Planning commission approves variance for addition at 876 Slayton Street

The Forest Park Planning Commission on Sept. 18 approved a variance reducing the minimum side-yard setback at 876 Slayton Street from 10 feet to 5 feet to permit an addition to the primary residence owned by Patricia Maxwell.

Staff described the lot as approximately 0.248 acres in Ward 2 (parcel 13047DC014) in the single-family residential district and cited applicable development standards (referenced in the staff report as section 8-829 and the variance findings in section 8-8193). Staff noted the requested encroachment represents a 50% reduction in the required side setback and recommended approval with conditions designed to protect adjacent properties and neighborhood character.

Staff’s recommended conditions required substantial compliance with the submitted site plan, limiting the reduced setback to the portion of the structure shown on the approved plans, on-site drainage management for roof runoff, compliance with building and fire codes, a fence permit review for the existing privacy fence, resolution of an outstanding stop-work order for unpermitted exterior siding prior to issuing a building permit, and vegetative screening if windows or active living space sit close to the property line.

Patricia Maxwell, the property owner, told the commission: "The only reason that I wanted to do it is because I'm getting ready to retire, so I wanted to fix the place up before I retire." Her contractor, Sherra Sutton, spoke in support and said they would address the unpermitted siding work and obtain required permits and inspections.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the variance with the staff-recommended conditions by voice vote.