Zoning Board of Appeals approves front‑setback variance for 501 Park Avenue

At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Galena Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance that will let owner-applicant Linda Pitts build an attached addition and double-stall garage at 501 Park Avenue that reduces the front setback along Monroe Street.

The board said the application met the zoning code’s variance criteria after a public hearing. Linda Pitts testified that she owns the house at 501 Park Avenue (the house she grew up in) and wants the addition to make the house more usable, including “to be able to park my car when I'm here” and for additional storage. She also said prior grading had placed dirt beyond the original yard area and that the site needs drainage work.

A board member read the checklist of required findings aloud on the record and concluded the application satisfied the standards, citing a unique hardship, a determination that the hardship was not self-inflicted, that approval would not confer a special privilege, and that the variance appeared to be the minimum necessary and compatible with adjacent properties. Board discussion noted the neighboring house already sits closer to Monroe Street, that the proposed garage would sit well back from the travel lane and should not create turning or sight-line issues, and that retaining or drainage work would likely be needed.

After closing the public hearing, the board voted to approve the variance. The roll call recorded affirmative votes by Gates, Monahan, Honey, Enfiler, Lorenzink, Stiebe and Rosenblatt; the motion passed unanimously.

The board’s action approves the setback reduction as requested; staff and the applicant may proceed with any required building or permit steps and any site work to address drainage or retaining walls.

Documentation in the meeting record shows the applicant’s testimony and the board’s findings were entered into the public record during the hearing.