Board approves setback variance for Alliance Arid Club addition at 421 S. Arch Ave.

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously March 17 to grant variances to the Alliance Arid Club at 421 South Arch Avenue to replace and enlarge a rear porch that does not meet B4 side-yard setback requirements.

Shane Howard, sworn as the applicant's representative, told the board the project will remove the existing rear portion of the building and build a new structure in its place. Howard said the existing condition is nonconforming because the building sits five feet from the property line where the B4 district requires a 10-foot side-yard setback under Sec.1140.03 and Sec.1124.

Nick Vosilla, president of the Alliance Arid Club, said the club plans to replace an enclosed back porch and make it four feet wider while keeping the same length. "We have 2 meetings a day with at least 10 people per meeting," Vosilla said, adding that attendance is higher on weekends, which the club cited to explain the functional need for the space.

Board member Herbert Watson moved to approve both the variance to add to a nonconforming structure and the five-foot setback variance. Jesus Mireles Quezada seconded the motion; the board voted in favor and the motions passed.

The board record notes the structure's foundation had rotted where the porch was enclosed and the proposal was presented as replacing deteriorated construction rather than an expansion of use. No opposing public comment was recorded during the hearing.

Next steps: the applicant may proceed with building permits subject to any administrative conditions required by planning or engineering staff.