Z-8798 Staff AnalysisAUGUST 27, 2012
ITEM NO.: 4
File No.: Z-8798
Owner/Applicant: Sharon Cates
Address: 5400/5404 E. Roosevelt Road
Description: Lots 20 and 21, Rose Meadows Addition
Zoned: R-2
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the area provisions of Section 36-
156 and the accessory building provisions of Section 36-2 to allow an accessory building
with a reduced front setback and on a separate lot.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Single Family Residence and Vacant lot
Proposed Use of Property: Single Family Residence and Detached Garage
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The R-2 zoned property at 5400 E. Roosevelt Road is occupied by a one-story
frame single family residence. A one -car wide drive from E. Roosevelt Road is
located at the southeast corner of the lot. The lot at 5404 E. Roosevelt Road
(adjacent lot to the east) is currently undeveloped. A one -car wide driveway is
located at the southeast corner of this lot. A house which previously existed on the
site was removed. The lots contain a 25 foot front platted building line.
The applicant proposes to construct a one-story 24 foot by 32 foot detached
garage on the vacant lot, as noted on the attached site plan. The garage will be
located 30 feet back from the front (south) property line and 7.5 feet from the east
side property line. The garage will be located approximately 26 feet form the
house. A circular driveway is proposed to serve the accessory garage.
Section 36-156(a)(2)c. of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum front
setback of 60 feet for accessory buildings in residential zones. Section 36-2
(definitions) requires that an accessory building be located on the same zoning lot
as the principal building. Therefore, the applicant is requesting variances from
AUGUST 27, 2012
ITEM NO.: 4 (CON'T.
these ordinance standards to allow the detached garage with a reduced front
setback and on a separate lot from the principal structure.
Staff is supportive of the requested variances. Staff views the request as
reasonable. The proposed accessory garage structure will align with the other
single family residences to the east and west along E. Roosevelt Road. The
applicant is proposing to utilize part of the foundation where a residence was
previously located. There are several vacant lots to the east and southeast. If
construction of the accessory building is approved, the two (2) lots will be
essentially tied together as a single zoning lot. Staff believes the proposed
accessory building with reduced front setback will have no adverse impact on the
adjacent properties or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested setback variance, subject to the
garage structure being constructed to match the house.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (August 27, 2012)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the application
with a recommendation of approval, with conditions.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved, as recommended by staff with a
vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent.
July 26, 2012
Sharon Cates
5400 East Roosevelt Road
Little Rock, AR 72206
Ph: (501) 490-0634
E-mail: sharoncates@sbcglobal.net
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201-1334
RE: Request for Variance
This request is for a variance to build a detached garage/storage structure on the
property located at 5404 East Roosevelt Road in Little Rock, AR 72206. This is a vacant
lot located adjacent to our present residence of 5400 East Roosevelt. Both lots have
been surveyed and approved.
We would like to build this structure where a house was formally located before it was
demolished and removed. By building in the location at this site which located 30 ft.
from the sidewalk versus 60 ft. we would be able to maintain the integrity of the present
backyard and cover the rubble left from the demolition of the house. Also during heavy
rains, the water tends to rise within that 60 ft, thus putting the proposed structure at risk
of partly flooding. By being located at the 30 ft. site, it would also better enable us to
transport our totally handicapped 36 year old nephew in his wheel chair to the vehicle
for doctors appointments.
Respectfully Yours,
Sharon Cates