HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance RequestDrees Homes Variance Application
Reasons Supporting the Variance
The current language regarding front porches is:
1. Porches shall be required on all Dwellings and shall be a minimu of six (6) feet deep.
2. Porches and/or entryways shall be clearly defined and should be visible as of the
main focus of the front façade
3. Porches and/or entryways shall be delineated by elements such as pilaster,
sidelights, columns, railings, etc.
It appears the intent is to make sure builders are emphasizing the front elements of the home
and that the porch/entry architecture adds value and enhances the overlook of the home. This
keeps builders from trying to cut costs by just having a slab of concrete with no architectural
features, which we completely agree with.
We pride ourselves on our elevations which in all cases includes significant front porch
elements that we believe meet, and even exceed, the requirements and the intent outlined
with the exception in some cases of the 6’ porch. The language doesn’t clearly say the 6’ has to
be covered but simply needs some elements to show it as 6’ deep. Many of our covered areas
are 4 feet and we can easily add 2’ of concrete to make the porch itself 6’. The complication
comes into play if we need to add 2’ to the covered area. That just isn’t possible on some
elevations. One option would be to put railing extending from the current covered porch area
to meet the requirement but we really don’t think that adds value to the home, nor works with
the elevation style. Requiring 6’ also limits the number of elevations we can build therefore
creating redundancy within the neighborhood which we don’t feel benefits anyone. It’s our
objective to build as many different elevations as possible.
We believe all our elevations meet exactly what the city wants to see when it comes to
improved architecture and enhancing the front of the home. We can make the concrete area
always be 6’ feet, but we simple can’t redesign our elevations to add 2 more feet to those
porch areas that already have significant architectural features.