Central Board of Adjustments approves setback variance for 17655 Balin Avenue

The City of Central Board of Adjustments voted to approve Variance No. 26-00008, permitting a 12-foot setback where a 35-foot setback is normally required at a property listed on the agenda as 17655 Balin Avenue. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m., and the board moved through its agenda before hearing the case.

Daniel Fox, the applicant, told the board he lives at the address and asked for the reduced setback so he could place a shop on the lot without interfering with an existing drainage swale and a nearby aerobic spray-irrigation septic system. Fox said the septic system requires 40 feet for spray irrigation and that shifting the setback toward a 12-foot utility servitude would allow runoff to move to the back corner of the property and prevent water from pooling between his house and a prospective shop.

A neighboring property owner, John Boen, spoke in favor of Fox’s request. “I’m in support of him. I don’t see a problem with it,” Boen said, noting that the configuration of the shared private road and the lot layout meant the standard setback consumed much of the rear yard on some lots.

Board members questioned the applicant about septic proximity and drainage paths and discussed how the zoning office had determined which side of the lot is considered the front for setback purposes. One board member summarized the panel’s view: the lot’s shape and location created a uniqueness that limited buildable area and the proposal did not present a public-safety concern. Following a motion to approve the variance and a second, the board recorded four yes votes and the motion passed.

The board did not record the names of the members who made or seconded the motion in the transcript. The presiding officer noted how to appeal a board ruling to the 19th Judicial District Court within 30 days. The meeting adjourned at 5:13 p.m.