HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover LetterYeary Lindsey Architects
October 17, 2023
Mr. Romie Price
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201
Re: Brad and Suzanne Howard Variance Request
1812 Beechwood Street
Little Rock, AR 72207
Dear Mr. Price,
Please find attached our submittal to the Little Rock Board of Adjustments requesting a variance to allow
the crossing of the side yard and front yard setbacks, and increased rear yard coverage at 1812
Beechwood Street.
Our request is based on our clients' desire to increase the livability of their home and functionaiity of their
outdoor spaces. We are requesting a reduced front yard setback from 25'-0" to 20'-4" to accommodate a
larger front porch, with most of the encroachment consisting of steps. We are also requesting a reduced
side yard setback to allow for a new screened porch and covered breezeway connecting the main living
room to the screened porch. The breezeway will remain a minimum of S-0" off the property line, and the
screened porch will remain a minimum of 5'-3" off the property line. The west property line runs at an
angle to the orientation of the main house, making orthogonal additions to the house challenging without
encroaching into the side yard.
Our original design also included refurbishing the existing garage structure at the west corner of the site.
During the pricing of the project, our contractor recommended that the existing structure be demolished
and replaced by a similar new structure because of the extent of disrepair and damage at the existing
structure. We are proposing that the replacement structure be 5'-0' further away from the existing house
and established oak tree to facilitate preservation of tree roots and allow more room for cars to maneuver.
The result of this change will increase the rear yard coverage from 24.6% to 37.5%. The side yard
distance of the existing garage is 0.8' at its closest dimension. For the rebuild, we are asking that the
required 3'-0" setback be reduced to 1'-4", once again to preserve the tree and play yard space.
We are hoping to fulfill our clients' desire to expand their outdoor living areas so that they may continue to
inhabit their home long term. Given the minimal encroachment into the front yard, and the diagonal
orientation of the west side yard, and considerations for established landscaping and vehicle
maneuverability, we believe a variance to the side and front yard setbacks, and rear yard coverage, is a
reasonable request.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact me. We appreciate your
consideration of our request.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
4?0
Ellen Yeary, AIA
3416 Old Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 501-372-5940 Fax: 501-663-0043