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Oak Grove Planning Commission recommends approval for variance to place accessory building forward of house
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variance allowing an accessory structure closer to the front lot line than the principal house at 2190 First Avenue NW, with conditions tied to residential district standards. The commission will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action.
The Oak Grove Planning Commission on Thursday recommended approval of a variance to allow an accessory building closer to the front lot line than the principal structure at 2190 First Avenue Northwest, applicant Tyler Falconer.
The commission voted to adopt staff findings and to forward the recommendation to the City Council with conditions including compliance with sidewall height (maximum 16 feet), impervious surface (maximum 35 percent), and minimum setbacks (side 20 feet and front 30 feet). The commission also required the accessory structureto match the principal structure in materials and architecture.
Applicant Tyler Falconer told commissioners he lives at 2190 First Avenue Northwest and described the proposed placement as the most logical location on the lot, citing a recently reconstructed septic system, steep slopes, a wetland on the south side of the lot and preservation of mature trees. "I don't believe that I'll have to take any trees down," Falconer said during the hearing.
Emily (staff) told the commission the 2.5-acre single-family lot has practical difficulties that justify a variance because putting an accessory structure in front of the house is otherwise prohibited for lots under three acres. The staff report, included in the record, describes the placement as accessible from the existing driveway and in a relatively clear area of the parcel.
No members of the public spoke in opposition; one neighbor, Jerry Marco, submitted a letter of support that staff read into the record. After asking whether the applicant had revisited the site since a prior sketch-plan review and whether the proposal would minimize tree removal, commissioners moved to adopt the staff memo and draft findings and recommend approval to the City Council.
Motion: Commissioner Farah moved to adopt the staff memorandum into the record, accept the application, exhibits and testimony, recommend approval with the stipulations in the staff memo and adopt the draft findings of fact. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion. Vote: Aye (unanimous). The commission's recommendation now goes to the City Council; staff told the applicant the item would likely appear on a council consent agenda in October.
