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Applicant Mike Rosentrader wins variance to build at 218 North Riverside Drive in Edgewater
Summary
The City of Edgewater Planning & Zoning Board approved variance VA 2427 to allow a 20-foot second-front-yard setback (instead of the required 40 feet) for a new single-family home at 218 North Riverside Drive, with a condition that the structure be no closer than 10 feet to the north property line; the motion passed 7–0.
The City of Edgewater Planning & Zoning Board on March 12 approved variance VA 2427, allowing a reduced second-front-yard setback for a new single-family home at 218 North Riverside Drive and imposing a condition that the structure be moved no closer than 10 feet to the north property line.
City staff told the board the application seeks a 20-foot second-front-yard setback on a corner lot where the Land Development Code ordinarily requires 40 feet. Staff reported the application failed to meet all six findings required for a non-administrative variance under Article 9, Section 21.100.04(d) and recommended denial. The board instead voted to approve the request, 7–0.
Applicant Mike Rosentrader, who said he purchased the lot in September 2024 and tore down an earlier house, told the board the previous structure sat about 19.5 feet from Plaza Lane. "It's my wife and I's plan to build our forever home on this property," Rosentrader said, asking the board to approve the variance so he could construct a Hixson home on the site. He presented a site plan and survey and described a three-car garage, a vaulted ceiling to accommodate a vehicle lift and steps he had taken to notify nearby property owners.
Neighbors raised safety and visibility concerns. "How do you have a lift if it's only one story? Sounds like it's gonna be two story to me," asked Donald Bristol, who lives at 131 Plaza Lane. Rosentrader replied the garage would be a single-stall with an 11-foot clearance and vaulted trusses to allow a lift, not a separate two-story garage.
Another neighbor, Brian O'Connell of 28th Plaza Lane, urged shifting the house five feet to the north to improve sightlines on a sharp curve. After discussion, Rosentrader offered to move the house back five feet if the board would allow a 10-foot north-side setback; the motion the board approved included the north-side 10-foot condition and authorized a minimum 20-foot second-front-yard setback.
A board member moved to approve VA 2427 with those conditions; the motion passed unanimously in a roll-call vote. The record shows the board considered sight-distance, on-street parking impacts and precedent (nearby corner-lot variances were noted by staff) before voting.
The approval allows Rosentrader to proceed with a revised footprint subject to the setback conditions and any permitting requirements. The board’s discussion emphasized safety (emergency access and visibility) and neighborhood context; staff will proceed with processing permits in accordance with the board’s decision.
