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Board approves reduced front setback for three homes at West Avenue O
Summary
The board granted a 10-foot front-setback variance (in lieu of 20 feet) for three new homes at the corner of Ben Ficklin and Avenue O, with staff citing infill goals and nearby precedent; notice responses included three in favor and two opposed.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to approve a front-setback variance for three proposed homes at the northeast corner of Ben Ficklin and West Avenue O, reducing the required front setback from 20 feet to 10 feet.
Austin Reed, planning and development administrator, explained the site is in the Rio Vista neighborhood and measures about 0.361 acres. "We sent out 21 notices. We received 3 who were in favor and 2 who were opposed," Reed said, adding staff recommended approval because the parcel is in the city's designated infill area and adjacent properties demonstrate similar reduced setbacks. Reed also said the property has a conditional use limiting front access on Ben Ficklin, which in practice pushed the proposed homes toward a reduced setback.
During public comment, Jack Downey of SKG Engineering emphasized the existing street dimensions, saying Avenue O has "about 16 feet between the property line and the curb" and Ben Ficklin ‘‘about 15 feet,’’ offering extra clearance compared with newer neighborhoods. Board members discussed traffic and affordability trade-offs tied to rear-entry versus front-entry designs, but moved to approve the variance as presented; the motion carried by voice vote (7-0).
Staff noted the variance approval does not negate other permitting or construction requirements.
