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Hearing officer approves Avant townhomes front‑setback variance after pedestrian connectivity discussion
Summary
A hearing officer approved a variance increasing the front setback for one building in the Avant townhome project at 1260 Fairfax Manor Drive due to sanitary easement constraints; the petitioner extended sidewalks to preserve walkability and planning staff supported approval.
The hearing officer approved a front‑setback variance for a townhome building in the Avant project at 1260 Fairfax Manor Drive (Grand and Main Subdivision Block 3A) during the June 23, 2025 hearing officer meeting.
Gahan Mendez of American StructurePoint, representing Mackenzie Homes, explained technical constraints — notably a sanitary easement on the north side of the site — that prevented moving the leftmost building farther west without encroaching on the easement. Mendez said the design includes extended sidewalks across the site to maintain pedestrian connectivity and increased green space along the street. A nearby resident, Jack Feldman, testified with concerns that increasing setbacks can reduce pedestrian vibrancy and the walkable feel of townhome neighborhoods.
Planning staff supported the variance, noting the petitioner could still meet the required setback along Fairfax Manor Drive and recommending approval and adoption of findings of fact. The hearing officer approved the variance on the condition the petitioner finalize outstanding ProjectDocs comments and adopt the findings. The docket is PZ‑2025‑00115 (District PUD §5.1(b)).
