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Board rejects request to rebuild house 0.3 feet from secondary front line at 3101 Saxon Drive
Summary
The board voted 1‑3 to deny a variance that would have allowed the owner to rebuild a larger, modernized house 0.3 feet from a secondary front property line on a nonconforming corner lot; staff said the project exceeded 50% of appraised value and alternatives exist that meet codes while preserving trees.
The Planning & Zoning Board voted to deny variance case V‑16‑24 (3101 Saxon Drive) by a 1‑3 margin after staff said the property owner could rebuild a code‑conforming house because the lot has sufficient depth, and that the building department concluded reconstruction would exceed 50% of appraised value and therefore must conform to current setbacks.
Applicant Joanne DaSilva and architect Zach Kasky argued they wished to retain some existing exterior walls, protect mature trees and avoid extensive regrading; the applicant presented examples of nearby properties that were renovated while keeping nonconforming walls. Staff responded that the building department’s valuation method indicates the scope of demolition/renovation crosses the 50% threshold, requiring a conforming rebuild under the LDR. Board members expressed concern that the requested variance would amount to approval of an effectively new house built at a nonconforming setback; a motion to approve failed 1‑3.
The outcome means the applicant must pursue a conforming design or resubmit with additional justification; staff noted prior approvals for limited enclosures but said wholesale replacement should meet current setbacks.
