Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Setbacks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves setback variances for infill home at 306 Trigg Street after utility easement compromise
Summary
The board approved variances reducing the front setback from 25 to 20 feet and an interior side setback from 6 to 5 feet at 306 Trigg St, citing a 30‑ft utility easement that limits buildable area. The applicant provided a recorded letter from Encore agreeing to a reduced easement; vote was 9-0.
The City of Grand Prairie Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals approved two setback variances on March 16 to allow construction of a new single‑family home at 306 Trigg Street, citing a recorded utility easement that limits the lot’s developable area.
Staff told the board the lot contains a 30‑foot platted utility easement that accommodates poles and aerial lines and prevents structures within the easement, creating a narrow building envelope. "We require 25 feet [front yard]; the applicant is requesting 20 feet," the staff presenter said, and noted the applicant proposed a 5‑foot interior side yard setback where the code requires 6 feet. Staff recommended approval because the variances would facilitate reasonable infill compatible with neighborhood patterns.
During questioning, staff confirmed the applicant had obtained a recorded letter from Encore reducing the former larger easement to 30 feet, and emphasized that paving and parking over easements is allowed but the property owner is liable for damage if the easement owner must access underground utilities. Applicant Hector Montanares told the board he had installed utilities to the properties and that Encore had provided recorded permission. A motion to approve the item carried 9-0.
The case is ZBA26020005. Approved variances allow the project to seek building permits; owners remain responsible for any easement repairs if utility work requires excavation.
