Northfield council affirms Planning Commission on setback variance and lot consolidation

Council unanimously affirmed two Planning Commission recommendations at the Jan. 26 meeting: a front‑yard setback variance and a parcel consolidation meant to correct lot‑line and setback constraints.

Councilmember Alan Hipps reported the Planning Commission met Jan. 19 and recommended approval of a 13.9‑foot front‑yard setback variance requested by Martin and Tabitha Stearns for property on Lowrie Boulevard (PPN 41-02583). The variance is conditioned on the applicants providing a legal description for a storm‑sewer easement identified by the village engineer and granting a 20‑foot storm‑sewer easement on the property. Hipps explained the lot is unusually shaped and a storm sewer runs diagonally across the rear property line, constraining the buildable area; the house’s living area meets the 40‑foot setback and the front of the proposed garage would not be closer to the street than the adjacent house. No members of the public spoke in opposition at the Planning Commission meeting.

Council also affirmed a Planning Commission recommendation to consolidate PPNs 41-01050 and 41-01051 at 81 Fell Avenue for applicant Judith Sabol to allow an addition. Hipps said the existing home’s footprint currently spans two lots; consolidation brings the house and the proposed addition into compliance with setback requirements and simplifies future mortgage or title matters.

Both council affirmations passed on motions recorded by roll call with unanimous votes. The council recorded the approvals and the stated conditions; applicants must provide the specified easement documentation before final administrative processing.