Zoning Board of Appeals Packet - 8/27/2015
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA
August 27, 2015
6:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200
Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF CLOSED SESSION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Appeals of the City of Muskego may convene, upon
passage of the proper motion, into closed session pursuant to Section 19.85(1)(a) of the State
Statutes for the purpose of deliberating concerning cases which were the subject of a quasi-
judicial hearing; said cases being the appeals described below. The Board of Appeals will
then reconvene into open session.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Appeal #02-2015
Petitioner: Bruce Lindl
Property: W156 S7471 Martin Court / Tax Key No. 2197.197
REQUESTING: Under the direction of Chapter 17 Zoning Ordinance: Section 3.08(1)
Appeal Provisions, Petitioner seeks the following variance:
Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.07 – Open Space
(1) Minimum Required: No building, covered structure, or impervious surface shall
be placed, erected, structurally altered or relocated on a lot so as to reduce the usable
open area of such lot to less than the minimum required amount as identified by the
underlying zoning district or less than 75% of the total lot size.
The minimum open space allowed on this property is 13,783 square feet (75% of the
18,377 square foot lot). The appellant is proposing to remove and replace an existing rear
patio, which results in the minimum open space regulation on the property being
exceeded which requires a variance to the Code requirement.
CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM JUNE 26, 2014 AND JULY 23, 2015
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ADJOURN
NOTICE
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MEMBERS OF AND POSSIBLY A QUORUM OF MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES OF
THE MUNICIPALITY MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING TO GATHER INFORMATION; NO ACTION
WILL BE TAKEN BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENTAL
BODY SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO ABOVE IN THIS NOTICE.
ALSO, UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED
INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS
SERVICE, CONTACT MUSKEGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, (262) 679-4100.
Appeal # 02-2015
ZBA 8-27-2015
Page 1 of 3
City of Muskego
City Representative Brief
Zoning Board of Appeals Supplement 02-2015
For the meeting of: August 27, 2015
REQUESTING:
1. Under the direction of Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.07 – Open Space
(1) Minimum Required: No building, covered structure, or impervious surface shall be placed,
erected, structurally altered or relocated on a lot so as to reduce the usable open area of
such lot to less than the minimum required amount as identified by the underlying zoning
district or less than 75% of the total lot size.
APPELLANT: Bruce Lindl
LOCATION: W156 S7471 Martin Court / Tax Key No. 2197.197
CITY’S POSITION PRESENTED BY: Adam Trzebiatowski AICP, City Representative
BACKGROUND
The property owners recently found out that their existing elevated rear deck was moving and heaving due
to improper footings and supports. Below this elevated deck is an existing 24’ x 39’ (936 SF) concrete
patio. The posts and footing for the deck were located within this patio area. Due to the moving and
heaving of the deck posts and footings, some of the patio squares within the patio also moved and
heaved. As such the owners decided to remove the affected patio squares so that they could properly fix
the deck posts and footings. There were approximately 14 patio squares that needed to be removed,
which equaled about 350 SF in area. The owners decided that after the deck is repaired they want to
remove the entire patio surface, including the remaining 586 SF of concrete, and replace it all with new
concrete so it all looks uniform.
As part of this plan a Zoning Permit was applied for, before any work began, to install a new/replacement
patio of the same size as what previously existed. As part of the permit review by Planning staff it was
discovered that the existing property is significantly over the open space limit and that no permits were
previously pulled for the front walkways and for the rear patio. The patio and front walkways were installed
by a previous owner. Approximate measurements by staff indicate that the property exceeds the open
space regulation by approximately 900 square feet.
Note - The petitioner did not get a new survey since they believe one was not necessary in their eyes
since they made the statement that they were not asking to be more over their limit, but rather just asking
to stay over by exactly whatever amount they are currently over by. Staff did not encourage this and
typically encourages new surveys to be completed so that exact calculations can be made to determine
exactly how much over open space regulations someone really is.
The lot currently contains a single-family home. The parcel is zoned PD-32, Quietwood Creek Planned
Development District. The property is located on Martin Court in the Quietwood Creek Subdivision.
The petitioner is seeking the following variance:
An exception to the required open space on this property.
Appeal # 02-2015
ZBA 8-27-2015
Page 2 of 3
The minimum open space allowed on this property is 13,783 square feet (75% of the 18,377 square
foot lot). The appellant is proposing to remove and replace an existing rear patio, which results in the
minimum open space regulation on the property being exceeded which requires a variance to the
Code requirement.
DISCUSSION
Based upon the information submitted, staff does not see a valid hardship to allow the full replacement of
a patio, which only some of needs to be removed to properly repair the deck post/footing issues. While
staff recognizes that approximately 350 SF of concrete needed to be removed to accommodate the deck
repairs, that does not require the replacement of the 350 SF area with concrete. It also does not require
the replacement of the entire patio since only a portion of it was actually damaged due to the deck
issues/repairs. Staff has brought up to the petitioners that many other property owners have had issues
with open space regulations recently and in the past and they have had to use pavers, permeable
concrete, and/or permeable asphalt as a suitable alternative. Many new patio permits issued in the past
few years have been for paver surfaces due to various reasons, with many of those being due to open
space regulation issues. Since the petitioner is choosing to replace the entire patio, they have the ability
to replace it with a material that brings the property further into compliance with the open space
regulations.
Here is a summary of the variance standards that are applicable to this case (and noted above):
1. Zoning Case Law states that “self-imposed hardships” and “circumstances of the applicant” are
not grounds for granting a variance, such as wanting to replace the entire patio, even though only
a portion of the patio needs to be replaced. Also, there are options as to what type of surface the
patio can be replaced with. Pavers or permeable concrete/asphalt surfaces are all options that do
not count against the open space limits.
2. Zoning Case Law states that “financial hardships” do not justify granting a variance. This could
apply if the reason for not choosing to go with pavers or permeable concrete/asphalt surfaces
would be financial based. Note - The owners have not stated that as a reason in their submittal at
this time.
3. Zoning Case Law states that the Board may only grant the minimum variance needed, if
they are even going to grant any variance. In a case like this, the board should look at
what is the least variance that would relieve unnecessary burdens. There are other
options that bring the property closer to compliance (or possibly into full compliance),
such as using pavers or permeable concrete/asphalt surfaces and/or reducing the size of
the patio area in general. At this time the proposal does not take any steps to help fix the
open space violation.
NOTE: Please remember that the City must base their recommendation upon a valid hardsh ip as defined
by State Law and Zoning Case Law. Zoning Case Law states that a hardship must be unique to the
property, it cannot be self-created, and must be based upon conditions unique to the property rather than
conditions personal to the property owner(s). Case Law also states that a hardship should be something
that would unreasonably prevent the owner from using their property for the permitted purpose or would
render conformity with such restrictions unnecessarily burdensome. The Zoning Board of A ppeals needs
to find a valid hardship in order to be able to approve a variance request.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING, THE CITY RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS:
Denial of Appeal 02-2015, allowing an exception to the required 75% open space (13,783 square
feet) for the installation/replacement of a 24’ x 39’ concrete patio; citing that pavers and/or
permeable concrete/asphalt can be used as an alternative that would not require any type of open
space variance. The hardship is self-imposed since the applicant is choosing to replace this patio
with concrete versus a different permeable type material. Replacing the concrete patio with a
Appeal # 02-2015
ZBA 8-27-2015
Page 3 of 3
paver and/or permeable concrete/asphalt surface would meet the Zoning Case Law requirement of
the least variance possible, while still providing a usable patio for the homeowners.
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Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
July 23, 2015
6:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200
Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Blumenfield called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Blumenfield, Vice Chairman Schneiker, Mr. LeDoux, Mr. Petfalksi and
Director Muenkel.
Absent: Dr. Kashian, Mr. Ristow, and Mr. Robertson.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws on July 16, 2015.
NOTICE OF CLOSED SESSION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Appeals of the City of Muskego may convene, upon
passage of the proper motion, into closed session pursuant to Section 19.85(1)(a) of the State
Statutes for the purpose of deliberating concerning cases which were the subject of a quasi-
judicial hearing; said cases being the appeals described below. The Board of Appeals will
then reconvene into open session.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal # 01-2015
Petitioner: Lawrence William Wiesner
Property: S76 W18264 Janesville Road / Tax Key No. 2195.98
REQUESTING: Under the direction of Chapter 17 Zoning Ordinance: Section 3.02 - Zoning
Board of Appeals, Petitioner seeks the following variance:
Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.08(2) – Only One Principal Residence Building on a
Lot
(2) Except as specifically otherwise provided herein for attached single family dwellings,
apartment, farms, or planned development projects only one principal residence building shall
be permitted on a lot, provided however that the Board of Appeals may grant an exception to
permit more than one principal building on a lot where such grant would not be contrary to the
spirit or intent of the Ordinance or to the regulations applicable to the specific district, and
provided that a sufficient lot area is provided and the buildings so located as to permit
individual compliance in the case of future division with the lot size, density, building location,
and open space requirements of the district in which located.
There are currently two single-family homes on this property, which is currently deemed a legal
non-conforming use. The owners would like to be allowed to keep both homes on the lot
legally per the code section noted above so
that future improvements can possibly occur to the home(s).
Henry Schneiker made a motion to approve Appeal #01-2015 as submitted with the
stipulation that the secondary home could never be rented and never be occupied by
residents that are not related to the owners of the primary home. Dr. Barbara
Blumenfield seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Discussion took place related to the possibility of renting the homes on the property. It was
determined the primary home, closest to the road, could be rented as other properties in the
City are allowed to do. The secondary home could not be rented as part of the stipulation of
this approval.
CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM JUNE 26, 2014.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ADJOURN
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
June 26, 2014
6:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200
Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Kashian called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Dr. Russ Kashian, Butch Le Doux, Richard Ristow, Rick Petfalski, Henry Schneiker
(6:15 PM) and Planner Adam Trzebiatowski.
Absent: Dr. Barb Blumenfield.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
This meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws on June 20, 2014.
NOTICE OF CLOSED SESSION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Appeals of the City of Muskego may convene, upon
passage of the proper motion, into closed session pursuant to Section 19.85(1)(a) of the State
Statutes for the purpose of deliberating concerning cases which were the subject of a quasi-
judicial hearing; said cases being the appeals described below. The Board of Appeals will
then reconvene into open session.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal #05-2014
Petitioner: Glenn Byal & Connie Krickeberg
Property: S79 W16061 Bay Lane Place / Tax Key No. 2217.989
REQUESTING: Under the direction of Chapter 17 Zoning Ordinance: Section 3.02 -
Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioner seeks the following variances:
Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.02 - Building Location
1) Location Restricted: No building shall be hereafter erected, structurally
altered or relocated on a lot except in conformity with the following
locational regulations as hereinafter specified for the district in which it is
located.
A setback of 25-feet is required from the Bay Lane Place right-of-way line on the above
mentioned lot. The petitioner seeks a setback of 10.7-feet from the right-of-way line for a new
detached garage, and is therefore requesting a 14.3 foot variance from the required right of
way setback.
And, An offset of 6.7-feet is required from the side (north) lot line on the above mentioned lot.
The petitioner seeks an offset of 5-feet from the side lot line for a new detached garage, and is
therefore requesting a 1.7-foot variance from the required side offset.
And, An offset of 10-feet is required from the side (west) lot line on the above mentioned lot.
The petitioner seeks an offset of 7-feet from the side lot line for a new detached garage, and is
therefore requesting a 3-foot variance from the required side offset.
Dr. Kashian made a motion to vote on Appeal #05-2014 separately and to approve #1 -
An exception to the required 25-foot setback from the right-of-way line of Bay Lane
Place for construction of a 22' x 25' detached garage on the property, and to approve #2
- An exception to the required 6.7-foot offset from the north side lot line for construction
of a detached garage on their property, and to deny #3 - An exception to the required
10-foot offset from the west side lot line for construction of a detached garage on their
property. Mr. Schneiker seconded.
Dr. Kashian withdrew his original motion, and Mr. Schneiker withdrew his second.
#1 - An exception to the required 25-foot setback from the right-of-way line of Bay
Lane Place for construction of a detached garage on their property.
Henry Schneiker made a motion to approve #1- An exception to the required 25-foot
setback from the right-of-way line of Bay Lane Place for construction of a detached
garage on their property. Dr. Russ Kashian seconded.
Motion Passed 5 in favor.
#2 - An exception to the required 6.7-foot offset from the north side lot line for
construction of a detached garage on their property.
Butch LeDoux made a motion to approve #2- An exception to the required 6.7-foot
offset from the north side lot line for construction of a detached garage on their
property. Dr. Russ Kashian seconded.
Motion Passed 5 in favor.
#3 - An exception to the required 10-foot offset from the west side lot line for
construction of a detached garage on their property.
Butch LeDoux made a motion to approve #3 - An exception to the required 10-foot
offset from the west side lot line for construction of a detached garage on their
property. Aaron Robertson seconded.
Motion Passed 5 in favor.
CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM APRIL 24, 2014.
Dr. Russ Kashian made a motion to approve the minutes of April 24, 2014. Butch
LeDoux seconded.
Motion Passed 6 in favor.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURN
Dr. Russ Kashian made a motion to adjourn at 6:57 PM. Butch LeDoux seconded.
Motion Passed 6 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary