The Board of Zoning Appeals on May 22 approved variances to allow a second‑story addition at 612 North Lincoln Street that requires reduced side and rear setbacks.

Staff presented the project as a conversion from two units to a single‑family dwelling with a second‑story addition that creates a five‑bedroom home. The lot is approximately 2,500 square feet and is zoned RM (Residential Multifamily). Staff reported two existing minor encroachments — a stoop and roof eaves — on the north property line. The project will remove the stoop and adjust the eaves as part of construction and will raise the roofline to create usable second‑story space.

The petitioner requested a variance from the required 5‑yard (15‑foot) side setback to allow a 1.2‑foot setback to the north, and a variance from the 25‑foot rear yard setback to allow a 10.8‑foot rear setback. Staff said the proposed addition remedies existing encroachments and that the site’s layout and orientation present practical difficulties for adding a second story without relief. Staff recommended approval with the condition that a building permit be obtained prior to construction.

Dawn Gray, representing Amber Rentals, confirmed the petitioner’s agreement with staff and indicated she would reserve most of the petitioner’s 20‑minute presentation time. There were no public comments. A board member moved and the board voted to approve staff’s recommended findings and conditions; the roll call recorded four affirmative votes and the chair announced approval.

The approval allows the petitioner to pursue the building permit process; staff emphasized that permits and code‑required inspections are required before construction begins.