Board approves front-setback variance for Walnut Street home

The Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance for 303 South Walnut that will allow a 10-by-14 open-air wooden pergola to be sited within the 15-foot front setback.

Julie, a planning staff member, told the board the property sits in the R-4 Residential District and the Walnut Street Historic District and that "this is a 15 foot setback," which is measured from the back of the sidewalk (the right-of-way), not from the street pavement. Petitioner Chris Wheeler, who spoke for the applicant, said the existing concrete patio predates their purchase and that the pergola is intended "to aesthetics." He added the house already sits closer than the 15-foot mark.

Staff told the board the petition met public-notice requirements and recommended approval with standard conditions, including compliance with the UDO and building-permit review. A board member moved to approve the petition "based on staff recommendations with the 2 listed contingencies," the motion was seconded, and the board approved by voice vote.

The approval requires the petitioner to secure the necessary building permits and follow any cross-departmental reviews referenced in the staff recommendation. No detailed roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript; the outcome was a voice approval. The board did not record any amendments to the motion during discussion.