Call to order

Chairman Fred Carter called the meeting of the West Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals to order at 6 pm January 20, 2009. All members were present: Chairman Fred Carter, J.W. Hendrix, Julie Huffman, Richard Kuppens, and Homer Monts.

Day Care at 118 Emmanuel Drive

Zoning Administrator Brian E. Carter explained that Debra M. Epperson needed a special exception to operate a childcare service at her home on Emmanuel Drive. Carter noted Epperson's property had adequate space for parents to drop off and pick their children. He added that Epperson had completed legally required childcare training. Carter said he had spoken with the Department of Social Services, who had no objection to Epperson continuing her business. Carter advised the board to approve the exception provided that Epperson not operate an outside play area. Carter noted that Epperson would need to make changes to her property and come before the board again if she wanted an outside play area.

Epperson told the board that she had lived in West Columbia for 23 years and had been taking care of children for a considerable number of those years. Epperson said she had numerous signatures from the neighborhood and that more neighbors would have shown up at the board meeting if the weather had been warmer. She said she takes care of six children, most of whom are family members. Epperson noted that they often take trick- or- treaters around the neighborhood during the daytime on Halloween and that the neighbors really like visiting with the kids. The children are between six weeks and age three. Epperson said because of the age of the children, she did not intend to install an outside play area.

No one spoke in opposition to the exception and the board approved it unanimously.

Variance

Zoning Administrator Car ter explained David M. Sickinger and his wife wanted a variance to reduce a front yard setback by 15 feet from 35 feet to 20 Feet at a property on 1500 Cardinal Drive to create an enclosed carport. Carter cited numerous examples to the board of previously approved variances. The city recommended approval of the variance.

David Sickinger explained he was an architect and he and his wife wanted to make improvements to their home. Sickinger reminded the board that the changes suggested in the variance would not obstruct the view of any adjoining properties.

No one spoke in opposition to the variance and the board approved it unanimously.

Adjournment

The next meeting will be February 17.