with the fence. If she didn't have a
screen enclosed pool, Mrs. Pecorella stated that she
could just put up a chain link fence and asked, "Where
is his privacy then?~ We have a fence up now that affords
privacy but that doesn't mean we have to keep that.
Third of all, he brought up our neighbor; that he has
to put up a fence as soon as we take down our fence.
I don't see that neighbor here objecting. We are on
very friendly terms with our neighbors and none of them
have objected to the pool."
At this time, Mr. Keehr advised the Members of the Board
that a screen enclosure takes the place of a fence. There
would be no fence required if there is a screen enclosure.
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MINUTES - BOARD-OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
Mr. Ampol could sympathize with Mrs, Pecorella. One of his
neighbors-, an adult, got stung by a hornet and wound up in
a hospital. With a young girl, it could be fatal. Mr.
Ampol spoke to some of the neighbors and none of them were
against the screen enclosure. Mr. Ampol pointed out that
the applicant also had a doctor's statement to verify the
facts. Mr. Ampol said he was inclined.toward the applicant's
variance.
As Chairman of the Board, Chairman Thompson stated that he
must point out everything regardless of where it falls.
The first thing is that the house is in viola~ion~ Secondly,
the screen enclosure would put it in'.violation threefoldthus
enhancing the problem more and more. He gave an example.
Did the Members of the Board.!want to compound
the problems this piece of property has~ the hoUse, the
pool, the screen enclosure? Chairman Thompson understood
the medical problems of the applicant. He reminded the
assemblage that they must take all things into consideration;
the hardship in six areas.
Before asking for a motion, Chairman Thompson stated that
it takes five (.5) assenting votes to grant the request.
At this time Mrs. Pecorella asked to be heard, She wanted
to make it clear that she or the former owners had nothing
to do with the violations existing with the house or w±th
her pool. The Paul's~o the west) house and pool is also
in violation. According to the last letter that Mrs.
Pecorella received from the City, the Paul house is only
7½' off the property line.
Mr. Keehr pointed out that 7%' is proper and that the Paul's
are. not in violation of the side setback, Mrs. Pecorella
thought it had to be 8'. Mr, Keehr told her that it was
platted prior to 1975 where 7'6" is required.. Mrs, Pecorella
stated, "I would like to make it clear that this isn't even
the former owners. Everything was done above board and
legally."
Vice Chairman Ampol wondered why in that particular area
Golf View Harbour, there have been so ~any nonconforming
violations. Although Mr. Keehr was not "there at the
time", he said he could appreciate some of the problems
with the construction, as busy as they were and could
appreciate some of their procedures and how that could
happen. He thought that perhaps because of these mistakes
the Building Department is much more efficient today and
requires a few more safeguards. Mr. Keehr also added' that
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MINUTES - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 13, 1983
Golf View Harbour lots in most cases, were very short, They
were not the normal 120' or 125'. They are 100" or 102'
which creates a.problem trying to put in a pool and screen
enclosure in their rear yard because there just isn't any
room and everybody wants one. Mr. Keehr~knew that the
Board of Adjustment has heard several screened enclosure
cases in the Golf View Harbour area. His only explanation
was the fact of the initial platting of the lot.
There being no further questions, the Chair entertained
a motion at this time.
Secretary Gordon moved that the variance be granted. He
thought i.t would enhance the beauty and v~Ue of th~
property. He also called attention to the reason for
granting the variance because of the idea of the daughter.
Vice Chairman Ampol seconded the motion,
Chairman Thompson asked Mrs, Jackson, the Recording
Secretary to take a roll call vote:
Mr. Moore ~ Aye
Mr. Slavin - Aye
Secretary Gordon ? Aye
Chairman Thompson - Nay
Vice Chairman Ampol - Aye
Mr. Grossbard - Aye
Mr. Mearns - Nay
The motion carried 5-2. The variance was gran'ted.
NEXT MEETING
After discussion it was decided the next meeting would
be held Monday, August 8, 1983. All the Members of the
Board would be called to determine who would be available,
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairman Ampol moved that the meeting adjourn,,. Mr,
Mearns seconded the motion and the motion carried 7-0,
Respectfully submitted,
V~rgin_ia/T, Jackson,
~ec6rdi~g Secretary
(_2 Tapes}
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