Agenda - Council - 03/10/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

I I I I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I ! COUNCIL BUSINESS: Case #I: Request for a Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Two-Family Rental Unit in the Single Family District; Case of Scott and Gwyn Simpson Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that Scott and Gwyn Simpson have resided at 15952 Nowthen Boulevard NW, for eight years. In 1997, they acquired the property at 16001 Nowthen Boulevard NW, and have applied for a conditional use permit to operate the dwelling at that address as a duplex. She explained that the property at 16001 Nowthen Boulevard NW is zoned R-1 Rural Residential, which is intended for single-family homes. Ms. Frolik stated, however, that the design of the house indicates that it has been operated as an illegal, two-family rental property. The Simpson's purchased it to use as a duplex and have applied for the conditional use permit to make it a legal use. She pointed out that City staff and the Planning Commission are recommending denial of the request because the home owners will not be living on the same property. She noted that the property owner at 16000 Nowthen, who sent a letter in opposition of the Simpson's request, has withdrawn their opposition. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated she visited the property and felt that this home was built to be a duplex. It has no connecting stairway inside plus it has two kitchens, six bedrooms, etc. Ms. Frolik reported that at some time the inside stairway was removed. Councilmember Haas Steffen pointed out that the owners would be living directly across the street. He~ concern, if Council votes positively on a multiple dwelling, is that there is no blacktop for parking and there is no garage either. She added that there is no way this is a single- family home. Mayor Gamec noted there has been a genuine sincerity on the owner's part to fix this property up. The only complaint that he would have also is the outside parking/storage and no blacktop. Attorney Goodrich stated that the City Council should be cautious because this property has been an unlawful use and maybe this is a unique case but we have other_ follqs__ who may want to do this as well. We need to be conscious of treating all residents fairly. Mayor Gamec stated that the City was not aware of this use until Ms. Simpson came to bring it into compliance. Councilmember Haas Steffen agreed with Mr. Goodrich but stated that this property is on a road by itself and it seems you should be able to craft something so this would not get any larger and that, within a period of time, there should be blacktop laid for the parking of vehicles. Councilmember Zimmerman felt that the strike against the property is that the owner does not live in the home. Mr. Goodrich stated that this property should be reviewed to make certain that the septic is in compliance for two families.