Erie zoning board approves rear-yard variance for 524 West 17th Street after applicant agrees to shorten addition

The City of Erie Zoning Hearing Board on an appeal filed as case 13319 approved a dimensional variance for an addition at 524 West 17th Street after the applicant agreed to reduce the size of the building.

At the hearing Art Martinucci, solicitor for the zoning hearing board, described the request as a dimensional variance under the zoning ordinance: the R‑2 district requires a 20‑foot minimum rear yard setback under section 205.5, and the applicant’s prior plan had shown a 4‑foot rear yard. The board and applicant discussed adjustments that would incorporate the alley and reduce the building footprint.

Steve Spearman, the appellant, told the board he accepted the change to reduce the building. “I’m in agreement,” Spearman said during his testimony. He later addressed the board about his personal circumstances and community work, saying he was trying “to make the world better” and thanking the board for its decision.

Board member Tom Seibald moved to approve the variance subject to the applicant removing 6 feet from the building; Laura Gunchen seconded. The board then voted in favor: the roll call recorded approvals from Seibald, King, Denton and Chairman Jeffrey Johnson. The board described the final variance as a five‑foot variance when the alley and the agreed reduction were applied.

The board’s action approved relief from the 20‑foot rear yard requirement conditioned on the applicant’s reduction of the addition; the order directs the applicant to adjust the building to produce the stated setback that includes the alley measurement.

Spearman thanked the board after the vote; he also offered remarks about his community work and said he would comply with the condition imposed by the board.

The board did not identify any additional enforcement steps or follow‑up reporting requirements during the hearing.