Board approves setback variances for Johnson residence in Peoria area

The Maricopa County Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 to approve variances for the Johnson residence at 7437 West Pekoma Drive, allowing a 14-foot front-yard setback where 40 feet is required and a 23-foot west side setback where 30 feet is required.

Rachel, a planning staff member, told the board the parcel in the Peoria area is zoned Rural-43, measures about 72,167 square feet and has an open code violation for unpermitted construction that includes a patio and garage addition. She said the prior owner received a building permit in March 2017 but did not complete required inspections and staff was unable to locate the original site plan to confirm how the work was permitted.

Applicant Rolena Johnson told the board, “the home is already built. I live there with my 6 kids,” and said she cannot tear the house down; she said completing the variance is the remaining step before finalizing her building-permit review. Staff confirmed the final permit cannot be issued until the zoning variance is resolved. Darren, a county planner, noted that an upcoming zoning ordinance change will reduce the street-side setback, which informed the board’s consideration.

Member Ball moved for approval, citing a special circumstance tied to driveway location, the possibility of a prior permitting error and the pending zoning change; Vice Chair Persson seconded. The board approved the variance by roll call, 5-0.

The decision memorializes minimum setbacks for the property so the applicant can finalize the building-permit process. The board offered brief congratulatory remarks to the applicant and closed the item.