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Homeowner variance granted after applicant cites steep rear topography and sewer constraints
Summary
The Dawson County Planning Commission approved VA 25-26, allowing a 14-foot front setback reduction so a new dwelling can be built 6 feet from the front property line at 619 Valley Drive. The applicant said rear topography and sewer access made bringing the rear lot to standard financially infeasible.
The Dawson County Planning Commission on Jan. 20 approved a variance that allows a new dwelling at 619 Valley Drive to be placed 6 feet from the front property line, a 14-foot reduction from the 20-foot requirement. The request (VA 25-26) was presented by applicant Joe Voyles, who said site topography and difficulties connecting to the sewer system prevented meeting the rear-lot requirements.
"It would have cost more than half the home's value to bring the rear topographical up to standards, so financially for the client it would be better and easier to request moving the home into the front setback," Joe Voyles said during the hearing. The parcel is zoned C-PCD and listed as Parcel Number 110 033 132.
Homeowner Thomas Malewitz spoke in support of the request, and neighbor Maggie Dias said she liked the elevations of the proposed house and supported allowing the new residents to move in. After closing the public hearing, the commission voted to approve VA 25-26 by a 3-0 vote (motion by John Maloney, seconded by Neil Hornsey).
The commission's approval allows the applicant to construct the dwelling with a 6-foot front setback consistent with the variance terms; no additional conditions or alterations to the request were recorded in the meeting minutes. The commission did not record any opposition during the public hearing, and staff present included Zoning Administrator Leah Prichard and Community Development Director Richard Osborne.
The approval is a local land-use variance under the Dawson County Land Development Code, Article IV Chapter 121-104(6); any building permits and inspections required by county code remain subject to normal staff review and permitting timelines.
