Developer Bill Hall’s Lot Size Variance Request Denied

Developer Bill Hall’s lot size variance request was denied Monday, December 6, at Pleasant View Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting for the proposed planned residential unit development, The Willows.  Hall needed approval by the board of zoning and appeals to construct the units with a 60 foot lost size variance between units instead of the standard 75 foot lot size variance as proposed on the current preliminary masterplan.

The proposed preliminary masterplan consist of 80 Town Home Units and 25 small homes for a total of 105 residential units.  Hall would construct the development on the 18.20 acres of property located adjacent to Pleasant View Community Park.

Prior to voting on the request, Dr. Fred Nordquist, BZA board member, stated Hall’s request didn’t comply with Ordinance 8.060 Variances.  

ORDINANCE 8.060 VARIANCES:

The purpose of the procedure is to comply the strict application of the specific requirements of the ordinance in the case of exceptionally irregular, narrow, shallow or steep lots, or other exceptional physical conditions, whereby such strict application would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. The variance shall be used only where necessary to overcome some obstacle, which is preventing an owner from using his property under this ordinance.

According to Nordquist the property for the proposed development didn’t meet the necessary requirements to be granted approval.  Nordquist made a motion, seconded by Janet Taber, to deny Hall’s request; Chair Donetta Hedges voted with Nordquist and Taber to deny the request.  Member Kevin Hefelman voted against the motion and board member Jordan Tupper was absent.

Hall’s development has met resistance by community residents concerned with the lack of city infrastructure.  

Concerns expressed by opposing residents:

1. Pleasant View Elementary School, Sycamore Middle and Sycamore High School schools unprepared for growth and currently at capacity with attending students.
2. Pleasant View Community Park heavily populated with little league teams practicing and/or hosting games could hinder the safety of children and families visiting the park.
3. Depreciating values of nearby properties.
4. Increased traffic.
5. The city’s infrastructure.

Hall could still construct The Willows development under current ordinance regulations but would need approval from the planning commission to rezone the property from agricultural to residential.  If commissioners approve the request, they would recommend the rezoning to the board of mayor and alderman.  They would make the final decision on whether The Willows would or wouldn’t be developed on the proposed property off Pleasant View Road.

Pleasant View Planning Commission workshop will be held on Monday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. at Pleasant View City Hall.  Commissioners will further discuss the proposed development and rezone request.   The public is encouraged to attend.

-Tonya Steele