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Commission approves porch encroachment at 1177 Seminole in Sycamore Village
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 approved VAR20250017 to allow a covered porch to encroach to 9.3 feet from the front property line at 1177 Seminole (Sycamore Village). Staff recommended approval citing hardship from the home’s placement; recorded vote was unanimous among commissioners present.
On Nov. 12, 2025, the Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commission approved VAR20250017, allowing a covered 48-square-foot porch to encroach into the 15-foot front setback to 9.3 feet at 1177 Seminole in Sycamore Village (TSV 131).
Desiree Luhan, senior planner and case manager, summarized the application and staff analysis. Luhan said the property is a 0.17-acre lot with a 1,568-square-foot manufactured home placed about 15.3 feet from the front property line, leaving insufficient depth for a usable porch. The requested covered porch (8 by 6 feet, 48 square feet) requires a variance because the MHC zone district sets a 15-foot front setback for covered structures. "The hardship is inherent to the lot design and home's placement and not self imposed," Luhan said, and staff recommended approval after IDRC review and confirmations from utilities and the fire marshal that no conflicts exist. Drainage issues were noted for building-permit review.
Applicant Geraldine Lopez (surname appears variably in the record; spelling standardized here as "Geraldine Lopez Keane" pending official record confirmation) described safety problems entering her home, saying the existing steps have no secure landing and that she has fallen from the steps, which has complicated medical access. She told the commission the porch would provide safer access for residents and emergency personnel.
A commissioner moved and another seconded the staff-recommended motion; roll-call votes were recorded as: Easton — yes; Hill — yes; Adler — yes; Nochley (recorded as Nockley in the roll-call) — yes; Brown — yes. The motion passed. The chair read appeal instructions and the 15-calendar-day filing window under the development code.
Staff will prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law reflecting the commission’s decision. The approval authorizes construction subject to standard building-permit review, including drainage and structural checks.
