Board conditionally approves side‑yard variance for three‑story home pending overlay confirmation

The Board of Adjustment voted June 18 to approve a variance reducing interior side‑yard setbacks from 15 ft to 7.5 ft so a three‑story single‑family home (about 3,912 sq ft) with a garage beneath can be built, subject to a condition that staff verify the proposal meets the Main Street redevelopment overlay requirements for the parcel.

Contractor Sanjay Kumar said the garage beneath the house arose from grade differences between Grandview and the rear street (Fern) and that the design retains no living space on the lower level other than stairs and an elevator; the dwelling otherwise functions as a two‑story residence above the garage footprint. Neighbor Larry Mullins raised concerns about long‑term planning for the block and whether the parcel should remain available for single‑family use under overlay provisions.

Planning staff explained the lot is in an RP (residential professional) zoning district that allows single‑family use and said redevelopment review had approved the building height; however, staff recommended confirming overlay applicability before finalizing the variance because the Main Street redevelopment overlay affects permitted uses. The board approved the variance with a condition that the proposal meet the overlay’s requirements; staff and the applicant will confirm overlay compliance and notify interested parties before construction proceeds.