October 7, 2021

Greetings Neighbors,

Please take notice that the City of Utica Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, OCTOBER 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm in the Common Council Chambers of Utica City Hall.

According to Section 2-29-108(3)(b) of the City of Utica Zoning Ordinance, with respect to an application for a variance, the clerk of the board shall send written notice to all owners of property within 200 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property.

This letter shall serve as written notice of stated ordinance.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Patti DeCarr at (315) 792-0181or pdecarr@cityofutica.com.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL

OCTOBER 19, 2021 5:00 PM

ZBA Case No.:  28-21                                                              Zone: CBD

326 Broad Street                                                                     Area Variance

Applicant:  Utica Sign and Graphics

Owner: Crane-Ballou LLC

Pursuant to Section 2-29-67(4)(a) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking  an area variance in order to install signage at the above referenced property.

The applicant is proposing a 5’ x 30’ (150 sf) facial LED box sign with flexible face and translucent vinyl graphics on the north elevation of the building (Broad Street).  On the south elevation (Catherine Street), the applicant is proposing a 5’ x 30’ (150 sf) non-illuminated dibond (aluminum substrate) sign with opaque vinyl graphics.  In accordance with Section 2-29-340 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, 60 sf is the maximum size permitted for wall signage in a Central Business District.  The applicant is proposing 300 sf, therefore, will be required to receive and area variance for the proposed signage. 

The applicant has received review and approval from the City of Utica’s Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission.

ZBA Case No.: 29-21                                                       Zone: RM

1444 Sunset Avenue                                                       Use Variance

Applicant:  Najeeb Alghaithy

Owner: ASAAD, LLC

Pursuant to Section 2-29-67(4)(b) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking a use variance in order to operate a neighborhood retail store at the above referenced property.

The applicant is proposing to operate a beauty supply store on the first floor at this location.  The property was previously utilized as a dry cleaners for at least 60 years until 2014. 

The beauty supply store will sell hair, facial, skin and nail products to independent operators and walk-in customers.  The proposed hours of operation will be 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday with the possibility of limited Sunday hours of 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  There will be two employees at this location.  Parking is available along Oswego Street which can accommodate 6-8 vehicles.

Neighborhood retail is not a permitted use in a Residential Mixed zoning district, therefore, the applicant will be required to receive a use variance in order to operate a beauty supply store at this location. 

ZBA Case No.:  30-21                                                          Zone: NMU

1633 Genesee Street                                                           Area Variance

Applicant:  Joseph Caruso

Owner: Joseph Caruso

Pursuant to Section 2-29-67(4)(a) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking  an area variance in order to expand a driveway in the front of the home at the above referenced property.

The applicant is proposing to expand the driveway in the front of the house from approximately 9’ to 16’ wide between the sidewalk and the house for a 10’ section and 9’ to 14’ for the remainder of the driveway in the front of the house.  The apron of the driveway will be squared off to match the 14’ existing curb-cut.  A mature tree will need to be removed to accommodate the expansion of the driveway.   The applicant has stated he would like to utilize the expanded driveway to turn around to access Genesee Street forward rather than backing up into traffic.

In accordance with Article VI Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, parking is prohibited in the front yard.  The applicant will be required to receive an area variance in order to expand the driveway beyond the front of the house.  The applicant will be required to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City of Utica’s Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission.   

ZBA Case No.: 31-21                                                        Zone: RM

1428 Sunset Avenue                                                        Use Variance

Applicant:  Najan Adnan

Owner: Masarrath Zaheer

Pursuant to Section 2-29-67(4)(b) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking a use variance in order to operate a neighborhood retail store at the above referenced property.

The applicant is proposing to operate a gift shop on the first floor at this location.  The property was previously utilized as a pizzeria. 

The gift shop will sell lamps, souvenirs, t-shirts, and cell phones.  Bill paying services and wire transfer services will be offered.  The applicant has requested to sell snacks and cold drinks.  The proposed hours of operation will be 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily.  The property includes six (6) off-street parking spaces in the rear. 

Neighborhood retail is not a permitted use in a Residential Mixed zoning district, therefore, the applicant will be required to receive a use variance in order to operate a gift shop at this location.