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Board approves lot-size variance to enable subdivision at 511 West Second Street
Summary
The Board of Adjustment on June 9 granted a variance to reduce the minimum lot area for 511 West Second Street from the 6,000-square-foot requirement to 5,837 square feet, allowing a proposed zoning change to R-1C and subsequent lot division; the city directed the zoning administrator to proceed with the change and preliminary plat process.
The City of Washington Board of Adjustment on June 9 granted a lot-size variance for 511 West Second Street, allowing a proposed subdivision and a zoning change to R-1C despite the property falling below the 6,000-square-foot minimum lot area set in city code.
City staff presented the request as a common local subdivision pattern and noted surrounding parcels include R-1C and two-family zoning. The staff recommendation was for approval of a variance to permit a 5,837-square-foot lot where city code section 400.065(F)(4) requires a 6,000-square-foot minimum lot area. The resolution directs the city zoning administrator to proceed with the change in zoning request and subsequent platting steps.
Mark Frankenberg, representing the applicants and identified as associated with downtown Washington plats, told the board the proposed adjustment avoids an awkward, "crooked" lot line and preserves driveway access. "We thought about cranking the back end, but it doesn't give them as much driveway in use," Frankenberg said. He added that ownership and financing considerations were motivating the request and said, "they say the insurance is a lot cheaper if you own all of it."
The board read a resolution that finds the property is within the city limits and in a proposed R-1C single-family attached residential zoning district, states the city code minimum lot area and grants the variance to 5,837 square feet provided all ordinances and regulations are met. The city zoning administrator was directed to proceed with the zoning change. The roll call recorded Kevin Creedy as yes, Gwen Montel as yes, Mark Scornia as yes and Samantha Wacker as yes; Jason Pelin was recorded as not voting/present in the roll call at the resolution reading. The action outcome was recorded as approved.
The variance reduces the lot below the 6,000-square-foot minimum by 163 square feet and is intended to facilitate a clean lot line and preserve driveway access in a neighborhood where similar lot patterns exist.
