Planning body approves three setback variances for Burkeholm Brookhaven townhome project

The planning body approved three variances Thursday to let the Burkeholm Brookhaven townhome development build closer to property lines than current rules allow.

Planning staff opened the meeting by saying the agenda included two items and described the first as “a request for variance” for 211 Cunningham Drive, a proposed 49-unit Burkeholm Brookhaven townhome subdivision. The applicant is working with the city to provide right-of-way for a planned east–west road extension; staff said that portion of the new street forces the proposed buildings to shift and triggered the variance requests.

In a motion that was seconded and approved by voice vote, commissioners granted a 13.5-foot variance from the 25-foot minimum front-yard setback, a 5-foot variance from the 10-foot minimum side-yard setback, and a 5-foot variance from the 20-foot minimum side-yard-on-street setback. Planning staff recommended approval and said the developer is coordinating the right-of-way dedication with the city so the new street can be built.

Staff explained the larger context for the variances: the developer is dedicating land so the planned connector road will eventually run east–west from Veterans Parkway across the railroad and through Airport Road and Cunningham Drive toward Gateway and Thomason. Where the new right-of-way will intersect Cunningham Drive, the plan calls for a roundabout and a chamfered corner that reduces buildable area on the lot; the requested relief addresses that constraint.

Staff also noted that letters were mailed to adjoining property owners and a sign was posted; to staff’s knowledge, no public comments were received on this item and the applicant was not present for the public hearing. The staff presentation included proposed landscaping and design images intended to address buffering and neighborhood character.

The motion language recorded in the meeting was: “I move that we approve the 13 and a half foot, front yard setback variance from, 25 foot minimum front yard setback. We also approved the 5 foot side yard setback variance from the 10 foot minimum side yard setback. And then we also approved the 5 foot side yard on street variance from the 20 foot minimum side yard, requirements.” The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Planning staff said they will continue to work with the applicant on the project’s final design and right-of-way dedication.

Less critical details: staff displayed proposed landscaping and noted the new street alignment and roundabout will require coordination on right-of-way acquisition and construction timing; no specific construction schedule or building permits were announced at the meeting.