Variance granted to vest existing carport setback at 3209 W. Barcelona; new additions must meet standard setback
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Sign Up Free
Summary
The board granted a variance to allow an existing nonconforming carport at 3209 West Barcelona to remain at 1.4 feet from the rear property line, but required that any new additions meet the 3-foot accessory-structure setback and included a condition about gutters and stormwater management.
The Variance Review Board granted a variance to recognize and vest the existing nonconforming carport at 3209 West Barcelona Street, allowing the structure as-built at approximately 1.4 feet from the rear property line to be enclosed. The board conditioned approval so that any new portion of an accessory structure added after the variance must meet the required 3-foot rear-yard setback.
Nicole Emerson, architect for the applicant Chris Hite, said the carport dates to 1955 and was shown to be nonconforming after a recent survey. The owners said enclosing the carport and modestly expanding to a total accessory-structure area below the 600-square-foot limit would provide much-needed storage and a multipurpose room for adult children and aging parents. Staff from Transportation, Water, Wastewater and Stormwater found the request consistent with conditions.
Neighbors expressed concern about the full scope of the proposed addition and the potential for an imposing 15-foot structure near their property line; the owners offered a compromise that any new portion would be pushed forward to meet the 3-foot setback. Board members accepted this compromise and the motion to grant included conditions that new additions must meet code setbacks and that gutters and stormwater measures be used.
Action: Motion to grant variance to vest the existing carport at 1.4 feet was approved with a condition that any new expansion be a minimum of 3 feet from the rear property line and that gutters/stormwater management be used to prevent runoff onto adjacent properties. Motion carried 4–0.
Why it matters: The decision preserves an existing structure while preventing future additions from further increasing nonconformity and potential impacts on neighboring properties.
Next steps: Applicant to apply for building permits for the enclosure and any work must show compliance with the board’s condition (new work ≥3 ft from rear property line) and include gutters/drainage details in permit applications.