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Board approves two variances for L-shaped lot at 5353 Wilson Avenue
Summary
The Board of Adjustment granted two area variances for a new single-family home at 5353 Wilson Ave after staff and neighborhood representatives said the lot's unusual L shape creates practical difficulties. The board found the project consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and accepted conditions as presented.
Chair Anthony Robinson convened the hearing and the city's planner, Trey McCarter, presented the basis for denial, citing the zoning code requirements for side and rear yards. McCarter told the board that "the proposed building encroaches into the setback by 15 feet, leaving a 10 foot rear yard," and that the district requires a 25-foot rear yard and combined 10-foot side-yard width.
Architect Mike Killeen testified for applicants Barb and Greg Hill, describing an L-shaped lot and a design oriented to first-floor living with an attached garage that he said made an attached garage and a single-story plan necessary. "We respectfully ask that the board grant approval for this variance," Killeen said, noting letters of neighbor support and an aldermanic endorsement submitted with the application. The Hills' representative, Gregory Hill, described family ties to the neighborhood and that adjacent property at 5355 Wilson is used by the family for gatherings.
Vivian Walter, legislative assistant to the 5th‑ward alderman, read a letter of support from the alderman and told the board the alderman's office had reviewed the plans and considered the requested side and rear-yard variances reasonable given the lot configuration. Board members asked clarifying questions about the setback lines shown on sheet 1 of the site plan and confirmed which portions of the lot are subject to front, side and rear yard rules.
After deliberation the motion to approve the two variances carried. The board entered the submitted exhibits into the record — including photos, Sanborn maps, a Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA) memo and neighbor letters — and instructed staff to notify the applicant of the decision by mail.
