Applicant seeks holdover to resolve neighborhood petition on proposed duplex at 357 Coventry Way

The Board of Adjustment approved a 30-day holdover for the variance request to convert 357 Coventry Way from a single-family house to a duplex after the applicant said he received a petition in opposition late and had not had time to meet neighbors. Applicant Charles Zanta told the board he and the purchasers bought the single-family property intending to convert the lower level for rental occupancy. Board members and planning staff raised issues about required parking — 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit — and two spaces on the submitted site plan that staff described as substandard. The planning staff also noted other outstanding submittals and code compliance items. Why it matters: Converting single-family homes into duplexes in an R-1 district requires a variance and raises neighborhood concerns about parking and compatibility. The applicant requested more time to meet neighbors and finalize site plans; the board held the application over to the next meeting. What happened in the hearing: The applicant, identified as Charles Zanta, said he had met some neighbors but received a petition of roughly 14 signatures the Friday before the hearing and lacked time to respond. Board member Morris encouraged a neighborhood meeting; planning staff said a holdover could benefit the applicant so he could address the petition and outstanding staff comments. Conditions and next steps: The applicant requested a 30-day holdover to the Sept. 8 meeting and said the architect and surveyor would provide revised plans showing adequate parking and other items. The board approved the holdover and instructed the applicant to meet with staff and neighbors and submit revised plans addressing the staff report.