Zoning Board of Appeals Packet - 12/13/2017
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA
December 13, 2017
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 # 04-2017
Petitioner: Gerald S. Boisits on behalf of Dennis Herdeman
Property: S74 W21052 Field Drive / Tax Key No. 2185.996
REQUESTING: Under the direction of Chapter 17 Zoning Ordinance: Section 3.08(1)
Appeal Provisions, Petitioner seeks the following variances:
Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 15.05 – Accessory Uses and Structures
(3) B. Area: Subject to the open space requirements of the zoning district, the total
square footage of all accessory structures subject to this Section are permitted as follows:
Square Footage Permitted for Large Parcels: Parcel sizes in excess of 40,000
square feet are allowed a maximum total floor area of all accessory structures to not
exceed two percent (2%) of the total parcel area.
A maximum total accessory structure size limit of 3,495 square feet is allowed on the
above mentioned lot, with a proposed land transfer/lot line adjustment. The petitioner
seeks a total accessory structure size limit of 4,573 square feet to be allowed to keep
some unpermitted accessory structures at their current size, and is therefore requesting a
1,078 square foot variance from the allowed maximum total accessory structure size
limit.
AND
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 side offset of 40-feet is typically required from the west lot line on the above
mentioned lot but a variance was previously granted allowing this garage to be located
29-feet from the west lot line. The petitioner now seeks an offset of 25.6-feet from the
west lot line to be allowed to keep an unpermitted garage addition, and is therefore
requesting a 14.4-foot variance from the required west lot line offset.
CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM
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 # 04-2017
ZBA 12-13-2017
Page 1 of 3
City of Muskego
City Representative Brief
Zoning Board of Appeals Supplement 04-2017
For the meeting of: December 13, 2017
REQUESTING:
Appeal #1 - Under the direction of Chapter 17 - Zoning Ordinance: Section 15.05 – Accessory Uses and
Structures
(3) B. Area: Subject to the open space requirements of the zoning district, the total square
footage of all accessory structures subject to this Section are permitted as follows:
Square Footage Permitted for Large Parcels: Parcel sizes in excess of 40,000 square feet
are allowed a maximum total floor area of all accessory structures to not exceed two
percent (2%) of the total parcel area.
AND
Appeal #2 - Under the direction of 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.
APPELLANT: Gerald S. Boisits on behalf of Dennis Herdeman
LOCATION: S74 W21052 Field Drive / Tax Key No. 2185.996
CITY’S POSITION PRESENTED BY: Adam Trzebiatowski AICP, City Representative
BACKGROUND
The property owner has three existing accessory structures on their property. Two of t he buildings had
permits issued but unpermitted additions were added to the buildings and the third building was built
without a permit. The first of the two permitted accessory structures was built as originally approved but
an enclosed lean-to was added onto the structure at some point without permits being issued. This
addition added about 507 square footage to the building and the addition was placed closer to the side lot
line than the Zoning Code allows and closer than a past variance allowed. The second of the two
permitted accessory structures was built at a size that was larger than the City approved. These two
buildings, as they exist today, exceed the allowed accessory structure limit without even accounting for the
third unpermitted structure that was recently built.
The accessory structures are sized as follows:
1. Accessory structure near house – 2,466 SF
2. Accessory structure in the back of the lot – 1,960 SF
3. Accessory structure near pool – 147 SF
TOTAL SIZE – 4,573 SF
The current property is about 161,229 SF (3.7 acres) in area. 2% of a lot can be allowed for accessory
structure(s). Based on this lot size, the lot is allowed 3,224 SF for accessory structures. The current
structures are over this limit by 1,349 SF. The property owner has stated that as part of their variance
Appeal # 04-2017
ZBA 12-13-2017
Page 2 of 3
request that they are willing to add a portion of an adjacent lot that they own to this lot to allow more
square footage on the lot in question. The newly proposed lot size would be 174,754 SF (4 acres), which
then allows 3,495 SF for accessory structure(s).
Based on the information noted above the petitioner is seeking the following variances:
Appeal #1 – An exception to the required maximum accessory structure size limit to be able to keep
unpermitted accessory structures at their existing size(s).
A maximum total accessory structure size limit of 3,495 square feet is allowed on the above
mentioned lot, with a proposed land transfer/lot line adjustment. The petitioner seeks a total
accessory structure size limit of 4,573 square feet to be allowed to keep some unpermitted
accessory structures at their current size, and is therefore requesting a 1,078 square foot variance
from the allowed maximum total accessory structure size limit.
Appeal #2 – An exception to the required side offset from the west side lot line to be able to keep an
unpermitted accessory structure in its existing unpermitted location.
A side offset of 40-feet is typically required from the west lot line on the above mentioned lot but a
variance was previously granted allowing this garage to be located 29-feet from the west lot line.
The petitioner now seeks an offset of 25.6-feet from the west lot line to be allowed to keep an
unpermitted garage addition, and is therefore requesting a 14.4-foot variance from the required
west lot line offset.
DISCUSSION
The main things to note in this case are that there were two additions and a full building built without
permits. The choice of the owner to expand these buildings, and build a new building, without permits is
self-imposed. Also, the owner “needing” more accessory structure space is strictly a circumstance of the
applicant. Furthermore, claiming hardship just because construction already started or was finish ed
without permits is not valid. “Self-imposed hardships” and “circumstances of the applicant” are not
grounds for granting a variance per the Zoning Board Handbook. If the owner would have discussed
these possible additions beforehand with the City and/or pulled permits these overages could have been
avoided when the City would have advised the owner of the limits. The owner clearly showed that he was
aware of permitting requirements in general by applying for permits for the first two buildings, before their
sizes were modified.
In considering alternatives, the owner has stated that if the board does not grant the size variance
requested he would reluctantly combine both full parcels into one large lot, which would then be large
enough to support the accessory structures as they exist today. Since there is this valid option/alternative
that does not require a variance, the board should have the owner proceed down that path. This is a
simple solution that alleviates the need for a variance relating to size.
Also, it was discussed that it would be a financial burden to remove or alter the buildings and/or also a
financial burden to combine the two lots to create one big lot. Financial burdens are not grounds for
granting a variance and they are situations of the owner, which are also not grounds for granting a
variance. As such this should not be considered as a hardship per zoning case law.
Lastly, zoning case law states that lack of objections from neighbors does not provide grounds for granting
a variance.
Please see the applicant’s full submittal for full details on their request.
NOTE: Please remember that the City must base their recommendation upon a valid hardship as defined
by State Law and Zoning Case Law. Zoning Case Law states that a hardship must be unique to the
Appeal # 04-2017
ZBA 12-13-2017
Page 3 of 3
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 Appeals 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 04-2017 - #1 as proposed, allowing the accessory structures to remain at a total
size of 4,573 SF, a 1,078 SF variance from the allowed maximum limit of 3,495 SF, citing that there
are no hardships found that are not self -imposed, circumstances of the applicant, or financial
based. There are options to solve the size issue such as removing/altering the non-compliant
structures and/or combining the two lots owned by the owner.
Denial of Appeal 04-2017 - #2 as proposed, allowing a detached garage with a 25.6-foot offset, a
14.4-foot variance from the side line, citing that the previously granted variance allowing an offset
of 29 feet showed that that was the least variance necessary f or the construction of an accessory
structure on this property. Once that variance was granted and the original building was built at
the allowed size, it was then established that no further variances were necessary.
The City of Muskego Attorney, Jeff Warchol, has reviewed this document and this case with City
staff and concurs with the facts and recommendations listed in this supplement.
NOTE 1: Regardless of the outcome of this case, permits are needed for any razing’s, additions,
new building, and/or alterations, along with the applicable inspections to ensure compliance with
the codes. If any structures are allowed to remain, triple permit fees may also be assessed since
work was done without permits, per City policy.
NOTE 2: With any possible outcome from this variance request, a time frame needs to be
established to ensure compliance with the proper codes. As such, staff recommends a thirty (30)
day time limit to alter or remove the buildings or to combine the two full lots if the variance is not
granted. If the variance is granted, then permits must be applied for and inspected within the
same time frame.
MUSK EG Othe Ci ty of
Ar ea o f Inte restI0220440
Fee t
Ag en da Item(s)
Pr op er tie s
Zon in g D istr ic ts
Rig ht -o f-Way
Hy dr og rap hy
Supp lem ental MapAppeal #0 4-2 017
De nnis He rd ema nS74 W 210 52 F ield D rive
J A N E S V I L L E
L O O M I S R D
RA
CIN
E
AV
DURHAM
W O O D S
CO LL EG E
Pre p ar ed b y C ity o f Mu ske g o P la n n in g D e p ar tm e nt Da te : 8 /1 8/2 0 17
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES
September 28, 2017
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. Kashian, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Le Doux, and Mr. Petfalski. Excused: Chairman
Blumenfield, Vice Chairman Schneiker and Mr. Ristow.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws.
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 # 05-2017
Petitioner: Linda & Dave Drow
Property: W192 S7224 Hillside Drive / Tax Key No. 2189.040
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
5.02 - 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 40-feet is required for new accessory structures from the Hillside Drive right-of-
way line on the above mentioned lot. The petitioner seeks a setback of 12-feet from the right-
of -way line for a new detached garage, and is therefore requesting a 28-foot variance from the
required right-of-way setback.
Mr. Le Doux swore in the following:
Linda and Dave Drow, W192 S7224 Hillside Drive
Adam Trzebiatowski, Lead Planner City of Muskego
Mr. Drow explained they would like to build a new detached garage on their property. There is
currently an unusable garage on the property but there is no way to park inside with the way
the garage doors swing in. Also, over time the elevation of the road has been raised and has
caused water run onto the property. Would like to take down old garage and raise the grade of
the property to correct the water run off problem and build a new garage on the south side of
the lot. Mr. Drow stated the hardships are having no place to park cars and the elevation of the
road.
Mr. Trzebiatowski explained the owners worked with the city to come up with a good solution.
There are many neighboring structures close to the road in this area. There is a significant
slope from the road. This is the safest location for the garage, and the garage they are asking
for is not excessive. Staff is recommending approval.
Deliberations:
Mr. Robertson made a motion to approve Appeal #05-2017 as submitted. Mr. Le
Doux seconded. Upon a roll call vote, Appeal #05-2017 is approved 4-0.
CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM MAY 25, 2017
Rick Petfalski made a motion to approve the minutes of May 25, 2017. Aaron
Robertson seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ADJOURN
Rick Petfalski made a motion to adjourn at 6:23 PM. Aaron Robertson seconded.
Motion Passed 4 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary