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Commission backs variance to allow 5-foot deck setback encroachment at 357 Cynthia Lane
Summary
The Planning Commission voted July 16 to recommend approval of VAR2026-04, allowing a 5-foot encroachment into a 10-foot side setback for a deck at 357 Cynthia Lane; staff said the variance is driven by topography and foundation constraints and recommended conditions limiting the approval to the depicted deck and requiring permits.
The Forest Park Planning Commission on July 16 recommended approval of variance application VAR2026-04 to permit a deck that would encroach 5 feet into a required 10-foot side setback at 357 Cynthia Lane (parcel 13083CB014).
Planner Ryan Sadler presented the variance request and explained that the need for relief is driven by the property’s topography, foundation configuration and site grading, which limit where a code-compliant deck could be placed. Staff concluded the request meets the variance criteria and recommended approval with conditions.
Key recommended conditions include limiting the variance to the deck as depicted on the submitted plans; maintaining a minimum 5-foot setback as shown; requiring the applicant to obtain all necessary building permits and inspections; and ensuring construction complies with applicable building, zoning and safety codes.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about where the deck would sit relative to the house and neighboring properties; staff confirmed the deck would encroach into the setback but would not be located on an adjacent property. A commissioner moved to approve VAR2026-04 with conditions; the motion carried.
The variance approval enables the applicant to proceed to building permitting, subject to the conditions outlined by staff.
