2505 61ST ST SE 2016-01-01 MF Import

Board of Adjustment Minutes January 5, 1987 Page 2 Zoning: R-3, Multiple Family Residential Variance Requested: From E.M.C. 19.42.040(B), Front Yards and (D) Rear Yards to allow decks to be constructed on the second level of two-story, four-unit apartment buildings. City code allows decks in the front yard setback no higher than 112 inches and in the rear setback area no higher than 8 feet. The decks on the second level would be approximately 10 feet off the ground. Pearl Maddy presented the staff report (see Variance File No. 46-86) and showed slides of the property. Rick McCartle of White and Hart, 617 Medical-Dental Building, Everett 98201 , spoke on behalf of the applicant, Dick Maulsby. He stated that the applicant is only requesting a variance on three of the eight decks proposed for the two buildings, and these three are very close to meeting the required setbacks. He doesn't feel there will Je a serious impact on the adjacent property owners because the decks are oriented "off the ends of the buildings." He requested that the staff requirement of a 42-inch hirh site-obscuring rails:.,; around the decks only be required on the north side, adjacent to the single-family residence, in o- ler to maintain an open feeling to the building and property. Bob McCutcheon, 6001 Broadway, and adjacent property owner, stated that the "front" deck of this structure overlooks his front yard and the "back" deck overlooks his back yard. He and his neighbor to the north, who is on vacation at this time, are upset because they will have people looking down on them in their yards. The existing cedar shrubs are ten feet high and the decks will overlook them. The applicant has already obstructed part of his view by constructirg a two-story building. In response to a question from Marie Sullivan, he stated a 40-foot tree would be required to obscure the building, and that it would likely take ten years before any trees planted now would afford adequate protection. In response to a question from Ramona Boylan as to his response if the decks were two fee'' lower (i.e. conformed to the Code) , Mr. McCutcheon stated that he would still be concerned about privacy even though the decAs would be legal. Rick McCartle, representing the applicant, stated that Mr. McCutcheon's comments related more to the building itself than to the requested variance for the decks. The two-story building already is being constructed according to Code, and it obviously will not be hidden by three trees and a six-foot fence. What they are attempting to do is soften the impact and provide some open screening. Planting the trees close together causes them to grow higher rather than broader. Motion: Frank Bennett offered a motion to grant the variance as recommended by staff. Marie Sullivan seconded by motion. Vote: Unanimous in favor of granting the variance.