Zoning Board approves front-setback variance for 501 Park Avenue

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance on the request of owner and applicant Linda Pitts to reduce the front setback facing Monroe Street at 501 Park Avenue from 25 feet to 5 feet (Decision No. 25 Victor 01). The board passed the motion to approve during its February 2025 meeting.

The board’s findings, read into the record by staff, say the board applied the relevant sections of the zoning ordinance and concluded the request met the required variance criteria. The written findings state that strict adherence to the code would cause practical difficulties or undue hardship due to site characteristics not applicable to most properties in the same district; the hardship was not created by the applicant; the variance would not grant a special privilege; the variance represents the minimum necessary; it is compatible with adjacent properties; and it does not conflict with the comprehensive plan.

The board noted the variance is discretionary — “a variance is not a right and may be granted to the applicant only if the applicant establishes that strict adherence to this code will result in practical difficulties or undue hardship,” language the board read as part of its findings.

No additional conditions or modifications to the variance were listed in the board’s verbal action. The motion to approve was made and seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting. The written decision references the January 2025 decision and states the board “revisited today” before approving.

The board’s action permits construction or other development to proceed with the reduced 5-foot setback facing Monroe Street at 501 Park Avenue. The record does not specify the precise scope of work to follow under the variance, nor any permits or subsequent approvals that may be required.