Board approves 13-foot driveway variance for proposed 202 Elgin flats despite nearby opposition

The City of Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment voted to grant a variance permitting a 13-foot one-way driveway for a proposed two-story, six-unit flat development at 202 Elgin.

Staff told the board the variance (VAR002919) is to accommodate a narrow lot within the downtown residential overlay district and that the requested reduction meets the four tests for a variance, noting similar existing one-way drives within the district. "If a 2 way drive needs to be a minimum 26 foot in width, then a 1 way drive could be considered to need a minimum of 13 foot in width," staff said in their recommendation to approve.

Tamara Lonin, a civil engineer with 66 ENG Group and the project's engineer, said the design provides the nine required parking spaces and maintains required setbacks while using a 13-foot drive lane: "This flat build will be a 2 story 6 unit building. We have laid out 45 degree parking with the 13 foot drive lane that we are requesting," she said. Lonin also said the Lehi fire marshal approved access from North 1st Street.

A nearby homeowner, Frank Horton, urged denial. "Approving a variance based on the ability to improve a developer's profitability is wrong," Horton said, arguing the variance would devalue neighboring property and that alternatives—such as building fewer units—were available.

After a brief discussion, a board member moved to approve the variance and the motion passed. The clerk recorded votes as Michelle Bergwall: Yes; Kamara Washington: Nay; George Jesquire: Yes; Judd Hatch: Yes. With approval, the applicant may proceed subject to any standard permitting and building reviews.