Board of Adjustment denies variance for camper parking at 200 South Sunset

The Board of Adjustment voted to deny a variance request from homeowners Diane and Roger Bridal that would have allowed a concrete parking pad for an RV in the front‑yard setback at 200 South Sunset.

The Brials told the board they had recently purchased the house and brought a camper from their prior residence, saying they had understood from phone calls that parking at the new house would be allowed. "We brought the camper to the house, with the understanding from phone calls that we would be fine parking the camper there," one homeowner said while describing steep lot slopes and a sewer easement that limit side‑yard options.

Commissioners and staff reviewed alternatives including retaining walls, backfill and engineered walls (engineered walls over 4 feet), but noted that a retaining wall sufficient to create side‑yard parking could impact a lower‑level core‑floor garage and windows. Members also explained that on a cul‑de‑sac the driveway width is calculated at the setback, and allowing a front parking pad would substantially increase the effective driveway width in front of the home. A motion to deny the variance cited lack of demonstrated hardship and driveway‑width concerns; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote. Staff told the homeowners they have a right to appeal to city council in writing within five days.