The Planning and Architectural Review Board on Sept. 2 recommended approval of application PVAR25-0003, a variance request allowing Legacy Pointe Cottages at 2401 Leslie Street to keep a 40-foot right-of-way instead of the 50-foot right-of-way required by the city’s standard drawings. The board’s recommendation was unanimous in a roll call vote.

The variance matters because the shortfall affects the layout and required setbacks for the proposed multiunit project. Holly, a city planning staff member, told the board the engineer’s report was included with the application and that the project seeks to maintain the existing 40-foot platted right-of-way on Leslie Street and use a 40-foot right-of-way on Joyce Street rather than the 50-foot standard. A staff member identified as Bill said the existing Leslie Street is already paved and that the developer will improve Joyce Street; Bill said, “Even with the 40 foot right away, we had no issues with it.”

Katie, representing the property owner, said the cottages are about 800 square feet each and described them as two-bedroom, one-bath units that will be offered as long-term rentals. She told the board the development team attempted for about a year, beginning in November, to acquire an additional 10 feet of easement from neighboring property owners but was unable to reach agreement with either the Parker family on one side or representatives of the CVS property on the other. “We even asked…we were ghosted,” Katie said of efforts to finalize a transfer with CVS’s counsel.

Two Parker family members spoke during public comment. Karen Parker Bradley said the family refused the easement request because a septic drain field installed in 2021 sits in the front yard and would be at risk from construction equipment. “It would be driving across if they have to do any work. They'd have heavy equipment on top of the drain field,” Parker Bradley told the board, adding that the family did not object to the development itself so long as their drain field and yard were not impacted. Brandy Parker, another family member, said she had questions about who pays property taxes on the CVS parcel and why negotiations had not progressed further, but said she had “no problem with the 40 feet” provided the family’s property would not be impacted.

Board members asked several procedural questions, including whether Joyce Street would be improved as part of the project; staff confirmed the developer will complete that work. Board members also discussed the historical platting of the neighborhood, with staff noting many older subdivisions were platted with 40-foot rights-of-way and that forcing a 50-foot standard in those locations can create setback conflicts for existing lots. The board distinguished discussion points from formal action throughout the item.

After public comment, a board member moved to recommend approval of application PVAR25-0003 and another member seconded. The board then took a roll call: Barbara Revels — yes; Scott Chapus — yes; Lisa Smith — yes; Bodie Asberg — yes; Chair Susie Johnston — yes. The motion carried.

Discussion: Recordings and the staff report show the board’s approval was a formal recommendation to allow the developer to proceed under the requested variance; the developer will carry out Joyce Street improvements as part of the project. The transcript records attempts by the applicant to acquire an additional easement and neighbor objections tied specifically to a drain field installed in 2021. The board did not attach conditions in the motion noted in the transcript.

Next steps: The board’s recommendation was recorded during the meeting. The transcript does not specify subsequent hearings, permits, or the exact administrative routing for final approvals beyond the board’s recommendation. The project team or the city will need to complete any remaining permitting and construction approvals elsewhere in the city process.