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Pewaukee board approves 20-foot front-setback variance for Prospect Avenue lot
Summary
The Pewaukee Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance reducing the required front-street setback from 30 feet to 20 feet at W 278 N 2381 Prospect Avenue, allowing the applicant to build a new home on a sharply angled lot.
The Pewaukee Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to reduce the front-street setback from 30 feet to 20 feet for property at W 278 N 2381 Prospect Avenue, allowing applicant Travis Tuttle to build a new home on the lot.
The variance was requested because of the lot’s unusual angle and existing neighborhood alignment; staff recommended approval, and the board voted to grant the variance after public comment from the applicant and nearby property owners.
Travis Tuttle, the applicant, told the board he bought the lot in December and worked with a builder, YouBuildIt, and city staff to design a house that meets other standards but cannot be placed on the lot under the current 30-foot front setback because of the parcel’s angle. Tuttle said the existing structure sits very close to the road and that surrounding homes along Prospect Avenue have smaller setbacks. He said he is proposing a 20-foot front setback and would work with a civil engineer on mitigation to minimize hardscape and runoff.
City staff (Nick, city staff) told the board that averaging of neighboring setbacks does not apply in this case because there is no residential property directly to the south, that the city requires a 900-square-foot minimum first floor, and that the proposed plan includes an attached garage. "Staff did recommend approval, and felt there was not an adverse impact to neighbors or the surrounding area," Nick said.
Neighbor and nearby property owner Tim Kaya spoke in support, saying a home set back 20 feet would be safer and more attractive than the existing structure adjacent to a busy business, and that the proposal would better align with neighboring houses. Another nearby business owner also indicated support.
Board members discussed the legal standard for a variance, asking whether there was an "unnecessary hardship" and whether the parcel’s unique characteristics justified relief. A board member said the lot’s configuration and safety concerns supported the request. One board member noted rebuilding within the exact same footprint of the existing structure would allow a reconstruction at the roughly 5.8-foot setback but said that outcome would be undesirable for safety and neighborhood fit.
A motion to approve the variance as requested was made and seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed. The board closed the hearing and directed the applicant to follow up with city staff on required permit paperwork and any additional documentation.
Next steps for the applicant include submitting final building plans and any required mitigation details to city staff and completing the permit process before construction begins.
