237

Mr. Jacques replied that the city is not aware of any scheduled Board of Zoning Appeals meetings at this time.

The adopted staff findings of fact are as follows:

VARIANCE FACTORS

A.
Whether the property in question will yield reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

The property can yield a reasonable return with or without the variance.

B.
Whether the variance is substantial;
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

Staff considers this to be a minor variance, adjusting the existing setback of 25 feet to 22 feet. Although this variance would place the home a little closer to the front lot line, the setback would remain consistent with the character of other homes in the neighborhood.

C.
Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer a substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

Staff believes the essential character of the neighborhood, which is primarily single family residential, would not be adversely affected by this variance. The front porch will be designed and constructed to complement the existing home and neighborhood. The purpose of the addition is to create additional outdoor space for the Applicant and does not change the use of the property. The proposed setback has existing precedent in the neighborhood already. There are homes in the neighborhood with porches who have current setbacks less than the required 25 feet, ranging from 17-24 feet.

D.
Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services (i.e. water, sewer, refuse, police/fire);
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

There is no reason to believe governmental services would be adversely affected due to the granting of the variance. (See attached comment forms.)

E.
Whether the property owner purchased the property with knowledge of the zoning restriction;
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

Staff has no information as to the owner’s knowledge at the time of purchase.

F.
Whether the property owners’ predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance;
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
➤

Due to the size and existing layout of the lot, the Applicant cannot construct a porch without a front yard setback variance. As noted, the Applicant has designed their project carefully to minimize the need for additional variances.