BZA allows front‑setback paving at 752 Weaver St., citing safety and existing use
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Summary
The board granted a variance to allow asphalt paving in the front setback at 752 Weaver Street after the owner said he paved a preexisting gravel area to improve safety for a student who lives there; the board applied the standard condition and will send written notice.
The Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 20 granted a variance to Adam Shively for paving a front setback area at 752 Weaver Street, concluding the asphalted surface — which the owner said had been used informally for years — provided a public‑safety benefit by keeping vehicles off a narrow street.
Planning staff described VAR25‑104 and noted that the front paving was outside the permitted area; staff included aerial photos, a site plan and images of the completed work and recommended consideration subject to the standard planning condition. Adam Shively told the board he purchased the house for his college‑age son, invested about $140,000 in renovations, and paid roughly $12,000 to asphalt the front area because on‑street parking is tight and the paved surface stabilizes material washing down from the road.
Board members discussed front‑setback standards and preexisting nonconforming uses, and planning staff said the engineering department had suggested reverting to a nonimpervious surface (grass or faux lawn) if the variance were denied. Several members said the paved surface appears to improve safety by removing cars from the street. The board accepted the findings of fact and approved the variance with the standard condition; planning will send written notification and reminded Shively that the decision can be appealed within 30 days.