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Planning board approves variance to split Palmetto Street lot, with condition
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board approved a variance allowing a lot split and a reduced side-yard setback at 1216 Palmetto Street, adding a condition that the variance expires if the structure is demolished.
The Planning & Zoning Board approved a variance March 3 to allow a split of a large parcel at 1216 Palmetto Street and to retain a reduced side-yard setback of 4.1 feet for the existing single-family house. City staff presented that the owner, Sandra Gregory, seeks to restore the property to its original two-lot configuration; the house would be approximately 3.4 feet into the standard setback if the lots are split.
City staff advised the board that most variance criteria could be met given the lot’s historical layout and size, but recommended that, if approved, the variance be conditioned to expire if the existing structure is demolished and replaced so future development must meet the current 7.5-foot side-yard requirement. During discussion, board members noted the home appears to predate the zoning rules and that future buyers would be made aware of the nonconforming setback.
Member (speaker 6) moved to approve the request with the staff-recommended condition that the variance expire should the structure be removed; a second was recorded and the roll-call vote was 5 in favor, 0 opposed. Chair (speaker 1) closed the item by wishing the applicant luck.
The board’s action allows the owner to proceed with the lot split under the approved condition; any future demolition of the house would remove the variance entitlement and require new construction to meet the standard setback.
