ZBA approves variance to allow two-story rebuild at 714 (recorded as Bridal/Bartell) Street

The zoning board approved a variance on a unanimous voice vote to allow a two-story rebuild of a nonconforming house at 714 (the record alternately lists Bridal and Bartell) Street, saying the project poses no public-harm and attaching conditions intended to prevent new horizontal encroachments.

At the public hearing, the property owners, identified in the record as Stan and Aaron Howard, described a 1928 home with structural and accessibility problems and said they plan to remove the existing structure and rebuild it taller to address flooding and livability concerns. The applicant (the speaking resident at the meeting) said, “We love the home, but it's got one bathroom,” and described plans to raise the elevation and attach a two‑story addition to a recently built garage.

Doug, a city staff member who reviewed the plan-of-survey, told the board the lot and existing building footprint are nonconforming and grandfathered; the proposed work would be a vertical expansion that triggers relief because it increases the structure’s height. Doug recommended, and the motion adopted by the board included, a condition requiring a certified survey map (CSM) to be recorded before building permits are issued to resolve an irregular lot line shown on the current survey.

Board and staff discussion focused on what counts as structure for setback purposes. A building‑inspection–area staff member explained that stoops and attached decks are part of the structure and must be shown on foundation and plat maps; the staff clarified that uncovered steps of limited dimensions are typically allowed to encroach for access but recommended the board set explicit conditions. The board’s motion requires final foundation plans showing that the proposed front stoop will not increase horizontal encroachment; the front stoop may be shifted closer to the driveway if the plans demonstrate compliance with single‑family setback standards. The rear stoop also must remain within the applicable side‑yard allowance (7 feet under the single‑family measure discussed at the hearing).

Members cited repeated flooding at the property as a central hardship supporting the variance. One committee member summarized the rationale, saying the plan “brings it up into compliance with the ordinance” while addressing vertical encroachment rather than adding new horizontal intrusion. The board recorded no opposition in the voice vote and approved the variance with the conditions described above.

The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the approval was by voice and followed a formal motion and second. Staff will require the applicants to record the CSM and submit final foundation plans showing stoop placement and footing details before zoning sign‑off and issuance of building permits. The meeting record also notes other business: staff announced two vacancies on the board following a recent departure.

The board adjourned after completing the agenda.