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Planning commission approves corner‑sideyard variance for 1438 South State
Summary
The Lockport Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance to reduce the corner sideyard requirement from 25 feet to 7 feet for a vacant lot at 1438 South State, finding the lot’s 40‑foot width and corner configuration create a hardship and that the reduction won’t harm sight lines or neighborhood character.
The Lockport Planning & Zoning Commission on May 13 approved a variance allowing a corner‑sideyard setback of 7 feet — down from the 25‑foot requirement — for a proposed single‑family home at 1438 South State.
Staff told commissioners the owner, Narius Sopronos, applied for the variance from zoning ordinance section 156.073 because the 40‑foot lot width and its corner‑lot geometry would leave only about 9 feet of building width if the full setbacks applied. Melissa, a city planner, noted the original public notice said the reduction sought would be to 14 feet, but because the property line at this lot starts 8 feet off the sidewalk (not the typical 1 foot), the practical reduction is to 7 feet.
The staff report walked commissioners through the required findings of fact: that the lot’s size and platting create a hardship not caused by the current owner; that the variance would not materially harm public welfare, sight lines, light or air to neighboring properties; and that the change is in keeping with the Heritage Residential character of the area. Staff recommended approval.
Commissioners asked whether future fences or other improvements would be affected. Staff answered that fences would have to be placed on the property line — in this case about 8 feet off the sidewalk — and that the downtown right‑of‑way in the Heritage Residential district is unusually wide (staff said most downtown streets were platted with an 80‑foot right‑of‑way and State Street is 100 feet), which helps preserve sight lines.
There was no public comment. Commissioner Matt O’Hare said he walks the area and thought the proposed house would fit the neighborhood. The commission adopted findings of fact and approved the variance on a roll‑call vote (Quinn yes; Calderon absent; Peters yes; Lyens yes; Mechek yes; O’Hare yes; Georgetti yes).
The commission noted that a variation decision is final with the planning and zoning commission and does not go to city council.
