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Leavenworth City approves variance to allow larger, higher deck at 3004 Somerset Drive
Summary
City commissioners approved a variance allowing a 16-by-18-foot deck to extend into the required rear yard and exceed the usual 36-inch height limit at 3004 Somerset Drive; staff had recommended approval and no public objections were recorded.
Leavenworth City commissioners approved a variance for 3004 Somerset Drive that allows the property owner to replace an existing inset deck with a 16-by-18-foot deck that will project into the required rear yard and exceed the city's 36-inch height limit in Section 4.03 of the adopted development regulations.
Staff introduced the case (2025-05 BCA) and told commissioners the applicants were requesting relief from Section 4.03 to allow the larger deck. The subject parcel is 0.18 acres. Staff reported receiving no public comments on the application and recommended the variance be granted.
Contractor Ashley Brinkland, identified herself as the contractor on the project and said the existing deck is inset into the house and will remain outside the 15-foot property-line setback. "We're still staying outside of the 15-foot setback," Brinkland told commissioners. She said the proposed deck would have 6-by-6 pressure-treated posts, a 36-inch-high metal railing around the perimeter and no stairs on the addition as proposed.
City staff read the five findings required for the variance under the development regulations and asked commissioners to indicate whether they agreed each finding was met. Commissioners indicated majority support on the required criteria and the application was approved. The commission approved the variance without placing additional conditions; staff noted the project will still require a building permit and must meet applicable building codes.
No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public comment period; one resident asked clarifying questions about the deck's distance from the property line and neighboring decks. Staff and the contractor clarified that the proposed deck would measure approximately 16 feet from the property line and that neighboring houses have decks at similar or greater heights.
The action permits the deck to be reconstructed at the larger dimensions and greater height described in the application, subject to standard building-permit review and code compliance.
