HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - July 6, 1994 (60)1
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CITY OF LODI
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Possible Motion to Reconsider/Reconsideration of Appeal of John Donati. 1217
Edgewood Drive, to Build Shimming Pool Deck/Patio Over a Public Utility
Easement and Request to Enter Into a Hold Harmless Agreement with the City of
Lodi
MEETING DATE: August 3,1994
PREPARED BY: City Clerk
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion and appropriate action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As Council will recall, at its meeting of July 20, 1994, Mr. John
Donati, 1217 Edgewood Drive, Lodi, spoke under Comments by
the public and asked the City Council to reconsider his appeal in
which he requested to build swimming pool deck/patio over a
Public Utility Easement and to enter into a Holo Harmless
Agreement with the City of Lodi.
According to the City Attorney, should the City Council wish to reconsider this matter, a motion to
reconsider will first need to be brought up by a Council Member of the prevailing side. Following a
successful vote on the motion, the City Council may then discuss the reconsideration of Mr. Donati's
appeal. Attached please find copy of information that was presented to the City Council by Mr. Donati at
the last meeting.
FUNDING: None required.
JMP
Attachment
APPROVED
THOMAS A. PETERSON
City Manager
wcveIed owe,
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July 20. 1994
City Council of Lodi
c/o Lodi City Clerk
221 West Pine Stmt
Lodi, CA 93240
Re: Appeal of John Donati, 1217 Edgewood Drive, Requesting to Build a Deck/Patio Over a Public Utility
Easement and to Enter into a Hold Harmless Agreement with the City of Lodi.
On Wednesday. July 6,1994 the members of the City Council denied my appeal, 3-1. to encroach 3' into
an 8' P.U.E. with a 4" concrete and brick deck. A number of items were stated by City employees during
the public hearing that I could not respond to as they were not in my, nor the Council's, scope of
knowledge. Upon further discussions with the City Attorney, Building Dept. and Public Works. I Ibel
your decision, through no fault of your own. was based upon miamtormation and a lack of knowledge of
similar requests.
Because I feel your decision was reached without an accurate picture being presented by the Council's
advisors, I am requesting that you reconsider your prior decision and allow yourselves to reach an
informed decision based on actual, specific facts and examples by granting me a re -hearing
Attached are items I fed were misrepresented and not presented by your advisors which are very
important in reaching an informed decision. The information presented is in ; i from City of Lodi
eft., ,...., w .4 obtained by me in less than an hours time; Information that is easily and readily available if
your ask for it or if you know to ask for it It presents three cases very similar, if not more extreme, to
mine in which encroachment permits were approved, usually without any fuss.
In closing, let me reiterate that my only goal is still the same, to upgrade my family's home by building a
pool and surrounding decking, not rewrite ordinances or endanger the public's welfare. I am aware that
your initial decision is "final" and that I do have recourse through the courts. Instead of taking a non-
productive, negative path, I ask that you grant my request so you have a chance to make a fair, equitable
and informed
Thank you,
John D. Donati
1217 Edgewood Drive
Lodi, CA 95240
(209)333-74.66
attachments
The pupae of this section is b present aconite information that was spectilated on during the July 6,
1994 public hearing. moa enclosed jos been given to me by City - , ' . j. (FACT), as sell the
it nation that was stated at the hearing. by wham and to the best of my recollection. I will alio add my
thoughts on each issue (COMMENT).
1. WATER MAIN PLACEMENT
FACT: The placemen of the Water Main line in the P.U.E. is 1' from southern property line.
Its depth is 3'. The line was marked by City employees on July 15, 1994 at owner's
request
FACT: The Water Main line will be 4' from the edge of the decking
RONSKCO: The Water Main line is 3'-4' nom property line and 1' foot from the decking About
3' clearance minimum is required to dig down to the line.
COMMENT: 4' is more than reasonable clearance for standard digging purposes.
2. WATER METER PLACEMENT
FACT: The water line into the house rues parallel to the east property line. It is covered with
dirt and ground cover. The line was marked by Clty employees on July 15, 1994 at
owner's request.
RONSKO: The meter might have to be placed in the dock area, or possibly even in the pool itself
COMMENT: I have no idea why he brought up this non -issue, possibly trying to broaden the
issue at band with more unknown, unsubstantiated remarks. Setting of a water meter
will not be a concern and is not an issue.
3. A HARD<SHIP MUST BE SHOWN
FACT: The Lodi City Municipal Code section that my building permit is being reviewed wider is
Chapter 15.44 as mentioned in the Mar. 4,1994 letter to me and the Council
Communication letter prepared by Public Works Director, Jack Rorniw for the City
Council, dated July 6, 1994.
McNATT: When asked by the Council during the public hearing if a "hardship" had to be shown
in the appeal process, City Attorney Bob McNdt stated, "Yes" and want on to explain
bow for equality in future decisions this decision needed to have special talons ...
FACT: Nowhere in Chapter 15.44 does it state that a "hardship" must be potent. It does state
that an encroachment permit is required (15.44.030.B) and the appal process is directly
to the City Council (15.44.100).
FACT: MI 3 Council members who voted against my initial appeal stated they "did not see a
hardship and thus had to vote 'No'".
FACT: On July 18, 1994, when asked his reference source for " hardship", Mr. McNutt stated it
was Municipal Code 17.72 and faxed me a copy for reference.
COMMENT: Code 17.22 refers to the "Zoning C.... ,1, .\., , . , " and "Zoning Appeals". Nowhere
in this code does it mention -easements' or "encroachment permits". Code 17.22 also
states its appeal process goes through the Planning Commission first,•tben City Council.
Code 17.22 has nothing to do with my situation and items mentioned in its mkt should r
not be inferred into Code 15.44. Thus, 3 of the Council members voted epimer my
appeal. specifically on requirements that were not pertinent to my permit review on
advise from their staff.
4. MY REQUEST IS UNIQUE
FACT: &Igg 3 encroachment requests were granted during January and February 1994. alone.
- Maurice Ray. 1201 Edgewood Dr.— spa, pool house, non -moveable shed. ... on 8'
P.U.E.
- Anthony Alegre, 1630 Edgewood Dr. — steps at rear of house on 5' P.U.E.
- Seventh Day Adventist, 730 S. Fairmont Ave. — 6+' tali block wall with f% , . , , .0 , on
A' P.U.E.
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RONSKO: Stated be add only remember 1 request in his 15 years that was similar to mine.
Also, if the teuncil O.K.'d my appeal "they might as weft change the code so !orate
requests won't have to go through fhb prrioess".
COMMENT: In less than I hour 1 found two permits that seemed to be given over the counter
and Mr. Ray's that went through the Council. If 1 found them so fuland easy,. how
come Mr. Roarko doesn't seem to know their plenitude. Maybe he has only seen 1 in
13 years because mat are O.K.'d over the counter and are not required to go through
my long ordeal. Aho, it seems as though 2 of these requests were given after week bad
either scatted or even compkted. There is the appearance that even though people bleak
the law by building without permits, they are allowed to kap their violation because it
would cost too much to correct it Yet when t request a similar or more minor
encroachment, up fromt adhering to code, I get different consideration.
S. ALLOWABLE COVERAGC
FACT: In the Public Works Department's "Owner's Certificate" (see attachment 1) that all lots
are -subject to and code 15.44 that I am being reviewed under, it states„ "No building or
strttctara shall be constructed nes shall anything be planted within the easement which
would interfere with the use or operation of public militia in the easement." There are
no specifics given in either document as to limitations of what is allowable or not.
RONSKO: Says that be allows up to a standard 4" concrete slab and plants that don't grow
into the pipes.
COMMENT: I am being reviewed on a standard for which there isn't anything in writing. Since
there are no specifics, the code is left open to i , w r , , 3* but whose interpretation?
Mr. Ronsko allows 4", his people allow for more aver ibe counter, as does the City
Council. Also, my project does not "interfere with the nee or operation of public
utilities" any more so than previous permits that have been approved. I expect 10 be
given the same conciliation that others before me were given.
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The fedlow section has 3 eaniples of projects similar in nature to mine where encroachment permits were
approved.
EXAMPLE 01
MAURICE RAY. 2201 EDGEWOOD DR
SITUATION: Hunt in -ground spa, massive pool house, storage shed, ... in 8' P.U.E., without permits.
Actually built over City wales main, rendering the water main and the water service ' . , . . i ere. This
was declared a public nuisance and dangerous. He was ordered to abate these structures. For more
detailed information please refer to City file regarding this issue.
OUTCOME: Appeal ynanimonsly approved by the Council on Feb. 16,1994. The Council found that he
was substantial damaged (monetarily) and stated, "the granting of the permit will not be materially
detrimental to the public interest, safety, health and welihre a injurious to other r a r .. t ."
COMMENT':
1. I wish I could afford his lawyer.
2. I live next door to Mr. Ray. While his encroachments do not bother me, it is apparent that I am not
being treated fairly, nor equitably. He has "structures". His pool house is 8 -foot+ tall with a 6"X12" top
beam, enclosed walls, full bath (plumbing). I am looking to build up loam soil 18", put on a 4" concrete
slab with decorative brick. Mine is not a structure.
3. He encroached massively, even on top of the water main rendering it inaccessible. I am , . y . ; ,g to
encroach only 3' and 1 will still be 4' from the City water main. There is no way Mr. Roosko can
complain about my situation when you compare it to what has been approved here.
4. His in -ground spa is in the P.U.E.. I consciously put my spa outside the P.U.E. in order not to break the
code. It will be 2' away.
S. Without making major changes, Mr. Ray has agreed to hold the City harmless, as I too have agreed ail
along, but on a much, much smaller project.
6. All of his af. .1 work was done withom permits, a direct violation cilia law, yet because it
might cost him S20,000+ to comply, the Council allowed him the encroachment permits. I am requesting
up front, without breaking the law, a mach smaller encroachment and should not expect any lean
conciliation than was shown Mr. Ray.
7. If the Council has found "the granting of the permit will not be materially , ".ti, . w 1 to the public
interest, safety, health and welfare or injurious to other ,, .0 . " for Mr. Ray, there is no equitable way
they can find less for my appeal.
EXAMPLE S2
ANTHONY ALEGRE.1639 EDGEWOOD DR, 1
SITUATION: The steps a the rear of the house encroached in a 3' P.U.E. The , , .. on was started
on Dec. 8, 1993, but the ., .. permit wasn't approved until Feb. 3, 1994. It is my understanding
the permit was obtained after the encroachment was discovered.
OUTCOME: With no back up documentation. it appears the encroachment permit was approved over the
counter on Feb. 3, 1994. It also appears as though Mr. Alegre agreed to a "Hold Harmless"
with the City. See enactment 2
3
COMMENT:
1. Similar to Mr. Ray, it appeard this permit was•issued after the fact, not up front as I am trying to
2.myAtyiinitial hearing, Mr. Rotoloo teem to have a major concern with the act that my deck was going
to have sups, yet his department approved a permit for Mr. Alegre for specifically that, stain. ,The stairs
mast be higher that 4", because Mr. Roasko allows up to 4" concrete stab without a permit.
3. Mr. Alegre put in stairs in a P.U.E., I am requesting to put stairs in a P.U.E.. I am expecting no less
conciliation than what was shown Mr. Alegre.
EXAMPLE 103
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTCHURCH: 730 S. FAIRMONT 6VEE
SITUATION: The Church built a 6' tap block wall in the s' P.U.E. It is on the north and.east pari of
their property and is appx. 750' long. Being a very solid wall, it appears to have a sturdy foundation.
OUTCOME: With no backup 11 . , n, it appears the'encroacbment permit was approved over the
counter on Jan. 24, 1994. It also appears as though the Church agreed to a "Hold Harmless" agreement
with the City. See attachment 3.
COMMENT: 1
1. It appears the Church requested the permit prior to starting their project.
2. During my hearing Mr. Ronsko eogmssed concern that my 1a" loam filled deck would be tougher than
usual to demolish should "there be a fire and the City water main were to break at the same time." This
structure was approved and is much taller and more heavily constructed than my project.
3. As with the other 2 examples. I am expecting no less conciliation than what was shown here to the
Church.
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CITY OF LODI - MAP CERTIFICATES
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Or. MW
Ch.'',
<12/871
:,.a......
No Oats
ONNERS' WWICAT=
1)a certify that we are the only parties having
record title interest in the lands subdivided awl
Amnon this map and w cooseat to the preparation
end recordation of this map.
(Ne offer to dedicate for public use all streets and
public utility easements (PUBS) shorn on this map.
The PUC dedication gins tbo City, owners of pd►ltc
utilities, and owners of Cable TV franchises the
right to access, construct, maintain, lnspsct,
repair, replace, remove, and operate their facilities
in the PULs. No buildings or structures shall be
constructed nor shall anything be planted within tbs.
easement *blab would interfere with the use or
operation of public utilities in the easement.
(date) Naas)
RECORDER'S CERTIFICATE
Piled this day of , 19 , at m. in
(Book of Napa (! Plats, Volume _, page ) (Book
._._ of Parcel Naps, at page ) at the request of
Signed
By
County Recorder
Deputy
No?!S. (Use where applicable)
1. Lot except areas covered by buildings
or structures shown cm the approved building
permit plans and subsequent revisioos thereto is
hereby offered as a public utility easement.
"Subseguont revisions" to the plans shall be
approved by the affected utilities and any
necessary utility relocations will be made at
the expense of the developer/owner.
2. Requirements of the Lodi Municipal Code for the
dedication of rights-of-way and easements,
payment of fees and installation of off-site
street improvements and utilities have not been
set at this time and must be met prior to
development or issuamp of a building permit or
when requested by the City (on Parcels ).
Revision *Dor. 1 Apr red Syl:m.L
+.sees,
. arts asrecter ONS
nC.t. *7105
1
STD PLAN
605B,
CITY • LODI
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT '
221 W. PINE ST. 333.8708
CALL BOX 3006
LODI. CAUFORNIA 95241.1910
J O
fNCRA*r11MCNT "4"RTlrt(#m RST f
ENCROACHMENT
PERMIT
/Permit Address 1630 Fdgpwnnd flrivo [ e Ni 419-70-4Q)
Applicant's Name Anthony J. Alegre
(Owner/Contractor) Address
Starting Date 19108/93
Completion Date
situs.
Licensee No. Phone
J
1
Owner/Contractor Address Phone
Pursuant le tha provision 01 the t.odl Munklpsi Code, the undersigned applies bar permission to exeavNe, construct, sadly, Otherwise engem* oa
City Street RtgM*a-way or Easement by pertormIng the billowing work
NOTIFY USA (800) 642.2444 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ANY EXCAVATION.
The work consists of portion of residential structure (steps at •
rear of house) encroaching ilithin a c-fnnt public Utility Easement.
Encroachment.is as shown on approved Building Dept. plans.
the City holds no responsibility for damage to structure due to
use or rignt-or-way maintenance on existing uttitttes or instail-
etion of new public farilitiae
Encroaching sturcture is to be maintained by Owner.
• �ved or demolished,
this encroachment permit becomes void and reconstruction of any
st.r u6Lur c small haL,kkc 6 bloc r ch..vh Jcd Erydh:rriC.YrY Wed;
Owner agrees: to notify any future owner of this requirement.
Permit void If work not started within 6 months of permit date. (Space For Sketch)
O Licensed Contractor required for this work.
O Certificate of Insurance in the owner's name which names the City of Lodi as an Additional Named Insured for Com.
prehensive General and Automobile insurance In the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit la required
Pie toy undersigned
o a`0h0does tea Loa Munkclpel Cods. pto ermitter, is specifically awand save the waire of geeeLodi .1�1Y0 reharmless lating g to relocation «nm removal cm::
with the preateions of Sect.
future construction requires such relocation.
t the wont for which this - , t permit Ins baso loom! bur not been oompbtsd by the ply
a Lodi shall haus the right to complete the wort, and to f11}q Cause ofI�14on t soup tr)I City's expenses In completing the wok and for W other costs
and 4004 inwith the provisions of Sec. 12.04 fly. 4 M
Dats_aL /�� Signed _ (
.. , , ,
/Required Improvement Security
Certificate of Insurance
Comp. Gen. Policy No.
Automotive Policy No.
Referred to Mel Grandi
Inspected
Completed
Reviewed
Exp.
Exp.
Date
Date
Date
Oat.,
This permit is granted subpot to all provisions ob Chapter 12.01 of the Lodi\
Municipal Code and to at genial provisions and apptsabls special prom.
Mons as shown on the mew side.
Permit Approved: CITY OF LODI
By:
D Public Above Ground Date
�o Public Underground
fl Private, so ae nmNMiuhw or reboerse by ownw► as worked
D Other Permit No. 9�19,1n
Sao
What.-In.Otttt0, VOW". FAN NMt•I.n„m..
MI /MOW* rnabne
CITY O GDI
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT =
221 W. PINE ST. 3333.6706
CALL BOX 3006
1.001, CALIFORNIA 65241.1010
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Arrocrt��ir 3 \
ENCROACHMENT
PERMIT
permit address 734 SOUTH FAI RMONT AVENUE
A llKl Seventh Day, Adventists Northern Calimf, Addss Conference Assn
(O1/24/94 94523
Starting Date
Completion Date License No.
Phone
Owner/Contractor Address Phone
Pursuant to the provision of IM Lodi Municipal Code. the undersigned MOW lot pa.alalon te."esv.ss. ebnseuet. maw othsrwtse «roreesb an
City street Right -of -Wiry or Easement by performing the following work
NOTIFY USA (80t4 6422444488HOURS
OF BLOCK OFRi AOANY
N Y EXCAVATION.
HIN
• The work consists of
INSTALLATION
THE 8 FOOT PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT (8'PUE) ON THE NORTH
AND EAST PROPERTY LINES OF THE ABOVE SITE; INSTALLATION
. (Letter of authorization
from "Northern California
Conference Assoc. of
The Cityholds no responsiblility for damage to structure due toventn-Day Adventists"
use—of—riga .f ..a,, 1.i�ra.�t;;i��y .J c,.141.1ny MLli•tties or attached.)
installation of new public facilities.
Owner agrees to relocate at his expense encroaching structure,
if by Lily. EI1..r.,at.111rry 3L.ut.Lurc IA Lu Le maintained
by owner.
Owner agrees to notify any future owner of this requirement.
Permit void if work not started within 6 months of permit date. (Space For Sketch)
O Licensed Contractor required for this work.
O Certificate of insurance In the owner's name which names the City of Lodi as an Additional Named Insured for Com.
prehensive General and Automobile Insurance In the amount of $1.000.000 combined single (knit I$ required.
The undersigned does Mosby awes b indemnify and sive the City of Lodi free and harmless from any liability. la w11h the provision* of see.
12.04.01000 the Lodi Municipal Code. Pennines Is specifically aware of Sec. 12.042110 thereof relating to the rei.caeonot removal of Mild_tot_____ If
Moe construction requires such relocation.
tf the wont fa which this encroachment forma has bean issued hes not been completed M1n* �
w
of Lodi shall have the right to complete the work Cane to file a Cof ActIon tomato the care *venom In 000000,0MIs work and far Ismer oohs
and tees in aocordenoe with the provisions of Sec. 12.01.j*,tJhs Lodi Municipal Code. O
Date kg► 17. 1443 Signedleo
Required Improvement Security
Certificate of Insurance
Comp. Ger.. Policy No. Exp.
Automotive Policy No. Van,
Referred to GARY MURDOCK (333-68361 ate
Inspected Date
Completed • Date " s7
Reviewed Data
s+fo . soo wnn..1.,.o.cto. r.iro••.FH. P$nk.P,nwtt..
This permit le (ranted subset to M1 provisions of chapter 12.04 of the Lodi \
Municipal Code and to MI gNMrM p.o.lelern end soMeseMs modal pro*
stuns as sitcom on the reverse aide.
Permit Approved: CITY OF LOD
L
By:
O Public Above Ground
O Public Underground
ami Private. w as mralnalmef e. reaesas by mime/ ea mrwrf•e
❑ Other Permit No. 7
Dat•-//f4iii
...... Moro
gshavAri
IanE....DG6.v)01)D 012._
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