Board of Adjustment - Regular Meeting

from all parties. If you wish to testify on any particular petition before us this evening using the Zoom platform, please use the raise hand feature. You can raise your hand at any time and we will recognize you at the appropriate time for the presentation of evidence for each case. If in person, please hand staff your speakers card. Planner Robin Keefe will be moderating the hybrid meeting and will be asked to provide names of those individuals that wish to speak. I'd like to call the meeting of the city of Wildwoods board of adjustment to order. Board members present today are Bob Morris, board member, Arie Sprunger, board member, Dave Berdolino, alternate member, Max Gilman, alternate member, and myself, Jared Frank, chair for tonight's meeting. The Department of Planning staff present is Joe Vunich, director of planning, and Robin Keefe, planner. City Attorney Sarah Rutherford and court reporter Courtney Talman are also present on Zoom. First, I offer into the record of the affidavit of publication pertaining to today's meeting December 18th, 2025, and take official notice of the zoning ordinance of City of Wildwood, including chapter 400, article 2, authorizing and establishing the board of adjustments powers and duties. Now, let me explain the hearing procedure. Please be aware the information I'm about to describe is also provided on the board of adjustments public hearing procedure handout which was available online prior and up to tonight's meeting. This hearing is informal in its nature. However, the meeting's proceedings will be recorded by a reporter for future transcription if needed. The petitions are called in the order listed on the agenda. As the petition is called, I will ask the Department of Planning staff member to read each request into the record. Thereafter, the Department of Planning will have an opening remarks and a brief slide presentation. Then the petitioner or his or her representative will be asked to state their name and address, be sworn in by the court reporter, make a brief presentation to the board explaining the nature of the requested variance, and present such evidence and witness testimony that may evidence the practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship that warrant the variance. The board will only consider the unique character of the property to determine whether they warrant they warrant the granting of a variance. The petitioner's

presentation shall be limited to 15 minutes total, inclusive of any questions posed by the board unless such time is extended by the chair. Board members may ask questions to clarify the facts of the petitioner's presentation. When the board is satisfied with the material presented by the petitioner, the chair will then ask if there is anyone present or online who'd like to speak in favor or opposition to the requested variance. Each speaker will be asked to provide their name and address, be sworn in, and then provide their evidence and oral testimony. Witness testimony shall be limited to five minutes inclusive of any questions posed by the board unless such time is extended by the chair. Procedurally, the petitioner may request a continuence at any time during the hearing prior to a call for the vote in order to bring in additional evidence or testimony. The board the board may also contain continue the present proceedings, excuse me. After the sub submission of testimony and evidence from all interested parties, the board will ask a staff person to provide the Department of Planning's report on this matter if requested by any member of the board, the petitioner, or any individual that is participating in person or online. Once all witnesses have been heard, the chair will call for a motion to grant or deny with or without conditions. Then the board will vote. At that time, the presentation of evidence relating to the petition is concluded and no further evidence will be permitted. The board may make a decision today. Four members of the board must vote in favor of the variance for it to be approved. If a variance is approved, the petitioner has 6 months to obtain the necessary permits or establish the use or it will expire. If the board's decision is unfavorable, the petitioner has the right of appeal to the St. Louis County Circuit Court. This appeal must be done within 30 days of the decision. Miss Keefe, are there any questions at this time? Uh if there are any questions in the audience at this time, raise your hand. If there are any questions online, please use the raise hand feature

and they will come up to you. Mr. Chair, there are no questions. This time the meeting will proceed. Will the department please read the first request into the record which will be followed by a brief slide presentation.

Mr. Chair, with your permission, just a couple of housekeeping items. First, welcome to Mr. Gilman. This first meeting with the board of adjustment. Thanks for being here. And if you could use your microphones, remember we're on Zoom and Miss Tolman makes her life a little easier if we talk into them. So, thank you. The first item on tonight's agenda is BA22-25 Mitten Martini Restaurant Care of Repel Repel Patel 2490 Taylor Road. Wildwood, Missouri 63040 Dearberg's Town Center. Request exceptions to the sign regulations as applied in the city's town center area. The exceptions are for the purpose of maintaining permanent flat signs at 2490 Taylor Road, located number 23V 320195 Dearberg's Wildwood, lot 1A, which would thereby authorize the three flat signs that have been attached to the three of the subjects building four facades. The three flat signs are identical in character and each of them exceeds the following requirements of the city. The height of lettering of the sign is 36 in in lie of the required now 30 in. I do want to note that on December 8th, the city council approved modifications to our sign regulations and the height of lettering went from 24 in to 30 in. Item B, the internal lighting of the sign is not compliant with the sight specific ordinance for this lot and building. The sight specific ordinance governs all signage requirements within the development and requires businesses situated along Taylor Road with allowable wall signage to be externally lit or backlit. The existing signs are internally lit. and C. The subject wall signs are not fabricated with individual pin channel letters, but rather a band

style arrangement which does not meet the minimum mounting requirement of 1 in of separation between the applicable representation and the associated building elevation. This request is contrary to chapter 415420 sign regulations of all CNM districts of the city of Wildwood zoning ordinance. Chapter 415.190 CA plan commercial district regulations of the city of Wildwood zoning ordinance and amended CA plan commercial district ordinance number 1001 which was approved by the Wildwood city council on October 13, 2003. This request was reviewed by the architectural review board at its September 11th, 2025 meeting as required by chapter 415400 sign regulations general. It was then postponed by the applicant prior to the September 18th, 2025 board of adjustment meeting and a postponed again at the October 16, 2025 and November 2025 meetings through a joint decision of the department of planning and applicant. This particular property is located in Ward 8. And just before Miss Keith begins her presentation, the department would like to enter into the record the following items. Chapter 400, Article 2, the Board of Adjustment of the City of Wildwood Municipal Code. Chapter 415 of the same city of Wildwood Municipal Code, the zoning ordinance, the file that has been developed and maintained by the Department of Planning regarding this particular request and all contents contained therein, including the department's recommendation report, and then finally, any testimony or evidence that's provided as part of tonight's hearing. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and members of the board. Thank you, Director Munich. Miss Keefe,

Mr. Chair, members of the board, our first case this evening uh concerns a subject property that is part of a large downtown uh district uh development in our Wildwood Town Center. Uh this uh district is 18 acres in size and covered by six buildings that are 144,000 uh square feet in size. One of these buildings is the Deerberg Supermarket. Uh the subject building of this request is one of four linear types that are located along Taylor Road with it being the southernmost one of those. The subject building is one story in height and located on the southernmost end of Taylor Road as as stated. Uh it does have a noticeable prominence from Taylor Road given that it is at a higher elevation than it. Uh the building is 6,600 ft in size and distinctive in its architecture with a tower um at its southwestern facing elevation. Uh the building does adjoin a private commercial plaza uh converted to an outdoor patio area with bar by a previous tenant um a portion of it. Uh it is zoned C8 planned commercial uh district. Uh the request is to have lettering of the sign at 36 in in lie of 30 in. Uh internal lighting versus external uh an external type and a band style arrangement of lettering not of the pinnedon type which does not meet the minimum mounting requirement of 1 in separation between sign and wall. Three signs uh have been installed

without city authorization or county permits on the east, north, and southwestern elevations of the building uh the subject building. Uh here is one of the signs. Uh all signs are identical. So this is what all of the signs look like. This is on the east elevation of the building. Um, and then this is just a farther perspective that gives you that entire facade of the east elevation. This is looking east from the subject building at the Deerberg's uh shopping center. This is looking at the northern elevation of the building. And this is a step back also looking at that northern elevation with that patio area. This is looking northwest from the subject building. That's Taylor Road in the back there. And this is the southwestern elevation um and tower component of the building. And this is looking southwest uh from that elevation. And again, that's Taylor Road that we're looking at there. And then that's looking northwest, also at Taylor Road. Um as stated, the architectural review board did review this request on September 11th, uh 2025. Um at the time, our prior sign regulations were in place, so they did have this requirement. Now, this is no longer a requirement. Um, however, the architectural review board did review it. They noted their concerns that the three flat signs were installed without benefit of review or permits. However, it was noted that the signs were

proportional to the size of the building and looked appealing. It was recommended to the board at that time that if approved, the approval should be conditioned upon the signs meeting all other requirements of the city's regulations. Uh, for example, there was concern about internally lit signs potentially not adhering to the city's outdoor lighting requirements if this condition were not stipulated. Uh, there have been a number of variances granted uh to other uh other tenants and uh owners of buildings in the same uh shopping center area. And uh those are all included in your report. That concludes my presentation at this time. Uh if the board members have any questions of the Department of Planning, uh Director Vunich and I are available to answer them. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Keith. Mr. Brunger, you have a question? I just have a real quick one. Uh in so this the sign is internally lit, right? Okay. So in one of the pictures, um you had a picture of Deerbergs. How was that sign lit?

Mr. Sper, when Deerbergs proposed the shopping center, they made certain requirements of the city that if if they were granted, they would proceed forward and if not, they would not. And one of them was that their supermarket facility and all the inline retail tenants that adjoin it would have the option of not only backlit externally lit signs but also internal. So it is an accommodation to probably get a use everybody in town wanted.

Is it go? I'm sorry. Are you done? Okay, Robin, would you put up the slide again about all the variances that have been given? Yes. And are any of those um there's see there's one number three is it did not approve the sign height 29 in. Um are are these are ones that were approved or ones that were just um submitted? Uh these are are signs that were submitted, some were approved and some were denied.

Okay. So the the third one down that says that you denied one before way back in '05 for the Apple Music that was a height issue obviously was right 29 to the 24. Okay. Have there been without reading all through them have there been other height issues inches um that have been approved?

Mr. Berlin. Yes. Um, principally in town center we generally see variance requests for two things. One is the lighting requirement. The other is the height of lettering. And as I mentioned, the city council about two weeks ago tried to start addressing some of the consistent items that we hear about from the businesses and then obviously you have to address if it becomes a large enough issue and and this one is considered a a large enough issue that it's

certainly of the four out buildings along Taylor Road, this is the largest by for and most prominent and it's had a number of restaurants come and go. And so from the perspective of the economic development committee of city council, retaining businesses that have basically moved into Wildwood, taken the chance is a high priority. And so that is why the department requested multiple postponements so we can find a solution that's workable for the owner of the business, Miss Patel, but also one that retains the consistent we consistency we seek in our signage, particularly along Taylor Road. Okay.

Do I understand the these signs were originally installed without permit?

Yes. And the department will take a partial blame for that in that there were a number of thing there was a lot of moving parts when the last tenant left the building and um Mint Martini moved in. I don't think they left it in the condition that we had hoped and there was a just a scramble to get things moving along. Miss Patel did everything that we had talked about. We did talk about signage. It was just one of those things that kind of went to the side and we were focused on reoccupancy, cleaning up the property, um, and then getting the business license approved. Okay. Thank you, Joe.

Is this the time to ask questions about like in your recommendation, it seems like that the key issue that you all have identified is the lighting. Is this the time to talk a little bit about that or should we wait till your recommendation? It's entirely up to the board. If they'd like to have the questions answered now, we can. If you'd like to wait, we can certainly wait. Um I'm at your disposal.

Okay. Well, since we're rolling, I will ask the question then. Um so it appears as if the lighting is is the issue. Is it am I reading the recommendation correctly that the city would be in support of the signage if they could find an externally lit solution to the sign?

Mr. Speaker, that is a very um concise assessment. Yes. in the hierarchy of priorities. Um the the adherence of the signs that one in separation is required and important but certainly doesn't rise to the level of the height of signage or the lettering itself. And then above that, given that all of the other businesses along Taylor Road have external lighting, that becomes the critical one. and the separation between the back of the back portion of the lettering and the facade and the height of lettering which we've just increased again as I mentioned is I I think the department can certainly um concurs with the architectural review board they're proportional they're I think attractive signs if we can externally light them I think we have a solution

thank Yep. I think it's a good time to call Miss Patel up again. Um, if you please uh come up, state your name, address, relationship to this property and we'll get you sworn in. My name is Ripel Patil and address is 2490 Taylor Road uh Ferment Martini Indian Cuisine. And you are the owner owner of the propert uh restaurant. We'll get you sworn in here. You're on mute, Courtney.

Got it. Okay. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to give in this cause will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I solemnly swear the testimony I'm giving is going to be true and true. Okay. Thank you. Miss Patel, if you could please uh state the uh nature of the request and the hardship. Um and uh as a reminder, you have 15 minutes inclusive of the board's questions unless the chair allows additional time. Yeah, as we already discussed all about the sign that is the issue with the lightning of the sign and I'm ready to do all the adjustment they want us to do. So that is all.

Yeah, it looked like the electric was was there already. Correct. So perfect. Mr. Sprunger, does that help if you're I I think so. What I'm hear from you is that you'll work with the city to figure out how to get external lighting. Yes. Well, good for you. Good. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Just a a point of record, these signs were were created, I think, over in India. Yes. Yeah. So, that was going to be quite a hardship. To do it externally late, we have to uh completely turn off the lights and we have to put the external uh lamps on the top of that which will give us give that a light but allow you to keep the signs. Yes.

Y any other questions for uh Miss Patel? Yes.

Hit the button. Um, so I wanted to um ask about how many um lighted internally lit signs there were in inside the parking lot, you know, facing Deerbergs and so forth. Um, the out buildings all have requirements relating to external lighting. Even if the sign is on, let's say the east side of the building facing toward Deerbergs. Um, all of the inline retail and Deerbergs and their multiple signs are all external internally illuminated, pardon me. And again, as was um provided by the department in response to a question, that was one of the items that Dearberg's Market said that they had to have if they were going to move to Wildwood. So, we have a mix of signage in the development and we also have a mix of lighting requirements. So would it be inconsistent if the sign that faced the parking lot towards Dearberg's was internally lit? Would that be inconsistent with the rest of the design?

Generally speaking, yes. Um, as I mentioned, the outbuildings were kind of the mago line for the city. It's like, okay, we can we can accommodate the the the supermarket, the inline components, the retail that adjoins the supermarket, but we really feel that Taylor Road should have that new urbanism look and feel. And so, the thought was it has to be externally illuminated. We've actually expanded that now and there's backlit signage, uh, meaning it's the halo that forms around the individual letters. Um but all in all um the as Miss Patel mentioned and I think the chair reiterated the past tenant did have external lighting so it is wired for such and I would just say it's from a perspective of the department when explaining to other tenants in the center why this we have a mix on the single building. It' probably be easier from the department's perspective. Now, this doesn't mean the board's perspective that we were consistent.

So, none of the um buildings like in this Panera St. Louis Spread Company line have internally lit signs that are facing the parking lot and and deer dearbergs. Is that correct? Um some are halo or back lit, some are external, but there should be no internal lighted signs. facing Deerbergs. Only the ones along the Deerbergs line have internally lit signs. Yes, sir. For that reason, you would say that all of the three signs should be externally lit at the new restaurant.

That would be the department's perspective acknowledging too that if the board were to follow department's recommendation, the lettering height would be 6 in taller than now what is authorized and it would be a different type of sign. I again the architectural review board thought it was a very nice sign and I wouldn't argue with them. Thank you. Thank you sir. Any other questions for Miss Patel or the department? Thank you.

At this time we'll open up the uh the floor to any speakers in the audience that may want to speak in favor or opposition to this request. As a reminder, each speaker will have five minutes to present inclusive the board's questions unless the chair allows additional time. Mr. Chair, I have no speakers cards for this item and the individuals online both represent other. Thank you, Miss Keefe. Would anybody like to hear an oral presentation of the department's report? Seeing none, we'll uh any final comments from the department.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair, and members of the board. The department appreciates the comments and questions tonight relative to its recommendation report. The department does have um items in the finding of the fact that does speak to the fact that the signs were installed without the benefit of permits and certainly tonight the department's been exumed partial blame for that. But with the alteration in lighting, the department believes that the impact of the variance will be minimized, which is a key component next to the physical hardship or unique circumstance that we consider collectively. And so tonight, the board is recommending approval of the variance conditioned on external lighting of the three sign. If there are any questions for Miss Keefe or I, we'd be certainly glad to try to answer them at this time. And thank you again.

Thank you, Director Bunich. Any final comments for the department? Thank you.

Thank you. At this time, we will close the proceeding for a vote. Can I have a vote uh to approve, a vote to deny or approve with conditions? I'll make a motion to approve the variance request subject to external lighting conditions for the three signs mentioned in the uh variance request. Before you amend that, would you like to use the word only? Only externally. Sure. I need

I just think it's a nuance. Yeah, I I would go ahead and restate your motion. I'll restate the motion. Um make a motion to approve the variance request subject to the three signs that are subject of the request illuminated by external lighting sources only. Do we have a second for that motion? Second. Thank you, Mr. Rolino. Mr. Mr. Morris, how do you vote? Approve. Mr. Burilino, approve. Mr. Sprunger, approve. Mr. Gilman, approve.

And I approve as well. Congratulations. Your variance is approved with the conditions as stated. Thank you. Department, please proceed to the next petition.

Mr. Chair, the next item is BA 3625. Tom Roberts, 500 Lori Lane, Wildwood, Missouri 630005. request an exception to the minimum yard requirements, general, minimum and lot area requirements and permitted land permitted land uses and developments for the purpose of converting an existing firehouse into a single family dwelling with an accessory dwelling to be included upon the property located at 18424 Wild Horse Creek Road, locator number 19W410269, which would thereby authorize a front yard setback distance of 20 ft in lie of the require ired 50-foot standard and caused the consideration of the director of planning's interpretation of the definition for single family and accessory dwellings as applied to this particular living arrangement. This request is contrary to the requirements of chapter 415.030 definitions and chapter 415.090 090 and new non- urban resident district regulations of the city of Wildwood zoning ordinance ward one. And again before Miss Keefe begins the presentation of slides the department would like to enter into the record the following items. Chapter 400 article two the board of adjustment of the city of Wildwood municipal code. Chapter 415 of the same city of Wildwood Municipal Code. the zoning ordinance, the file that has been developed and maintained by the department of planning relative to this particular petition and all contents contained therein, including the department's recommendation report. And then finally, Mr. Chair, any testimony or evidence as that is offered as part of tonight's hearing. Thank you.

Thank you, Director, Miss Keith,

Mr. Chair, members of the board. Uh the location of the next request Uh it of is a subject property that was formerly owned by the Monarch Fire Protection District and used for many decades as one of the primary firehouses serving the city of Wildwood. Uh the property is located on the south side of Wild Horse Creek Road uh just west of Highway 109. Uh the surrounding land use pattern in this area is very rural and primarily residential properties most which are over 3 acres in size and heavily wooded. Uh the subject property is 1 acre uh which is consistent with the requirements of St. Louis County uh back in that uh time period from 1948 to 1965 where uh large parts of its unincorporated area um adhered to that that minimum lot area of 1 acre. Uh it is zoned non- urban residence district. Um this site was sold to the petitioner after the fire district completed its new station which is now located east on Wild Horse Creek Road. The new station opened in 2025. Uh the subject building is 6,521 square ft in area and distinctive in its architecture given that it is a firehouse. Um there are six parking spaces associated with it, a very wide driveway access area and large overhead doors facing Wild Horse Creek Road. The character of the site does reflect its location along the ridge line of Wild Horse Creek Road. Uh the property

is relatively flat. Uh there are several large uh mature trees upon the lot. Uh here is uh the site plan submitted by the petitioner. Uh the petitioner is seeking an exception to the minimum yard requirements of the city given the fire uh station is at a 20 foot building line whereas the non- urban residence district requires uh 50 ft uh from the road rightway line um or easement. Uh so they are they are uh looking for a 20 foot minimum yard requirement. Uh also the petitioner is looking to convert the firehouse into a single family dwelling with an accessory dwelling located within it uh requiring cons uh consideration of the director of planning's interpretation of the definition for single family and accessory dwellings and many of those definitions are included in your report this evening. Uh the unique nature of this building and size does accommodate the need. Um, and here's the floor plan so you can see how it would be separated. It does accommodate the need associated with a family member and recent health incident that requires care on a 24-hour basis. Um, there is thus a need for a live-in health professional but nonrelated um to live within the single family dwelling uh which does not meet the definition of an accessory dwelling for the purposes of the housekeeping unit. So that's um the primary portion of the definition that needs to be considered. Uh this is looking southeast at the front of the building. This is looking east along Wild Horse Creek Road.

This is looking west upon it. This is looking east at the western elevation of the building. This is looking north towards Wild Horse Creek Road u in the parking lot area. And this is looking south in that same area towards the rear of the property. Uh this is south uh looking at the rear yard and this is looking east um at the access to those large overhead doors. This is on the other side of the firehouse on the eastern side. Uh this is looking south and this is just a continuation south to give you a sense of what's behind there. This is looking southeast at the closest neighbor and this is looking south. This is looking southwest. Uh the department had the applicant um provided the department three letters of support in favor of the request as well as this map uh showing what property is owned by the applicant, where the letters were received and which uh which properties are tenant occupied around the firehouse. Um so it can give you a sense of um what what the surrounding uses are are and thinking. Uh the department also received one uh written comment in opposition uh from this individual here that's further

north on uh Etherton Road um and not directly around the subject property. And that concludes my presentation at this time. Uh if you have any questions of the department of planning, uh Director Vunich and I are available to answer them. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Keef. Any questions? All right. At this time, will the petitioner please come forward, state his or her name, address, relationship to the property, and then be sworn in by the court reporter. My name is Tom Roberts, 500 Lori Lane, Wildwood.

And your relationship to the property, Mr. Roberts, I own the property. We get you sworn in here. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to give in this cause would be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. Thank you. Mr. Roberts, if you could please explain the nature of the request of the hardship or practical difficulty necessitating the variance. Um, as a reminder, you have 15 minutes to present inclusive of the board's questions unless the chair allows additional time.

Okay. Thank you. I'm looking to u modify this 60-year-old property that was a former firehouse into um a living residence for two independent people. Um the building is 60 years old and if you've ever been in the firehouse, it's just six bedrooms and a kitchen. Really not much. It's surprising how how basic it is. So, my intent is to gut the building out, keep the exterior exactly as it is with two ingress and eress points. Uh that will not change um and convert it into two living arrangements. My 40 year 40-year-old daughter about two years ago had a massive stroke and needs um full-time care. She currently lives on the road which is about 350 ft from the firehouse which is the same road we live on. So the intent is to uh build this out and have her live there which is still very close to us and um have a caregiver with her there. Also I think there's a lot of advantages to doing this one. that would upgrade the area because there has not been any improvements made to that firehouse in many years. Um, if you look from the presentation they put on, there was a lot of imperous surfaces, a lot of asphalt, a lot of parking areas because they had many firemen there at one time that had their cars parked there. That won't be necessary anymore. I would take out both those parking lots on the east and west. Um, it will not be a commercial business anymore. It'll be residence. Neither our daughter or the caregiver are married. So, there's it's going to be two people there full-time. Um, so the there won't be any the

density will be a lot less. Before they had at least six full-time uh firemen there. Now there will be two people there. That'll be it. Another uh advantage I think is there won't be any noise like there was with the firehouse. The firehouse you had trucks coming and going at all times and hours of the night. I think it will be um ultimate advantage getting rid of all that the um parking lots and making it look look better. Um, as far as the ownership around there, to the south of Wild Horse Creek, I own 91% of the property that surrounds this this firehouse. I own to the west, which is wooded, owned to the south, and numerous lots on Lori Lane. Um, and as the the uh person said earlier, Robin said earlier, um, I have three letters of uh approval from neighbors. So, that is um what I'm asking for at this point.

Thank you, Mr. Roberts. Any questions? Yes, sir. Go ahead, Mr. Morris. What are you going to do with those big doors? What are you going to do with those? You going to break that front up? I'm sorry. The big doors. Are you going to break that front up? No, we're not going to break that up. We're going to leave. We want to keep the um the historical look of the firehouse. So, we're gonna we're going to fix the doors up and we will probably paint the glass to make it so you can't see through it so that it's um some privacy, but we will uh fix up the exterior doors and the the uh brick itself.

I mean, the front way looks out of the firehouse and the doors will be back. Correct. Okay. Yep. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other questions for the petitioner?

Have you had a chance, Mr. Roberts, to read the department's report? I have. They have a couple um conditions, if you will. Anything of concern there? Anything that No. No. There was two conditions. I'm fine with those. Okay. Anything else? Well, let me just tell you what before I Yeah. You want to take a look? Yeah. I want to go back over those. There was two conditions and I don't have them here. Joe, do you have those handy?

First one was um for non-family member to occupy the accessory dwelling as a caregiver. And I think it says it's limited to the current owner of the property. And I'm okay with that. So, as long as I own it, that that's fine. And then they talk about the architecture about um being part of federal action. I'm okay with both of these. Any anything else you want to add to that, Mr. Direct?

Um Mr. Chair, members of the board, Mr. Roberts was kind enough to provide us the layout of the interior improvements along with a description of the changes to the exterior. And since Mr. Roberts was planning to proceed forward with it, we thought it'd be a reasonable condition to ensure that. And that's the second of the two. And as long as Mr. Roberts or a family member by birth, marriage or adoption owns the property, the variance would run with it. But if it were sold to someone else then that the allowance for that accessory dwelling would change. With that stronger, you have a question.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Robertson. Thank you. At this time, are there any speakers in the audience who may want to speak in favor or opposition to this request? As a reminder, each speaker has five minutes to present inclusive of the board's questions uh unless the chair allows additional time. Sir, Mr. Chair, I again now have a speaker card from Larry McGawan. Go here to speak on this matter. Mr. Macauan, if you could state your name, address, relationship to this property, and we'll get you sworn in.

My name is Larry McGawan. I live at 18538 Wild Horse Creek Road. Is that all you need? So, you are a nearby neighbor? Yes, that's okay. Yes. Probably two or three properties away from where I live. We'll get you sworn in here, Mr. McAn. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to give in this cause would be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. Thank you. Please proceed.

Board, I just want to add my statement to what's already been said as far as the support for the property, the the proposed use for it, and so forth. I've lived in that area now for 31 years. Um, I've heard the fire trucks go by every day of the week, that sort of thing, and have been very u appreciative of the fact that they were there. I'm also glad they moved it reasonably close. Yeah.

Um, to that location. Um, I think this would be a tremendous addition or or an improvement, if you will. Um, I I have known Mr. Mr. Roberts for quite some time and I know that the types of improvements he has made to his property are always first class types of improvements. And I know that it will help our general area there by by having his ownership of the property and using it in in accordance with his proposal. So I'm definitely in support of it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. down. Any other speakers um online? Miss Keefe, Mr. Chair, the uh the two individuals online again representative. Would anybody like to hear the oral presentation of the department's report? Seeing none, um at this time, Director Vunishes, do you want to make any final comments?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair and members of the board, the department of planning is supporting this particular request. Caveat to that is the department believes it has interpreted the definitions appropriately relative to accessory dwelling, single family dwelling, housekeeping unit, etc. The circumstances here certainly are unique in terms of the age of the individual and the situation that the individual or family members have and the department believes it's appropriate for the board to consider this particular request favorably. Besides assisting the family in a time of need, certainly the improvements to the property will go a long way in support of the neighborhood and the individuals and property owners there. So tonight, the department is recommending the board approve the requested variance with the two conditions that have been described earlier. If there are any questions u regarding the report and recommendation, Miss Kee and I are be glad to try to answer them at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Director Munich. Any questions the department? Thank you. Okay. At this time, we will close the proceeding for a vote. Can I have a motion to approve, a motion to deny, or a motion to approve with conditions? Sure. Mr. Yeah, I'd like to move that we approve the petitions variance uh with the two conditions as stated by the department of planning. Do we have a second for that? I'll second. Thank you, Mr. Morris. So, we have a motion to approve with the conditions um as stated um by the department on the department's recommendation report. Mr. Morris, how do you vote? Approve. Mr. Strunger, approve. Mr. Berdino,

approve. Mr. Gilman approve and I approve as well. Congratulations. Your variance is approved uh with the conditions as we stated. Thank you. Go to the next.

Mr. Chair, the third case tonight of four BA 3725 Mark Gilman. No relationship I believe to our new board member. 2646 Highway 109 Wildwood, Missouri 63040. Care of Jackson Leighton Landmark sign USA 175 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri 630005. request an exception to the business signs attached to wall for the purpose of erecting one wall sign attached to the building with such being located upon the property at 2646 Highway 109 located number 24V 420494 Westridge office center re subdivision lot 3 which would thereby authorize the height of lettering to be 41 in in lie of the required 24 in and displays of lettering that are not individual letters pinned on only types as required by the city by the town center plans guidelines, pardon me. These sign requirements are stipulated by chapter 415.420 sign regulations for all CNM districts of the city of Wildwood zoning ordinance, chapter 415.190 CA plan commercial district regulations of the city of Wildwood zoning ordinance and CA plan commercial district ordinance number 841. This particular property is located in Ward 8. Again, before Miss Keith begins her presentation of slides. The department would like to enter into the record the following items. Chapter 400, article two of the city of Wildwood Municipal Code, the board of adjustment. Chapter 415 of the same city of Wildwood municipal code, the zoning ordinance and the file that has been developed and maintained by the department regarding this particular request and all contents contained therein, including the department's recommendation report. And then finally,

Mr. Chair, any testimony or evidence that are provided as part of tonight's hearing. Thank you. Thank you, Director Munich, Miss Keef,

Mr. Chair, members of the board, uh the next request this evening involves a subject site uh that is a 9,600 square ft lot on the east side of Highway 109 just south of New College Avenue. Um it is one of seven properties that are part of the West Ridge office center. uh six buildings are on the site which combined have approximately 50,000 square feet of space between them. Just south of new uh college um uh just south of this property is residential properties. Um but across uh Highway 109 to the west um is the Wildwood YMCA. Um further west is St. Louis Community College. Um, north is uh the fire station headquarters. Um, so that gives you an idea of what some of the surrounding land uses are. Um, and I I should mention there is quite a bit of commercial uh development as well around there. Uh the subject building is two stories in height and 10,622 uh square ft in area. Uh the building was built in 2003. It's served by 35 parking spaces. Uh the front facade and primary entrance of it face state route 109 uh one of the city's main arterials. It is zoned C8 planned commercial district and is the work um is designated workplace district as the um per the town center regulating plan. Uh the complex is made up of office uses.

The request this evening is to erect a permanent wall sign for a shared office workspace uh facility designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups and remote workers which would authorize the total representation which includes the pinned on and channel letters spacing and logo at a height of 41 uh in in lie of 30 in and lettering of the non-pinned on type. Um, in this case, the letters are pinned to a colored backer uh backer board in lie of the wall, which is required by the city's regulations. All right, this is looking southeast at the subject building. This is looking uh southeast. Uh and this would be the location of the signage. Uh and that's a closer up view of that location. This is looking south. Uh the subject building is just to the left in this photo or to the east. Uh this is looking west from the building. So you can see that there are there is a building between it and highway 109 behind there. Uh this is looking north northwest and this is looking north uh with uh this being the subject building and then this being another building to the north of it. Uh this is uh the rear side of the

building looking south. And this is a final view of the signage location looking east. That concludes the department's presentation at this time. If the board members should have any questions, we are available to answer them. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Keefe. Any initial questions? board. Yeah, Jared.

Yeah, Robin. Um, go back to the picture of the proposed sign on the building. Okay. I was I was going to say there's an architectural feature on the on the uh gable of that building. And this sign does not cover that up. Is that right? That is correct. The the signs below that architectural feature cross. Okay.

All right. Any other questions from Miss? Okay. At this time, will the petitioner please come forward, state his or her the nature of his or her request or hardship uh necessitating the variance. As a reminder, you have 15 minutes to present inclusive the board's questions unless the chair allows more time. Mr. Chair, just give me one moment to promote U. Mr. Jackson, who will be representing Robin, can you hear me? Yes, we can.

Can you see me? Cuz I lost the screen is all black on my end. while you were presenting it just went black. I don't know if it's Looks like the C camera's on, but I can't see anything. Is anyone else on our panel able to see anything?

Oh, there we go. Can you hear me? Yeah, I can. Okay. Um I think Mr. Leighton Yes, sir. If you could if you could please state uh your name, address, relationship to this property and then we'll get you sworn in. And it appears your camera your your camera is blocked as well, Mr. Leon. Just just FYI. Sorry, I'm trying to I think it's something with my computer self. Um u shift to your left a little bit. There you are. Can you see me? Okay.

Yes, sir. Go. If you could just state your name, relationship to this property, um, and we'll get you sworn in. Sure. My name is Jackson Leighton. I am the representative from the sign company working with NX Workspace to get this up. Um, the address for the property is 2646 Highway 109, Wildwood, Missouri. Okay, we'll get you sworn in here. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to give in this cause will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. Thank you. Thank you.

Mr. Leighton, if you could please explain the nature of the request, the hardship that necessitates the variance. Um, and we'll uh we got 15 minutes and then we'll uh have some questions, I imagine.

Yes, sir. Thank you. So the nature of the quest is we are proposing a sign that is exceeding Wildwood's height code for wall signs of 24 in I guess now 30 in um as a 41in sign as well as the um non-individual pin-on letters. So, the sign we are proposing is going, as you could tell from the proof or the design proof that Robin showed, um it will be it is actually not channel letters. The sign is non-lit itself and they are white cut acrylic/2-inch white cut acrylic letters. The actual the and workspace itself are all going to be individual non-lit dimensional letters that will be on those pinon um stud mounts. And the actual logo itself will also be that it's just on that backer. And the reason why we have that backer and want to stay with this design is because this design specifically as well as the format has grown synonymous with the NX Workspaces brand. They have numerous locations throughout the St. Louis County area. Um and this is a main I guess point to as how excuse me a main way that they attract their customers as um M. Robin stated earlier as well as part of the presentation, part of their business model is allowing office space to be rented by not not only the public but other businesses from instate, out of state, people that need are able to meet on a neutral ground and feel like they have a good opportunity to meet with potential clients, co-workers, things of that nature. Um, so I think it's it's very important that the the customer or excuse me that annex workspace and Mr. Gellman are allowed to proceed if possible with this design as it really is just um synonymous for them and in turn will bring a lot of business to the city of Wildwood as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Leighton. Any initial questions for Mr. Leighton? Okay. Thank you. Appreciate the presentation. Thank you. At this time, any um speakers in the audience that may want to speak in favor or opposition to this request? Uh Mr. Chair, I have no speakers cards. Okay. Um and the individual online represents the next business. Any uh would anybody like to hear the oral presentation of the department's report?

Any final comments from the Department of Planning? Mr. Chair, members of the board, uh the department is supporting this variance request this evening. Uh the location um there is there is a bit of a a difficulty for the petitioner and that this building is located behind another building set back from Highway 109. So visibility is a little little tougher in that location. Um also in looking at the impacts of the sign uh it should be noted that it should not be visible from any residential properties uh surrounding the area only commercial uses. And finally uh the tall lettering does fit the space in this case uh given uh the the tall uh elevation um of the building. Uh so the department is supporting it. Thank you.

Thank you Miss Keefe. Any final comments the board? At this time, we will close the proceeding for a vote. Can I have a motion to approve, a motion to deny, or a motion to approve with conditions? I will make a motion to approve the variance request as submitted. Do we have a second for approval? Thank you, Mr. Spino. Mr. Morris, how do you vote? Approve. Mr. Sprunger approve. Mr. Berelino approve. Mr. Gilman approve. And I as well approved. Congratulations. Your variance is approved.

Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. Leighton. Moving right to the next one.

Mr. Chair, our final item on the agenda tonight besides the minutes is BA 3825, David and Anita Nash, 16436 Beayore Cove Court, Wildwood, Missouri 63040. Care of counter water straightup solar 11696 Globurn Park Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63146. request an exception to the building mounted solar energy systems for the purpose of installing a grid tier roof mounted solar photo voltaic rail array upon the residence located at the property at 16436 Bashar Cove Court located number 24U 531078 the Kovet Lake Chesterfield lot 37 which would thereby authorize installation of all black modules in lie of silver frame type that matches the roof color which such being contrary to the director of planning's interpretation of complimentary and compatibility regarding these contrasting colors of its components. This requirement is stipulated by chapter 415.630 630 Solar Energy System Regulations of the City of Wildwood zoning ordinance and planned environment unit parenthetical PEU MXD mixeduse development district ordinance number 17108 which was originally approved by the St. Louis County Council in 1985 and amended since by the city of Wildwood. This particular property is located in Ward 7. And before Miss Keith provides the slide presentation to the board members, the department would like to enter into the record the following items. Chapter 400, Article 2 of the City of Wildwood Municipal Code, the Board of Adjustment, Chapter 415 of the same city of Wildwood Municipal Code, the zoning ordinance, the file that has been developed and

maintained by the Department of Planning regarding this particular request and all contents contained therein, including the department's recommendation report. And then finally, Mr. Chair, any testimony or evidence that are provided as part of tonight's hearing. Thank you. Thank you, Director Yunich.

Mr. Chair, members of the board, our final case this evening uh involves a subject property uh that is a residential lot uh platted as part of the cove at Lake Chesterfield subdivision. Uh the Lake Chesterfield subdivision has 68 single family dwellings on individual lots associated with it. Uh the subject property is uh just east and south of town center. It is part of a larger amended um mixed use district um and is also associated with a planned environmental uh environment unit um approved by St. Louis County. Uh the subject lot is 0.13 acres in size. Um, a single family dwelling sits upon the lot that was built in 1995 with 1,926 ft of living area. It is a ranch type of home with a gray colored roof and white siding. Um, there is the rear yard abuing this property uh is common ground that's part of the harbors at Lake Chesterfield subdivision and uh that common ground area is heavily wooded. The petitioner seeks an exception uh yep uh exception to the building mounted solar energy systems regulations for the purpose of installing a grid tied roof mounted solar photovalttaic array upon the residents. Uh the petitioner does desire all black panels in lie of the lighter color type. So here is the all black panels and this is the lighter colored type that match the roof uh shingles with such being contrary to the director's interpretation of

complimentary and compatibility as required by the city's regulations. Uh the petitioner notes uh that the panels are not front-facing given the design of the house has a ridge line perpendicular to the roadway. Um and uh this is just location of the panels upon the roof. This is looking east at the front of the dwelling. And this is looking northeast at the location uh the panels would be installed upon the roof. This is looking north uh behind the dwelling. uh towards the common ground area behind it. This is looking northwest at Beayshore Cove. Court and that's looking south at that same road. This is looking northeast towards the neighboring residence. Um, and this is looking northeast uh to the other neighboring residents. And here you can see also standing back uh from the dwelling uh the visibility of the location of the panels upon the roof. At this time, I'll conclude my presentation and director Bunich and I are available for any initial questions. Thank you, Miss Keefe. Mr. Sprunger, do you have a question?

Yeah, maybe a real quick one. So, you um Miss Keef, you showed two illust pictures or illustrations of the solar panels, one that's all black, one that is not all black. Right. Is um Okay. Yeah. that this particular version is that okay with the city. Oh. Oh, it's not.

Unfortunately, the department has to make a determination in this particular case what is complimementaryary and compatible. black on gray is in the interpretation of the department contrasting colors and not compatible nor complimentary. The fact that they're the support framing and they're ringing so to speak around the panels doesn't necessarily offset that concern.

So, um, what color would it need to be? years ago they used to have white panels or silver panels and that would complement the gray color. The industry will tell you now that for the most part all the panels are the black color. So, does that basically mean a person who wants to put solar panels on their house with can't be in compliance with the city's regulations?

We've accommodated beige, dark brown, black roofing, and combinations of those in different shades. White and gray roofs, shingle colors are difficult when the industry is only providing black colored panels so to speak. So because this person happens to have shingles that color, they have no way of putting on a solar powered grid system.

Yes, there is a way. the board of adjustment. And when city council established the regulations for solar energy systems, there was a discussion about this particular component and the department pleaded with them about the the difficulty in making these determinations and the response was board of adjustment and that's why it is here tonight.

Okay. Thank you. Robin, couple questions. Number one is um um in terms of hardship, is there a major cost for the homeowner difference if they if they go with uh the all black? Is that what you're saying, Joe? Is that they have to have the all black or they can't have the all black because it does because it doesn't isn't compatible with the gray shingles. Right. That's correct. There's really no there's no alternative for this homeowner given the industry's u limited number of or selection of colors that they can have on there. That is the hardship.

Okay. All right. Good. And that's that's hard. Okay. The second question is are there any other solar panels installed uh in this subdivision? And a corlary question is does the HOA in this organization in this in this subdivision uh have a say in this and do they have their own regulations in some way?

Mr. Dr. Berilino, I don't know if the co cove, pardon me, I don't know in this particular subdivision, the cove at Lake Chesterfield if other solar panel installations have occurred. We are seeing a rush of them right now due to the federal legislation going to change. The credits that were formerly available will disappear on December 31st. So, we've got a lot in, but this is the only one in this particular subdivision. When the department visited the location to make the determination, the interpretation that I didn't see any others, but certainly there could be in terms of the homeowners association. I think one of the problems is is that um state legislatures kind of negated any authority the homeowners associations have over solar panels. It's now fallen solely to the city.

I just want to note uh as a followup to director's explanation uh the owner did submit um an approval from the homeowners association so they're support the request. Thank you Miss Keith. At this time uh we'll call the petitioner forward. Please state his or her name, um, address, relationship to the property, and then we'll get you sworn in by the court reporter. Hi, uh, my name is Camille Bug. I'm here from Straightup Solar on behalf of the Nash residence located at 16436 Beayshore Cove Court, Wildwood, Missouri 63040.

Get you sworn in here. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you're about to give in this cause will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes, I do. Thank you. If you could please explain the nature of the request and the hardship um necessitating the variance.

Yeah. Hi. So, thank you for the time this evening and thank you to Mr. uh Vunich for all of his work and and um hearing out our hardship on this project as well. So, um, just like we just talked about, there are no modules really on the market. The our company, we do not sell any modules, um, that are all gray or all black. Um, the the industry standard is to have that black backing on modules. And then, as you can see, there are some um hardware options, the silver lined modules and the all black modules. Um, this customer chose the all black modules because they thought they looked better. Um, a little bit more sleek, a nice uh same color for the entire module and also the production of these modules is higher than the the ones shown with the silver. Um, so they get basically more bang for their buck that way. The modules themselves can uh harvest more solar. Um, and so this location, the modules that we're going to be installing on the roof do not face the road. We did see those views of where you would be able to see this array a little bit if you drove past, but it's not a straightforward front-facing situation. Um, and we do have all of our other approvals like we've talked about. Uh, we have the HOLA approval. Um, we also have had this project reviewed by the county um, building and electrical and they are okay with this project as well. They cannot give us our permit until we have Wildwood's approval. Of course, um, Amron, Missouri has given their approval and we've done all of the steps that we can to get this customer installed by the end of the year deadline for um, being eligible for that solar tax credit. Um, as far as

the any other aspects of this application and this project, uh, there really are no alternatives. The customer isn't really interested in the silver line modules. They really would only like to do the all black. Um, and like others have mentioned, this is the only way to get solar energy to this customer. Okay. Thank you. Any questions for the petitioner? Okay. Any uh speakers in the audience that want to speak in favor or opposition to this request?

Mr. Chair, I have no speakers cards and no individuals online. Okay. Would anybody like to hear an oral presentation of the department's report? Seeing none, um we'd love to hear some final comments from the department of planning.

Thank you again, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair and members of the board department would like to start its presentation by acknowledging that this is a difficult discussion. But the department does believe that if the words complimentary and compatibility are utilized to describe contrasting colors, black and white, black and gray are not. And so the department does believe it's interpreted those terms as part of the regulations relating to solar energy systems correctly, but would note that there are extenduating circumstances relative to the industry and the availability of panels that would com be compatible and complementaryary to lighter color roofs. as well as in this particular instance as noted in the recommendation report the dwelling the ridge line of the dwelling is actually perpendicular versus parallel which reduces the impact substantially. So again, the department does believe it's interpreted the code correctly, but understands that in this particular instance, there are extenduating circumstances. With that, the department is available for any questions or comments, and we'd be glad to answer them at this time.

I have a real quick question. Um, did um did you mention, maybe I missed it, were there any uh letters or forms submitted uh either in support or opposition to this and in particular those neighbors that would be looking at the solar panels. When the department prepared the report, there were no comments that had been submitted. Had we received any There's one. It appears

we've received one comment in opposition since, but when I mapped that comment, it was well outside of the immediate neighborhood. So So the neighbor the actual neighboring home owners, we didn't hear anything from them in particular. No. Okay. Okay. And as you saw from Miss Keith's slides, we do post the property with a sign and we also do a mailing I believe within a,000 ft of the property. So neighboring properties can certainly know of the petition and the content of the petition itself. 1500 ft.

1500. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions?

Yeah. Joe, uh, is this the ultimate catch 22 that, uh, the city's going to look like, um, we don't support solar energy, uh, that we're a backward organization and that, uh, the only thing standing the way between this individual getting the solar energy is the color of the panel, right? And our ordinances are saying it's not compatible. There's the catch 22. We'd love to have panel have and so you're saying that the industry does not provide any other colors. So we're stuck, right?

Well, well, and I think too, Mr. Berlin, it what's also part of that catch 22, if that's what it is, is my understanding is the city council said, "Well, this is what it is, but let the board of adjustment make those calls." Yeah. I mean, I think that's what I heard.

That's what I heard, too. Just to kind of give you a bit of background, up into up until 2023, frontf facing or panels visible from any street or roadway had to go before the planning and zoning commission to obtain a conditional use permit. And in many instances, the planning and zoning commission were denying the permits. That's when we were accused of being not environmentally friendly and there were articles in the post dispatch. Um there was a lot of commentary on social media and certainly it was a particular problem relative to us being more friendly toward these installations. The mayor at the time, Mayor Bolan, uh engaged a survey. survey was random and scientific and in all eight wards respondents to the survey randomly selected and um the purposes of the analysis supported um solar installations. The planning and zoning commission and city council then developed regulations relative to more favorable policy. This is the one sticking point because again there are individuals in our community that do not support front-facing or visible panels. And so the idea was is to try to work as best as we can to allow them in a more easy way but also not but also ensure that if there is an egregious installation or proposed installation we can do our best to address it. I don't know how to do that here. And that's why I encourage the property owner and the company to come to the board of adjustment.

Thank you, Director.

You're welcome, sir. Any other questions, comments? Mr. Going? Uh yeah, it's all sort of confusing to me because well, black absorbs the sunlight the best and that would be why even a little bit of silver frame would reduce the yield of the solar energy. So it's understandable that the industry standard is all black and that cannot be avoided apparently. So, it's almost as if we would be discriminating against houses that did not have black roofs or um dark roofs. Uh and we would be discriminating against the the lighter colored roofs across the whole city. So I think the the sidefacing or front-facing is it's a separate issue and the more fundamental issue is the the gray and black business. And I I think that since you cannot possibly avoid black, then to encourage solar energy use in Wildwood and make us environmentally friendly, it would be um would seem wise to allow black solar panels regardless of the color of the roof. What do you think of that? Mr. Gilman, I think that's logical and appropriate. If there's not an option that works with light colored roofs and our code as it's being interpreted by the department and its director precludes that, then yes, I don't think that's a fair standard.

I believe after the federal tax credits um are no longer available at the end of this year, the number of solar installations will probably see it decrease. Um, and from that perspective, I think that'll be an excellent time for the department to return back to the planning and zoning commission and city council and say if we're going to have the terms compatibility and complimentary as part of the code, we need to either define them so that they're more clear than an interpretation by myself or eliminate them. And I think that period after the tax credits are gone will give us that opportunity. But I have no qualms with your argument so to speak or the logic of your argument.

Well, I would just uh reply that the um cost of solar uh panels will continue to decrease as technology develops. So the tax credit expiring is is a minor factor relative to the growth of the solar panel usage across the country and hopefully in Wildwood as well. So, um that that may not be an issue that should stand in the way, but um I appreciate that what you're saying is it there will be a decrease in demand after the uh elimination of the tax credit and at that time we could have a more um reasoned um debate over this more generally. And I gave you the background because I think you need to understand the transition. We were going from a very restrictive policy to one that was much more favorable. And I think there is a concern that we didn't want to step too far. Maybe an intermediate intermediate step would be the best approach. What we're seeing though is exactly as Mr. Gilman described. It appears that if you have a light colored roof, we're going to be basically telling you no regardless if it's to the benefit of the environment, your pocketbook, or whatever situation it might be.

Any other questions, comments for the department? Thank you. Joe, don't run away. Yeah.

If if there is an approval from the board, um does the petitioner need to come back to the planning department um with their panel recommendation? So, as Miss Bug mentioned, in conversations um via email or voicemails with the property owners and her the department authorized them to go the the company to go to proceed forward with submitting the plans to St. Louis County so they could do the review and have it completed on the if come so to speak. The board granted the variance and we're ready. We're queued up as well to issue the zoning authorization, the municipal zoning authorization. So, as hopefully between now and the end of the year, the panels can be placed on the roof. Thank you. So, we took an extra step knowing that it may be a risk to the property owner and the company, but I'd let them make that decision, but I wasn't going to necessarily stop them from at least getting that review completed.

Yeah. And I think what what I'm hearing you say too is obviously there's a sense of urgency on the part of the homeowner to get this done in the next two weeks and the and the department is doing what it can to facilitate that should the board approve the variance

certainly but don't feel pressured in that regard because as Bug was told this is no guarantee consult with the property owners explain the risk and then proceed from there based upon your your consensus. Um I have recently received a set of plans where the company went ahead and installed them and now is seeking the authorization from the city. So I appreciate the fact that this particular solar company and property owner didn't do that and we we appreciate cooperation more. And by the way, I agree with you. I don't think those panels fit in with colors either.

Well, thank you. But but I think the real key point here is, you know, to Mr. Gilman's comments as well is, you know, what's the right thing to do here? We don't have objection from the surrounding neighbors. They're not front facing onto the street. The industry only provides certain colors. I mean, if if there's ever a time to, in my opinion, approve a project like this, this would be the poster child for that. But that's my opinion. And it's important to note as well that, you know, remind the board that what we do here does not set precedents. So, um, you know, we'll take them circumstances. So the circumstances you outlined are, you know, are correct and certainly unique. Um, and and nothing we do here today is is is setting anything in stone down the road. Um, you know, to be blanketed approval or non-approval. So just kind of

and that's very good point. I was wondering that I appreciate that. Yep. Absolutely. Thank you. Yep. All right. Thank you. At this time, we will close the uh proceeding for a vote. Um, can I have a vote to uh or a motion to approve? A motion to deny or a motion to approve with conditions. Jared, I will move that we approve the petitioner's um request uh in that they have met the hardship requirements uh that uh due to the due to the limited color options currently available within the industry. Do we have a second for approval?

I'll second. Thank you, Mr. Sprunger. Mr. Morris, how do you vote? Approve. Mr. Sprunger, approve. Bolino, approve. Gilman, approve. And I approve as well. Congratulations. The variance is approved. Thank you, Miss Bug. Thank you very much. That is the last petition of the evening. So, we have one more um item on the agenda, which is to approve the meetings or the minutes from last month's meeting. Mr. Chair, if I may, y

little shout out to Miss Keith. If you've noticed the minutes, the Edwards case was page after page after page. So, thank thanks to Robin for her perseverance. Yes. Looking through it now. Thank you, Miss Keefe. Um, can I have a motion to approve the me the minutes from last uh week's or last month's meeting? I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting. And we have a second. Second. Mr. Morris, how do you vote? Approve. Mr. Sprunger, approve. Bino, approve. Mr. Gilman,

approve. And I approve as well the minutes as as typed, I guess. Um, all right. Anything else? I know you've I imagine you have one more. You're always so good about reminding us that the time of the year and so go ahead, Mr. Munich.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, you have the unique um place in all of Wildwood that you kind of closed the garage door, so to speak, on all of the meetings held in 2025. You are the last to meet. And so as the last to meet, you also always meet right before the holidays. And Robin and I would like to wish you the best of the holiday season. We appreciate all you do. I say it every year. We can't do our jobs without you being here. So your volunteering to participate is much much appreciated. And happy holidays.

Yes. Thank you to uh the department as well. You guys do a wonderful job and we certainly uh certainly enjoy working uh alongside you guys. So um that without further ado, consider the meeting ajourned. Thank you everyone.