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Staff finds no physical hardship for proposed porte‑cochere variance at 316 Steeplechase; commission to take final action
Summary
An intern planner briefed the commission that the application to reduce the front setback from 25 feet to 10 feet and to enlarge a carport allowance for a porte‑cochere at 316 Steeplechase shows no undue physical hardship; commissioners discussed private‑street access and HOA approvals before the hearing.
Will Boyle, an intern planner with the City of Irving, presented a request on April 7 for variances at 316 Steeplechase in a PUD (single‑family) neighborhood to allow construction of a porte‑cochere. The applicant seeks a 15‑foot reduction to the minimum front setback (from 25 feet to 10 feet) and an increase in the allowable carport size from 400 square feet to 495 square feet. Staff’s written finding, reported at the work session, is that no undue physical hardship is evident with the property.
Staff confirmed the proposed porte‑cochere would sit outside the 10‑foot utility easement along the front of the lot and that there are no City of Irving utilities in that easement. Illustrative elevations were provided by the applicant; staff noted design is not regulated by the city through the variance process but that the commission will take final action at the public hearing.
Commissioners raised access and process questions. One commissioner asked whether the applicant had obtained approval from the Las Colinas Association or other private association that controls access to the private street; staff indicated the applicant reported such approval but said the applicant would confirm. Commissioners asked that memos prominently note when a property sits on a restricted‑access or private street and suggested applicants provide a contact or visitor list so commissioners can view a site when access is controlled. Staff said they provided commissioners’ names to the applicant for access in this case.
No final decision was recorded in the work session; staff will place the item on the public hearing agenda and the commission is expected to take final action at that time.
