Board of Zoning Adjustment grants variances to subdivide lots at South Seventeenth Street and South I Street

The Board of Zoning Adjustment granted variances on an 8-0 vote to allow subdivision of a Fix Sheryl Addition lot into two single-family lots at the locations described as 923 South Seventeenth Street (proposed Lot 6A) and 1711 South I Street (proposed Lot 6B) in the RM-4 zone.

Staff presented the variance request filed by Mr. Patana as agent for property owner Sean Horn. The petition sought relief from the RM-4 area and bulk standards: reducing minimum lot area at 923 South Seventeenth Street from 5,000 square feet to 3,800 square feet (proposed Lot 6A); reducing minimum lot area at 1711 South I Street from 5,000 to 3,000 square feet (proposed Lot 6B); reducing front-yard setback from 20 feet to 12 feet and side-yard setback from 5 feet to 0 feet at 1711 South I Street. Staff said the variances would permit reconstruction of a recently demolished dwelling at the Seventeenth Street address and allow the existing dwelling on South I Street to remain on its own lot. The applicant argued strict enforcement of the UDO would prevent reasonable redevelopment and cited prior renovation work at nearby 919 South Seventeenth Street as part of neighborhood revitalization.

Staff recommended approval with conditions: both lots restricted to single-family residences (no duplexes or multifamily), a minimum of two on-site parking spaces per residence at time of construction, orientation of the reconstructed Lot 6A dwelling toward South Seventeenth Street to match adjacent homes, and that the Final Plat for the Fix Bridal Addition Lots 6A and 6B be filed with Sebastian County prior to issuance of building permits. One neighboring property owner attended the applicant’s neighborhood meeting and staff reported no opposition following follow-up contact. The Board called the roll and recorded unanimous approval. Conditions will be enforced at permit review and platting.