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Setback variances for proposed 16-townhome project approved, subject to historic-review
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Summary
Members approved setback variances for a proposed 16-unit townhome development at 519 S. 7th Street and 708 Avenue E; staff recommended approval but noted final sign-off by the historic preservation commission is required and site plan review remains a condition.
Members at the meeting approved setback variances for a proposed 16-townhome project in the Geneva Southside Historic District but staff said final design approval rests with the historic preservation commission.
Planning staff introduced the second agenda item as a request from Ken Pilant (representing Python LLC) for setback variances on two adjacent lots at 519 South 7th Street and 708 Avenue E in a C-2 zone. Staff said the planning commission had previously approved a conditional use for 16 townhomes and that, because the product is residential in a C-2 zone, applicable setbacks are reduced but the applicant is requesting to set buildings as close as 10 feet to property lines where typical setbacks would otherwise be larger (fronts of 25–30 feet under some rules). Staff recommended approval, calling the proposed 10-foot setback reasonable in light of historic patterns along 7th Street where many buildings sit 5–12 feet off the sidewalk.
Staff noted the project proposes three-story townhomes with garages on the ground floor and living units above and reiterated that the historic preservation commission has not yet given final approval; any board approval would be subject to that commission's review of design and setback details. When asked about height, staff said the zoning-maximum height is 75 feet but that the historic commission often limits new construction in the district to a scale more consistent with surrounding one- and two-story buildings. Staff also described parking plans that would provide two garage spaces per unit plus two additional spaces behind each unit (effectively four spaces per unit as designed) and said the city engineer is considering whether some adjacent on-street parking could be restriped to add spaces.
A board member moved to approve the variances as presented; a second was noted, an aye vote was recorded, and the chair announced the motion carried. Staff reiterated that final approval is subject to site plan details and the historic-preservation commission.
The meeting then moved to adjournment.
