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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7114 Staff AnalysisNovember 26, 2001 ITEM NO.: 7 File No.. Owner: Address: Description: Zoned: Variance Requested: Justification: Present Use of Property: Z-7114 Eugene and Lillian Sullivan 32 Margeaux Drive Lot 261 Block 51, Chenal Valley Addition R-2 Variances are requested from the easement provisions of Section 36-11 to permit construction of a deck addition over an easement, and the area provisions of Section 36-254 to allow construction of a deck with a reduced side yard setback. The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Single Family Residential Proposed Use of Property: Single Family Residential STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No issues. B. Staff Analysis: The R-2 zoned property at 32 Margeaux Drive is occupied by a two-story, brick single family residence. A 12 foot by 32 foot wood deck was constructed at the southeast corner of the residential structure. The deck extends approximately 2.5 feet into a utility and drainage easement. The easement ranges in width from 27.9 feet to 29.5 feet from the rear property line. Section 36-11(f) of the City's Zoning Ordinance November 26, 2001 Item No.: 7 prohibits building construction "...that encroaches on, over or into any easement." Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance from this provision. The applicant is also requesting a side yard setback variance for the deck construction. The first set of stairs and lower landing for the deck are located 3.5 feet to 5.5 feet from the side (eastern) property line. The second set of stairs and main body of the deck are located 7.5 feet to 9 feet from the same side property line. Section 36-254(d)(2) of the code requires a minimum side yard setback of eight (8) feet for this lot. Staff is supportive of the requested variances. The applicant has supplied staff with sign -offs from all of the public utility companies, approving of the deck construction 2.5 feet into the existing utility easement. There is an existing sewer main located within this easement. Little Rock Wastewater Utility notes "...that if in the future the Utility needs to perform maintenance on this sewer main, the owner of the property shall remove the deck from the easement to facilitate any repairs required to the main." Additionally, staff feels that the deck construction will have no adverse impact on the surrounding properties or the general area. The single family residence located on the lot to the northeast appears to meet the minimum side yard setback of eight (8) feet, giving a separation of over eleven (11) feet between the two homes. Staff will recommend that the lower set of stairs and landing, which are the parts of the structure located closest to the side property line, remain uncovered and unenclosed to lessen the impact of the reduced setback. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested variances subject to the following conditions. 1. If in the future, the deck structure has to be removed from the easement area in order for one of the utility companies to install new lines or 2 November 26, 2001 Item No.: 7 maintain existing lines, the removal will be at the property owner's expense. 2_ The lower stairs and landing area of the deck must remain uncovered and unenclosed. 3. A building permit must be obtained for the deck construction. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (NOVEMBER 26, 2001) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval.' The applicant offered no additional comments. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. k