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Commission grants variance and denies neighbor remonstrance for Roosevelt Way addition with reduced balconies
Summary
After hours of testimony from neighbors and the applicant, the commission approved a fourth‑floor addition at 165–167 Roosevelt Way and granted a reduced rear‑yard balcony variance (maximum 3 ft 6 in projection and no wider than the window openings), declining the discretionary-review request.
The Planning Commission on April 25 granted the requested rear‑yard variance for balconies and approved a fourth‑floor addition at 165–167 Roosevelt Way, after narrowing the balcony dimensions in response to neighbor concerns about privacy and light.
Background and dispute: The property owner sought a vertical addition and rear balconies; adjacent property owners filed a discretionary review (Doctor) arguing the additions would increase massing, block light and create privacy and noise issues. Opponents emphasized the lot’s irregular triangular shape, the existing noncompliant condition and multiple existing variances; they urged denial or significant redesign.
Applicant revisions: The sponsor reduced balcony depth to 3'6" and narrowed the width to match the proposed window openings after outreach sessions. Staff reviewed shadow studies and topography and noted a 62-foot rear-yard separation in parts of the block; staff concluded the revised balcony dimensions reduced impacts and recommended approval with conditions that stairs meet minimum building-code requirements and balcony projection be limited.
Decision: After extended public testimony from both sides, commissioners voted not to sustain the Doctor request (i.e., they declined to uphold the neighbours’ discretionary objection) and approved the project with the conditions recommended by the zoning administrator limiting balcony projection to 3'6" and requiring stair/landing dimensions meet code. The motion passed unanimously.
