BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 12, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:37 PM. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Sameer S Birring, Jeffery Bowen, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Brian Poteet, Suzanne Valentine Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yung-ju Kim, Maggie Shahrestani Board Members absent: Thomas Ates, Niccolo A Sacco, Michael Von Ohlen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on April 14, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for April 14, 2025 The minutes from the meeting April 14, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne, Board member Jeffery Bowen second, on 9-0 Vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Item03 C15-2024-0031 Withdrawn by applicant New Sign case(s): 2. C16-2025-0003 Colton Gohlke for Ascension Seton-Maria Vinhais 4900 Mueller Boulevard On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2, PART3; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to allow from one (1) freestanding sign (maximum allowed), to adding an additional nine (9) freestanding signs [total of eleven (11)] (requesting) in order to erect free-standing sign(s) for Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Center in a “PUD”, Commercial Sign District. Note: 25-10-130 - COMMERCIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section applies to a commercial sign district. (B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10- 131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead of Freestanding Sign). (D) Wall signs are permitted. (E) One flag for each curb cut is permitted. (F) This subsection prescribes the maximum sign area. (1) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. (2) For a freestanding sign, the sign area may …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item 02 DATE: Monday April 14, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0007 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Niccolo A Sacco (D6) ___Y____Sameer S Birring (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Jeffery L Bowen (M) ___-____Corry L Archer-mcclellan (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Jay Hargrave OWNER: Hans Vaziri ADDRESS: 601 KINNEY AVE VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code 25-2-492 Site Development Regulations (Maximum Height Requirements) & Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 3.4.1 (Height) to increase the height on a flat roof from 32 feet (maximum allowed) to 42 feet (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to attach a bedroom to an existing single- family residence in an “SF-3”, Single-Family zoning district. NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 3.4.1 – Height. Height shall be measured vertically from the average of the highest and lowest grades adjacent to the building to: A. For a flat roof, the highest point of the coping; B. For a mansard roof, the deck line; C. For a pitched or hip roof, the gabled roof or dormer with the highest average height; or D. For other roof styles, the highest point of the building. ITEM02/1 BOARD’S DECISION: April 14, 2024 Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne motion to Postpone to June 9, 2025; Board member Michael Von Ohlen second on 11-0 votes; POSTPONED TO JUNE 9, 2025. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Madam Chair Diana Ramirez forITEM02/2 BOA GENERAL REVIEW COVERSHEET CASE: C15-2025-0007 BOA DATE: Monday, April 14th, 2025 ADDRESS: 601 Kinney Ave OWNER: Hans Vaziri COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 AGENT: Jay Hargrave …
Hi there Elaine, I have reviewed the details for Case Number C15-2025-0007 and I have some significant concerns about this work. This is my first time interacting with this sort of process, so please let me know what can help me make my case that this work should not be permitted. I believe that the Area Character will be significantly negatively impacted as the proposed extension will loom over our property and remove the natural beauty of the green barrier that is currently there; to that end I believe the Application for Variance has been completed in bad faith and is not honest in its suggestion that the work will be minimally visible from adjacent properties. Below I provide more details on my concern: I, Parham Michael Ossareh, have lived in Unit #24 of 1529 Barton Springs Road (highlighted in green below) since February 2015. My home is immediately down the canyon from the proposed work at 601 Kinney Ave (highlighted in red below). The proposed extension (orange below) will remove the natural green barrier which provides privacy between our properties. If this work is completed it'll result in a very important part of the appeal and value of my property being diminished significantly. It will also impact my neighbor, Thomas Stevenson, who lives at Unit 23. This natural barrier is also home to foxes and many birds which provide us joy and provide immense emotional value. ITEM02/30 Here is a photo from our backyard of the green barrier, this work will result in completely destroying that and we'll be left looking at the underside of the proposed extension; I have highlighted the proposed extension area in orange. I also have significant concerns that the work will result in changed water run off which will impact the foundations of our existing buildings. 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(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:30)(cid:40)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:30)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:1)(cid:22)(cid:31)(cid:33)(cid:1)(cid:40)(cid:31)(cid:36)(cid:33)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:35)(cid:35)(cid:21)(cid:30)(cid:35)(cid:25)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:44)(cid:1) (cid:7)(cid:21)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:33)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:25)(cid:30)(cid:1) (cid:3)(cid:33)(cid:31)(cid:27)(cid:21)(cid:33)(cid:1) (cid:52)(cid:59)(cid:51)(cid:52)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:28)(cid:35)(cid:40)(cid:1) ITEM02/37 ITEM02/38 ITEM02/39 ITEM02/40 ITEM02/41 ITEM02/42 ITEM02/43 ITEM02/44 ITEM02/45 ITEM02/46 I’ve been made aware of the zoning variance being requested by the owners of 601 Kinney. I own and live in the Villas of Lost Canyon and this construction will greatly affect our homes. We are most concerned about erosion, drainage, and additional flooding …
BOA GENERAL REVIEW COVERSHEET CASE: C15-2025-0019 BOA DATE: Monday, June 9th, 2025 ADDRESS: 7211 Ridge Oak Rd OWNER: Rafael & Kathryn Reyes COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 AGENT: N/A ZONING: SF-2-CO-NP (West Oak Hill) LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 19 BLK A WOODS OF LEGEND OAKS SEC 1 VARIANCE REQUEST: increase the fence height from six (6) feet (maximum allowed) to eight feet four inches (8’4”) feet (requested). SUMMARY: erect a maximum fence of up to 8 ft 4 inches along both interior side property lines and rear property line. ISSUES: topography ZONING LAND USES Site North South East West SF-2-CO-NP SF-2-CO-NP SF-2-CO-NP SF-2-CO-NP SF-2-CO-NP Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District Circle C Neighborhood Assn. Covered Bridge Property Owners Association, Inc. Estates of Loma Vista HOA Friends of Austin Neighborhoods Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods (OHAN) Oak Hill Neighborhood Plan – COA Liaison Oak Hill Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Oak Hill Trails Association Save Barton Creek Association Save Our Springs Alliance TNR BCP – Travis County Natural Resources Woods of Legend Oaks ITEM03/1 May 21, 2025 Kathryn Reyes 7211 Ridge Oak Rd Austin TX, 78749 Property Description: LOT 19 BLK A WOODS OF LEGEND OAKS SEC 1 Re: C15-2025-0019 Dear Kathryn, Austin Energy (AE) has reviewed your application for the above referenced property, requesting that the Board of Adjustment consider a variance request from LDC Section 25-2-899 at 7211 Ridge Oak Road. that any proposed or Austin Energy does not oppose existing improvements follow Austin Energy’s Clearance & Safety Criteria, the National Electric Safety Code, and OSHA requirements. Any removal or relocation of existing facilities will be at the owner’s/applicant’s expense. the request, provided Please use this link to be advised of our clearance and safety requirements which are additional conditions of the above review action: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/utilities_criteria_manual?nodeId=S1AUENDECR_1 .10.0CLSARE If you require further information or have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our office. Thank you for contacting Austin Energy. Rosemary Avila, Planning Officer Infrastructure Services | Austin Energy 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 (512) 972-8488 Rosemary.avilla@austinenergy.com ITEM03/2 ITEM03/3 Portion of the City of Austin Land Development Code applicant is seeking a variance from: Section 25-2-899 Fences as Accessory Uses from the 6’ (required) to fence height of no more ____________________________________________________________________________ than 8 feet 4 inches along property fence line. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ (cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:42)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:36) (cid:6)(cid:11) (cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:40)(cid:31)(cid:24)(cid:36)(cid:26)(cid:28) (cid:15)(cid:31)(cid:36)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:36)(cid:30)(cid:41) The Board must determine the existence of, sufficiency of, and …
BOA Monthly Report July 2024-June 2025 MAY 12, 2025 Granted 9 1. 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to allow from one (1) freestanding sign (maximum allowed), to adding additional freestanding signs 2. 25-6-471 (Off-Stret Parking) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible space and 25-6-474 (Parking Facilities for Persons with Disabilities) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible space. 3. Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 3: - Definitions and Measurement, Section 3.3 (Gross Floor Area), 3.3.3 (B) to exclude a habitable portion of a building that is below grade if the habitable portion does not extend beyond the first story footprint 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the front yard setback 5. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from: Lot size requirements from 10 acres and Lot width to decrease 6. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from: setback requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback and impervious coverage requirements to increase I.C. 7. 25-2-899 (Fences as Accessory Uses) to increase the height 8. #20050818-064, PART 7 (Residential District) (4) from: lot size requirements to decrease the minimum lot size 9. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase I.C. Postponed 0 Withdrawn 1 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2- 832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width. Denied 0 Discussion Items 2 MAY 2025 Interpretations 0 new inquiries (Added MAY12# 2025) The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items Board members absent: (3) Thomas Ates, Niccolo A Sacco, Michael Von Ohlen (1 vacant alternate position) 27 23 2 4 24 April 14, 2025 Granted 1 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from lot width requirements to decrease: the front lot width and rear flag lot width Postponed 1 1. 25-2-492 Site Development Regulations (Maximum Height Requirements) & Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 3.4.1 (Height) to increase the height on a flat roof Withdrawn 0 Denied 0 Discussion Items 1 April 2025 Interpretations 0 new inquiries (Added April 14# 2025) The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items Board members absent: none absent (1 vacant alternate position) …
Residential Review at the City of Austin June 9th, 2025 Building a Better Austin Together ITEM02/1-PRESENTATION TOPICS • What Residential Plan Review permits • Zoning Review • What can be built? • Red Flags • Expired Permits • Permit Requirements • Special Exemptions • Substandard Lots • Fences as Accessory Uses • Q&A Building a Better Austin Together 2 ITEM02/2-PRESENTATION Residential Overview We permit residential building types that fall under the International Residential Code (IRC) and their accessory structures. a. b. c. d. e. f. One- and two-family dwelling units no more than (3) stories above grade Triplexes Townhouses that are no more than (3) stories above grade and don’t have overlapping units Pools Garages & carports New Construction, Additions, Interior Remodels, Garage Conversion, Patio Enclosure, Fences Building a Better Austin Together 3 ITEM02/3-PRESENTATION Zoning Review 1. Zoning a. Common classifications i. ii. iii. iv. v. LA RR DR SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, SF-4A, SF- 5, SF-6 MF b. (+/- 60) neighborhood plans c. (6) NCCD’s d. Conditional Overlays e. Subchapter F f. PUDs g. Driveway & Sidewalk h. Parking i. Use i. ii. Single family Two Unit, Duplex, Three- Unit Accessory Uses iii. Building a Better Austin Together 4 ITEM02/4-PRESENTATION What can be built? • Depends on the zoning classification and the existing conditions – Refer to LDC 25-2-491 and 25-2-492 Building Coverage Impervious Coverage Setbacks Building Height a. b. c. d. e. Minimum Lot Size (length/width) f. g. Floor to Area Ratio (FAR – Subchapter F) Number of dwelling units • How to find a property’s • zoning: http://www.austintexas.gov/gis/pro pertyprofile/ Building a Better Austin Together 5 ITEM02/5-PRESENTATION Red Flags Unpermitted work needs to be permitted and is to be included with the proposed scope of work. Converted garage 1. 2. Windows &/or the interior does not match the age of the house Changes in building lines/additions 3. 4. No permit found Building a Better Austin Together 6 ITEM02/6-PRESENTATION Expired Permits • • • • If solely a remodel or stand alone trade permit before March 2007, the permits can be voided Can be reactivated if they have not been reactivated in the past If previously received a reactivation, a review of the project will need to be conducted before reactivation Age of permit might qualify for a life safety inspection once reactivated Building a Better Austin Together 7 ITEM02/7-PRESENTATION PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Expired Permits • • Work done w/o permit …
Environmental Considerations for Austin’s Lakes Presented to: Board of Adjustment June 9, 2025 John Clement Environmental Conservation Program Manager ITEM03/1-PRESENTATION LAKE AUSTIN - Finding the Balance • Drinking Water • Residential • Commercial • Boating/Marina • Parkland • Fishing • Passive Recreation ITEM03/2-PRESENTATION Environmental Issues Zebra Mussels Bank Erosion Shoreline Erosion Poor Shoreline Habitat Non-Complying Structures Compliance/Work Without Permits Wave Impacts ITEM03/3-PRESENTATION Riparian Zone Functions A robust shoreline vegetative community improves water quality, prevents erosion, and aids in flood control. Trees & deep-rooted plants prevent erosion. Dense shoreline development degrades shoreline health. ITEM03/4-PRESENTATION Poor Riparian Function VS Good Riparian Function Poor Functioning Well Functioning ITEM03/5-PRESENTATION Costs of Degraded Water Quality ▪ Water treatment costs due to suspended sediment ▪ Algae proliferations ▪ Poor fishery ▪ Lowered Austin Lake Index scores in ▪ Habitat ▪ Invertebrates ▪ Vegetation ITEM03/6-PRESENTATION Environmental Review • Site plan & Subdivision compliance with LDC 25-8 Subchapter A • Boat docks/shoreline modifications/shoreline access require site plans • DSD environmental review staff • CWQZ compliance • Erosion controls • Restoration • Cut/Fill • WPD environmental review staff • CEF setbacks • Bulkheads • Dredging • Land capture/fill in the lake • Floodplain modifications & restoration (riparian functioning) ITEM03/7-PRESENTATION § 25-8-261(C) – Critical Water Quality Zone CWQZ on all lakes: - The CWQZ is a buffer that restricts the type and intensity of development near waterways - 75’ from shoreline (492.8 msl) for single family - 100’ for all other uses Trams Stairs Gangways ITEM03/8-PRESENTATION § 25-8-261(C) – Critical Water Quality Zone Unpermitted fill in lake (1) A dock, bulkhead or marina, and necessary access and appurtenances, are permitted in a critical water quality zone subject to compliance with Chapter 25-2, Subchapter C, Article 12 (Docks, Bulkheads, and Shoreline Access). (2) A retaining wall, bulkhead, or other erosion protection device may not capture or recapture land from a lake unless doing so is required to restore the shoreline to whichever of the following boundaries would encroach the least into the lake: (1) the shoreline as it existed 10 years prior to the date of application, with documentation as prescribed by the Environmental Criteria Manual; or (2) the lakeside boundary of the subdivided lot line. (3) A bulkhead may be replaced in front of an existing bulkhead once, if: (1) the existing bulkhead was legally constructed; and (2) construction of the replacement bulkhead does not change the location of the …
COMPATIBILITY • What it is and how it works • Christine Barton-Holmes, CNUa, LEED AP • Program Manager, Land Use Review, Development Services Department ITEM04/1-PRESENTATION Compatibility is found in Chapters 25.2 and 25.8 of the Land Development Code One t0 three dwelling units, zoned SF-5 or more restrictive, trigger compatibility Compatibility requirements are stricter than base zoning Compatibility affects setbacks, height, lighting, noise, and building materials What is Compatibility? ITEM04/2-PRESENTATION How does Compatibility work? • Setbacks and height are required to be stepped back from residential uses. • The intent is to limit commercial uses’ impact on neighboring residences • Typical setback requirements are 25 feet from abutting residential, or 15’ if the site is less than 75’ wide • Height is limited to 40’ less than 50’ away from a triggering property; 60’ between 50’ and 75’ away; and base zoning limits beyond 75’ ITEM04/3-PRESENTATION Property Line Compatibility Setbacks • The Compatibility Buffer has two parts. • The 10’ wide Screening Zone adjoins the triggering property • The 15’ Restricted Zone begins at the edge of the Screening Zone, for a total setback of 25’. • Setbacks may be less depending on the size of the site but will always have a Screening Zone. • No vertical structures may be built in either Zone ITEM04/4-PRESENTATION WHAT’S ALLOWED IN THE SETBACK? SCREENING ZONE RESTRICTED ZONE • Landscaping • Fences/walls/berms • Landscaping • Fences/walls/berms • Paths/walkways/public use trails • Surface parking, driveways, alleys • Utility infrastructure if necessary • Utility infrastructure • Private open space • Refuse receptacles (screened) • Bike racks, benches, water features • Windowsills, bay windows, balconies etc. by no more than two feet • Private open space • Bike racks, benches, water features ITEM04/5-PRESENTATION WHAT DOES COMPATIBILITY LOOK LIKE? ITEM04/6-PRESENTATION WHAT DOES COMPATIBILITY LOOK LIKE? ITEM04/7-PRESENTATION
Site Plan Review for Boat Docks ITEM05/1-PRESENTATION What Site Plan reviews… • Site information - Zoning and use - Plat - Size of the lot • Setbacks - 10’ from adjacent property line - 75’ or 25’ if platted prior to April 22, 1982 or lot less than 200’ deep. • Proposal Types - bulkhead, retaining wall, dock, non-mechanized pedestrian access facility, or marina. ITEM05/2-PRESENTATION Structure Information • Square footage - A maximum of 1,200 sq. ft. • Dock height – 30 ft. • Extension into the lake – 30 ft. • Navigational safety light at furthest extension • Maximum of 20% of the shoreline in width • Allowed up to 2 motorboats • Must be at least 66% open on all sides. • Allowed 48 sq. ft. of storage space. • Cluster docks allowed 600 sq. ft. for each unit ITEM05/3-PRESENTATION Non-complying Structures • Removal of no more than 50% of walls and supporting structures • Replacement or repair of structural elements including framing. • Damaged or destroyed non-complying docks may be restored to its original footprint within 12 months - Evidence of original footprint - Insurance claim for structure ITEM05/4-PRESENTATION Thank You! Clarissa Davis Clarissa.Davis@austintexas.gov (512)974-1423 ITEM05/5-PRESENTATION
7211 Ridge Oak Road – Board of Adjustment Presentation Fence Height Variance Request ITEM03/1-PRESENTATION The Reyes Family at 7211 Ridge Oak Rd • • Request: up to 8’4”foot fence variance for specific portions of our property This request meets the City of Austin's criteria under Section 25-2-473 ITEM03/2-PRESENTATION ITEM03/3-PRESENTATION 1. Unique Conditions Causing Hardship HIGHER FINISHED FLOOR ELEVATION CREATES SLOPE TOWARD NEIGHBORS NEIGHBORING HOMES ARE CLOSE AND TWO-STORY, CAUSING PRIVACY ISSUES 6-FOOT FENCE IS INADEQUATE FOR BLOCKING VIEWS INTO NEIGHBORS LIVING AREAS ITEM03/4-PRESENTATION Slope & Elevation Reference (natural grade) Orange gradient from city website shows >15% slope in natural grade Source: https://maps.austintexas.gov/GIS/PropertyProfile/ 7211 Ridge Oak Adjoining fence neighbors Fencing on city- documented areas of slope greater than 15% ITEM03/5-PRESENTATION 2. Hardship is Not Self-Imposed SLOPE, HOUSE POSITIONS & TREES EXISTED BEFORE OUR REQUEST MATURE TREES CREATE SAFETY CONCERNS WITH CLIMBABLE LIMBS OUR CHILDREN HAVE SCALED EXISTING 6-FOOT FENCE IN REAR ADJACENT PROPERTY ITEM03/6-PRESENTATION Pre-Existing Conditions to rear adjacent property (6309 Poncha Pass) • Reduced privacy and hardship due to FFE being above 48” in addition to natural slope. Light trespass from neighboring flood lights and tree lighting • • 2 Mature trees along fence line that have been scaled & climbed by our children. • Neighbor’s fence is vertical pickets with horizontal support pickets on our side + capped at the top allowing for easy climbing access by our children. View from our side ITEM03/7-PRESENTATION Pre-existing Conditions View from other side (6309 Poncha Pass) View of our primary bedroom, living room and kitchen from rear adjacent fence line at 6’ Picture from rear adjacent neighbor’s yard showing visibility into living space (kitchen and primary bedroom) b/c of FFE ITEM03/8-PRESENTATION Finished Floor Elevation Street facing view Rear facing view measuring FFE at 38” in rear and 41” on side ITEM03/9-PRESENTATION 3. Necessary for Reasonable Use Taller fence has already shown benefits of reducing light trespass into our home and private living space Increases privacy, safety and comfort by addressing direct visibility, sightlines, and peaceful/usable outdoor space. Protects against unleashed dogs in adjoining yards by addressing the current topography and tree layout. ITEM03/10-PRESENTATION 4. Minimum Deviation Required Neighbor support letters agreeing to fence A NARROWLY FOCUSED REQUEST REQUESTING UP TO 8’4” FENCE WHERE PRIVACY/SAFETY ISSUES ARE MOST SEVERE, BELOW 8’ IN AREAS IT IS NOT AS RELEVANT LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM NEIGHBORS ITEM03/11-PRESENTATION 5. No Adverse Impact Enhances neighborhood privacy and safety …
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT June 9, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Sameer S Birring ___Bianca A Medina-Leal ___Yung-ju Kim ___Brian Poteet ___Niccolo A Sacco ___Margaret Shahrestani ___Michael Von Ohlen ___Corry L Archer-Mcclellan (Alternate) ___Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on May 12, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for May 12, 2025 PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Variance cases: 2. C15-2025-0007 Jay Hargrave for Hans Vaziri 601 Kinney Avenue On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2, NO PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code 25-2- 492 Site Development Regulations (Maximum Height Requirements) & Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 3.4.1 (Height) to increase the height on a flat roof from 32 feet (maximum allowed) to 42 feet (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to attach a bedroom to an existing single- family residence in an “SF-3”, Single- Family zoning district. NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 3.4.1 – Height. Height shall be measured vertically from the average of the highest and lowest grades adjacent to the building …
TRAINING SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT June 9, 2025 1:30 PM-4:00 PM Boards and Commission Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. No actions or votes will be taken. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to CURRENT BOARD MEMEBERS: ___Thomas Ates ___ Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___ Melissa Hawthorne (Vice Chair) ___Sameer S Birring ___Jeffery Bowen ___Bianca A Medina-Leal ___Yung-ju Kim ___Brian Poteet ___Niccolo A Sacco ___Margaret Shahrestani ___Michael Von Ohlen ___Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) ___Corry L Archer-mcclellan (Alternate) CALL TO ORDER TRAINING SESSION Board of Adjustment Deep Dive: Key Topics & Issues 1. Overview -Brent Lloyd (BOA) General Background • The history of BOAs & their role in zoning • Creation of Austin’s BOA • What BOAs do: Variances Special Exceptions Appeals Variances: Criteria for Approval & Other Considerations • What constitutes a “hardship”? • When is a property deprived of “reasonable use”? • What does it mean to alter “area character? • Variance conditions – what are they for and when are they appropriate? • New state legislation affecting BOA variance criteria? Special Exceptions • What are they, and how are they different from variances? • Austin’s use of special exceptions? Administrative Appeals • What’s an appeal, and how is it different than a variance or exception? • Considerations unique to appeals. 2. Issues Specific to Residential Review -Mike Peralta (Residential Review) • Subchapter F (Residential Design & Compatibility) • Special Exceptions • Other issues 3. Environmental & Lake Austin Issues -John Clement (WPD) • Lake Austin Regulations • Heritage Tree Issues • Related topics 4. Compatibility- Christine Barton-Holmes (LUR) 5. Boat Docks - Clarissa Davis (LUR) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call or email Board Liaison …
