Engineer Paul Boyer wanted a stream buffer variance because workers discovered an underground spring while grading and the 10,450 square feet building site needs to be moved into the stream buffer protecting Flat Creek.
Frank Davis has property next door and wanted to know more about that variance.
"Basically what they're doing is cutting everything to the stream bed and then putting up silt fence to stop erosion," Davis said. "At this point I don't know, I hope by coming to this meeting I would see what they want to do."
Boyer explained to Davis that there was no adverse effect on the creek or his property. Planning and Appeals unanimously approved the request.
Board member Joe Diaz said he was glad to support Boyer's request because it was for the Boys and Girls Clubs, but questioned the purpose of stream buffers with so many requests to vary them.
He said he did not intend to set a precedent by approving Boyer's request.
NOT TALL ENOUGH FOR TROUBLE
Board members approved a sign variance request for Jim Syfan's truck service and sales center on Old Candler Road without requiring a survey requested by city public works.
Stan Akin with Public Works requested the survey, at Syfan's expense, to make sure his 30-foot sign would not cause an aircraft obstruction because it is in the Airport Overlay Zone.
"I would like a ground run survey be performed to insure that it does not penetrate airspace," Akin said.
Board members decided the survey was unnecessary because it was unlikely the sign would not be tall enough to be a problem.
ANOTHER 'ISLAND' INVITED IN
Scott Wright won approval to annex his nearly two acres on unincorporated county property on McConnell Drive for multi-family rezoning.
Wright said he wanted to subdivide the parcel into three lots and run city sewer service to it.
CLEAN UP ORDINANCE
Board members approved amendments to the Unified Land Development Code in what Planning Director Rusty Ligon called a 'clean-up' of that code.
The update would clarify existing definitions, land uses, and development standards in Gainesville.
Among other things, the amendments provide standards for group homes, increase density in certain zoning districts, and amend outdoor and portable sign regulations.
Boyer (R) explained to Davis (L) that there was no adverse effect on the creek or his property
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/11/224644