HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-4212-A Staff AnalysisNOVEMBER 28, 2011
ITEM NO.: 2
File No.: Z -4212-A
Owner: James Patrick Matthews
Applicant: James I. Lasley, III
Address: 3023 N University Avenue
Description: Southeast Corner of N. University Avenue and Scenic Drive
Zoned: R-3
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section 36-255
to allow a building addition with a reduced rear setback.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Single Family Residential
Proposed Use of Property: Single Family Residential
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comment
B. Staff Analysis:
The R-3 zoned property at 3023 N. University Avenue is occupied by a two-story
frame single family residence. The property is located at the southeast corner of
N. University Avenue and Scenic Drive. There is a circular driveway within the
front yard area with access from N. University Avenue and Scenic Drive. The
house is located well back on the lot, approximately 58 feet back from the front
(west) property line and 16 feet from the rear (east) property line. The house also
maintains side setbacks of over seven (7) feet.
The applicant is proposing a small building addition at the northeast corner of the
residence, as noted on the attached site plan. The addition will be seven (7) feet
by 17 feet in area, and constructed as a "safe room." The addition will be located
10 feet back from the rear (east) property line, and maintain the 9.5 foot setback
from the north street -side property line.
Section 36-255(d)(3) of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum rear setback
of 25 feet for this R-3 zoned lot. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance to
allow the proposed addition with a reduced rear setback.
NOVEMBER 28, 2011
ITEM NO.: 2 (CON
Staff is supportive of the requested variance. Staff views the request as
reasonable. The home is located rather far back on the lot (approximately 58 feet
back from the front property line) which reduces the amount of area available for
any addition to the rear portion of the structure. The Ordinance calls for a
minimum rear setback of 25 feet, with the main wall of the existing house being 16
feet back from the rear property line. Therefore: staff feels the proposed additional
encroachment is a relatively minor issue. The house with addition will occupy a
relatively small percentage of the overall lot area. Additionally, ample separation
will exist between the building addition and the property to the east. Staff believes
the proposed building addition with reduced rear setback will have no adverse
impact on the adjacent properties or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested rear setback variance, subject to the
addition being constructed to match the existing residence.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (November 28, 2011)
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 5 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.