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BZA grants setback and sidewalk variances for duplex at 1215 N. Woodburn
Summary
The board approved V‑19‑25, allowing a two‑story duplex at 1215 North Woodburn with a reduced front‑parking setback and a determinant sidewalk variance; conditions require permits, a recorded zoning commitment for the sidewalk variance, and street trees.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance petition V‑19‑25 from Lance and Gretchen Widener to allow construction of a two‑story duplex at 1215 North Woodburn Avenue that would include alley‑access parking and a waiver of the normal sidewalk/planting‑strip requirement along the short Kenwood frontage.
Zoning planner and GIS analyst David Brentez presented the staff report and recommended approval, saying the property’s narrow local street and the block’s low traffic made a determinant sidewalk variance appropriate. He described the parcel as 50 by 132 feet and explained that strict application of the front parking setback on both frontages would leave no room for surface parking; the petition proposes a 27‑by‑32 parking area accessed from the alley.
Architect Matt Ellenwood and owner Lance Widener presented the design and confirmed the units will be rentals. Ellenwood described two similar four‑bedroom unit plans with three bedrooms on the upper floor and one on the ground floor and said the design responds to surrounding two‑story development. Staff recommended and the board adopted findings that the narrow Kenwood Drive (one block less than 500 feet and low volume) constitutes a peculiar condition supporting the sidewalk variance.
The board approved the requested variances with three conditions: a building permit is required before construction, a recorded zoning commitment for the determinant sidewalk variance must be filed prior to permit issuance, and required street trees must be planted along both frontages (motion language specified trees spaced no more than 30 feet on center). The vote was unanimous in favor at roll call.
Staff noted the proposed new structure will meet required setbacks otherwise and will bring the property into greater dimensional compliance compared with the existing house. With the conditions, the project proceeds to the building permit and construction phases.
