Commission grants 4-foot rear-yard variance for deck at 24241 Wendover Drive

Joseph Calderwood of Centimeters Consulting Group LLC appeared on behalf of property owners Avery and Alyssa Joelle and requested preliminary and final site-plan approval to replace and expand a deteriorated rear deck at 24241 Wendover Drive.

Calderwood said the existing deck is in poor condition and the project would remove the old structure and build a new deck extended 4 feet farther back to accommodate a sukkah; because the lot is unusually shallow, the proposal requires a variance from the rear-yard setback requirement.

The planner’s report (read by Mr. Renick) cited Section 1113.03, which requires a rear-yard setback equal to 20% of average lot depth (calculated here as 23 feet). The applicant asked to reduce the required rear-yard setback by 4 feet, to 19 feet — a roughly 17% reduction. The planner advised that, given the modest size of the request, the unenclosed character of the deck, and minimal impact on stormwater runoff and neighbors, the commission could find a practical difficulty and grant the variance subject to stipulated findings under the municipal code.

City engineering reported no objections and recommended approval. Commissioners reviewed photos and site context and noted a neighbor’s raised patio of similar depth. Commissioner Hecht moved to grant PNZ2024-26 on the grounds set forth in the planner’s report; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote.

The approval applies only to the variance and site-plan elements discussed; any building permits or additional conditions are subject to later departmental review.