Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hammond BZA approves reduced-lot variance for DVR Construction duplex despite neighbor flooding concerns
Summary
The Board approved a variance reducing the minimum lot area to allow a two-family attached dwelling for DVR Construction, subject to technical review and removal of a nonessential curb cut; neighbors raised flooding and parking worries, which the petitioner said would be mitigated by grading and on-site parking.
The Hammond Board of Zoning Appeals approved Dec. 2 a developmental variance allowing DVR Construction LLC to build a two-family attached dwelling on a lot that falls short of the R1 district’s minimum lot area requirement. The board voted 5–0 to approve the variance with conditions including final technical review of building and site plans and removal of a nonessential curb cut.
Petitioner Jeff Callahan said the property is properly zoned and meets required setbacks and width but lacks the required total square footage; he requested the same consideration given to other nearby duplexes that also fall short of the ordinance’s minimum. Staff summarized the request as a reduction from 6,250 square feet to 5,295 square feet and recommended approval subject to two conditions: (1) final technical review and approval of building and site plans by city staff and (2) removal of a nonessential curb cut to discourage future off-lawn driving.
Neighbors voiced concerns. Robert Click, who lives on the corner of 167th, said demolition and backfilling at the site have caused flooding onto his and an adjacent property and questioned whether the proposed grading and parking would prevent runoff; he also said two on-site parking spaces would be insufficient for two-family occupancy. Betty Wheatley of 2615 167th raised similar flooding concerns and said living next to a two-story home would feel like living in a “fishbowl.”
Callahan responded that he inherited the lot conditions, that work would include professional grading to direct runoff away from neighboring properties, and that four parking spaces will be provided at the rear of the lot with additional street parking available. He also confirmed the tree on the lot would be removed and said the building footprint is approximately 1,100 square feet per floor (about 2,100 total).
After discussion, the board adopted staff findings and voted to approve the variance 5–0, with the two staff conditions to be enforced at final plan review by city staff.
