The most debated variance request involved the property on Sunset Drive, where Michael Collins sought to expand his existing driveway. The proposed expansion would increase the driveway width from 12 feet to 16 feet, with two new entrances of 14 feet each, resulting in a total width of 44 feet. This exceeded the maximum allowable width of 28 feet set by the land development code. The property, located in an R 100 single-family residential zoning district, is directly across from Fred Howard Park and features mature trees which the applicant wished to preserve.

Collins explained that the area, once grass, had become a gravel driveway over the years, which he now wanted to replace with concrete or pavers. He noted the lack of through traffic on the dead-end street and the challenges of maintaining the gravel driveway. Board members discussed whether the variance met the necessary criteria, particularly questioning if the need for a circular driveway was self-created or essential. Concerns about the potential precedent a granted variance might set were also raised, with board members acknowledging the unique circumstances of Collins’s request.

Despite these concerns, the board approved the variance after considering the property’s unique characteristics and the minimal traffic impact. The approval highlighted a cautionary tone about maintaining city standards and the implications for future variance requests.

The next significant item was the variance request from the Johnson family on Boyer Street, seeking to reduce the required side yard setback for constructing a carport. The property, built in 1960, has an existing attached garage, and the proposed carport would require a four-foot side setback instead of the standard 7.5 feet. The board considered the reasonable nature of the request, given that most homes in the area have some form of covered parking. The applicant confirmed that the proposed structure would have three solid walls, with an open entrance side. Adjacent property owners had signed a letter of no objection, and with no public opposition, the board unanimously approved the variance, allowing the Johnson family to proceed with their carport construction.

The meeting also addressed a variance request for a multifamily development on East Lemon Street, located in a highway business zoning district. The applicant sought to reduce the side yard setback from 20 feet to four feet to accommodate a two-story building. The property, measuring 100 feet in width, faced development challenges under current zoning regulations. The board discussed the potential for the property to serve as a transitional use between the highway and lower intensity residential areas.

Board members examined the implications of the requested setbacks and the proximity of the proposed building to adjacent properties. The applicant, Jordan Jones, explained the necessity of the four-foot setback to accommodate adequate bedroom sizes, with plans to install additional fencing if approved. Safety concerns, including access for emergency vehicles and utilities, were addressed, with assurances that safety reviews would be conducted as part of the site plan review process. With no public comments for or against the proposal, the board approved the variance request unanimously, noting that existing properties in the city had similar setbacks.