HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-9489 Staff AnalysisJANUARY 27, 2020
ITEM NO.: 4
File No.:
Owner:
Applicant:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Greg and Tammy Downs
Jim Yeary
5144 Cantrell Road
Lot 15, Block 2, McGehee Addition
IM -W
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section
36-156 to allow an accessory structure with increased rear
yard coverage.
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
IG1
Public Works Issues:
No Comments
Staff Analysis:
The R-2 zoned property located at 5144 Cantrell Road is occupied by a one-story
frame single family residence. The property is located at the northeast corner of
Cantrell Road and Newton Street. A paved alley right-of-way runs along the rear
(north) property line. A one-story detached garage structure is located within the
rear yard area, along the alley right-of-way. The garage is accessed via a driveway
from Newton Street.
The applicant proposes to construct a two-story accessory structure in the rear yard
area, as noted on the attached site plan. The existing garage structure will be
removed from the site. The proposed overall structure will be 24 feet by 45.3 feet in
area. The structure will be located three (3) feet from the east side property line,
two (2) feet from the rear (north) property line, and approximately 23 feet from the
west (Newton Street) property line. The proposed accessory structure will occupy
approximately 58 percent of the required rear yard area (rear 25 feet of the site).
The first floor of the proposed accessory structure will include storage space, a Y2
bath and a stairway to the second floor. The second floor will be a guest quarters.
There will be no full kitchen in the structure. The applicant notes that the structure
JANUARY 27, 2020
ITEM NO.: 4 CONT. Z-9489
will not be rented. The applicant also notes that the structure is being located on the
site in order to save a large tree in the rear yard area.
Section 36-156(a)(2)c. of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows accessory structures
to occupy/cover up to 30 percent of the required rear yard (rear 25 feet) of a
residential lot. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance from this ordinance
requirement to allow the proposed accessory structure with a rear yard coverage of
approximately 58 percent.
Staff does not support the requested rear yard coverage variance. Staff does not
view the request as reasonable. The proposed rear yard coverage is almost double
the allowed 30 percent coverage. Additionally, the proposed accessory structure is
much larger than the vast majority of accessory structures in this neighborhood. The
proposed accessory structure with decks is 2,174 square feet in area. Therefore,
staff believes that the proposed accessory structure will be out of character with the
general area.
C. Staff Recommendat
Staff recommends denial of the requested rear yard coverage variance.
Board of Adjustment
(January 27, 2020)
Jim Yeary was present, representing the application. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the application with a recommendation of denial.
Jim Yeary addressed the Board in support of the application. He explained that a large
oak tree in the middle of the rear yard area was the reason for locating the proposed
accessory structure further back on the lot. He described the overall lot and noted that
he had consulted with an arborist regarding the placement of the accessory structure.
He noted that the size of the proposed accessory structure was not out of character with
the neighborhood. He explained how the existing foundation would be used for the new
structure.
Carolyn Lindsey Polk noted that the issue of saving the large tree was a good reason to
support the variance. Chairman Allison concurred with Ms. Polk.
There was a motion to approve the requested coverage variance, as filed. The motion
passed by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. The application was approved.
NJ