Rolla Board of Adjustment approves front-yard setback variance at 1527–1529 Saint Maria's Street

The Rolla Board of Adjustment on Feb. 20, 2025, voted 4-0 to approve a variance (VZ25-01) reducing the front-yard setback for properties at 1527 and 1529 Saint Maria's Street. The motion to "approve the application as submitted" was made by Jonathan Hines and seconded by Matt Miller and passed by roll call: Crowell, Miller, Rohter and Hines voted aye; none voted no. Member John Meusch was absent.

City Planner Tom Coots presented the staff report and confirmed the application seeks relief from the standard setback to avoid encroaching on a utility corridor and the assigned right-of-way. Caleb Homan of Archer Elgin, representing the applicant, said the proposed setback lines were configured so the structures would not encroach on the utility corridor and right-of-way. Chairperson Matt Crowell opened the public hearing for citizen comments and closed it with no comments.

During deliberation the board addressed the seven statutory or regulatory variance criteria in sequence and agreed each was met. Hines noted there is no further development immediately south of the site and that only a catch basin lies in that direction, and Coots said he had not received contacts from nearby property owners. Hines also referenced Intercounty Electric as working to reach a compromise concerning the easement.

The approval is limited to the relief requested in VZ25-01 as presented at the hearing; no amendments to the application were recorded. With no other business, Chairperson Crowell adjourned the meeting at 5:55 P.M. Minutes were prepared by Cindy Brown. The board listed its next meeting for Thursday, April 24, 2025.