Ron Cheddar seeks variance for custom home on West Eighth Street cul de sac
April 25, 2025 | Lennox, Lincoln County, South Dakota
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During the Lennox Planning Commission meeting on April 24, 2025, a significant discussion centered around a variance application for a residential lot located at the end of West Eighth Street. The lot, currently zoned for single-family residential use, has been deemed unbuildable due to its irregular shape and insufficient frontage along the cul-de-sac. This situation has prompted the applicant, Ron Cheddar, to seek a variance to allow for the construction of a custom home.
Cheddar explained that the lot's unique configuration arose from adjustments made by a neighboring property, which has complicated its development potential. He argued that building a custom home on this lot would enhance the neighborhood, providing a transition from the adjacent mobile home park to the surrounding residential area. Cheddar emphasized that the proposed home would not disrupt the existing landscape, as the driveway would not require the removal of any trees and would be designed to minimize street parking issues.
The commission discussed the strict criteria for granting variances, which include considerations of public interest and adherence to zoning ordinances. Cheddar's proposal was met with questions from commission members regarding the lot's access and the potential impact on neighboring properties. The applicant assured the commission that the driveway would not encroach on adjacent properties and that the design would align with the character of the neighborhood.
In addition to Cheddar's presentation, several neighbors attended the meeting to voice their opinions on the application. Their feedback will be crucial as the commission weighs the merits of the variance request against community concerns.
The outcome of this variance application could set a precedent for future developments in Lennox, particularly in areas with similarly challenging lot configurations. As the commission deliberates, the implications of their decision will resonate throughout the community, influencing both residential growth and neighborhood dynamics. The next steps will involve further review of the application and consideration of public input before a final decision is made.
Cheddar explained that the lot's unique configuration arose from adjustments made by a neighboring property, which has complicated its development potential. He argued that building a custom home on this lot would enhance the neighborhood, providing a transition from the adjacent mobile home park to the surrounding residential area. Cheddar emphasized that the proposed home would not disrupt the existing landscape, as the driveway would not require the removal of any trees and would be designed to minimize street parking issues.
The commission discussed the strict criteria for granting variances, which include considerations of public interest and adherence to zoning ordinances. Cheddar's proposal was met with questions from commission members regarding the lot's access and the potential impact on neighboring properties. The applicant assured the commission that the driveway would not encroach on adjacent properties and that the design would align with the character of the neighborhood.
In addition to Cheddar's presentation, several neighbors attended the meeting to voice their opinions on the application. Their feedback will be crucial as the commission weighs the merits of the variance request against community concerns.
The outcome of this variance application could set a precedent for future developments in Lennox, particularly in areas with similarly challenging lot configurations. As the commission deliberates, the implications of their decision will resonate throughout the community, influencing both residential growth and neighborhood dynamics. The next steps will involve further review of the application and consideration of public input before a final decision is made.
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