Commission approves 10‑foot front‑setback variance at 1605 East Lewis to allow infill home

The commission approved a front‑setback variance for 1605 East Lewis Street that reduces the required 25‑foot front setback to a 10‑foot request from the right‑of‑way edge to permit construction of a 1,387‑square‑foot house with a 510‑square‑foot attached garage. Planner Lester Sheeverson described the parcel as irregularly shaped and noted that a strict enforcement of the 25‑foot front setback would push the proposed house far back onto the lot, necessitating removal of mature cottonwood trees and producing a house location out of character with neighboring lots. Sheeverson said the proposed house would still be roughly 40 feet from the constructed pavement edge on East Lewis because the right‑of‑way extends beyond the pavement.

Staff noted neighborhood precedent — several neighboring lots encroach into the Lewis Street right‑of‑way — and that fire, building and public‑works departments did not object to the request. Public comments included support for tree preservation and concerns about flood plain proximity; planning staff explained the lot lies outside the regulated flood plain though within a 500‑year flood area and that the proposal would not move structures closer to regulated flood boundaries. Commissioners said the request fit the hardship criteria (lot shape and limited buildable area), that the proposal would preserve trees and neighborhood character, and that public safety and code compliance would be maintained. The variance was approved by unanimous roll call.