Board grants variance to allow covered patio closer to rear lot line in Hidden Valley Ranch

The Prescott Board of Adjustments on Feb. 20 approved a variance allowing a covered patio to be built with an 8‑foot rear yard setback, reduced from the standard 15 feet, for a property in the Hidden Valley Ranch subdivision.

Tammy Duett, City of Prescott community planner, presented the request (V25‑001) and said the subdivision was platted as a planned area development that provided flexibility in lot sizes and setbacks. Duett told the board the parcel’s terrain constrained home placement and that a similar 8‑foot setback had been approved in February 2019 but lapsed because the permit was not exercised within 12 months. Duett said staff mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet and received one letter from a neighbor with concerns about property values and fire risk; no other public comments were received.

The applicant, JD Greenberg, told the board he initially sought a larger encroachment because of measurements and post and roof concerns but, after consulting his builder, concluded the previously approved 8‑foot setback would meet his needs. Greenberg said the roof of the proposed patio will project slightly less than the depth of the concrete pad and that his neighbor raised no objection at the earlier hearing. "I figured out that I wanted to just keep things simple," Greenberg said, explaining his decision to duplicate the prior approval.

Tom Davis moved to approve the variance to reduce the rear setback to 8 feet as previously approved; Miriam Hawbrick seconded. The board approved the variance, 5‑0.

The variance allows the homeowner to proceed with plans for a covered patio consistent with the earlier site plan; the applicant and staff noted the homeowner had performed a recent Firewise assessment and said fire‑wise measures would continue to be considered during permitting.