HomeMy WebLinkAboutExplanation of Variance RequestsThrift Residence – Development Standards Variance Application
7) Explanation of requested Development Standards Variances:
UDO 3.64 (C)(3)(c)(i): Maximum Lot Coverage allowed 45%, proposing 53% lot coverage.
UDO 3.64 (C)(4)(ii): Garages attached to the Principal Building must have the front face of the garage at
least fifteen (15) feet further from the Front Lot Line than the primary front line of the Principal Building;
proposing zero (0) feet further from the Front Lot Line than the primary front line of the Principal
Building.
Also, Garages must be orientated away from a front yard, or must face an alley. We are proposing since
this is a corner lot and considered to have two (2) front yards, that the garage doors face the secondary
“front yard” or side street.
UDO 3.64 (C)(6)(b)(i): Driveways leading to the garage shall not be wider than twelve (12) feet, except
within thirty (30) feet of the front of the garage, where the driveway may be up to eighteen (18) feet
wide if oriented toward a Front Yard; we are proposing 22 feet width of driveway.
UDO 5.78.J: Window wells cannot project more than 24" into a required yard; proposing 42”.
8) Reasons supporting why the BZA should grant the Development Standards Variances:
The Old Town Overlay ordinance provides 45% lot coverage; definitions in the ordinance were
subsequently amended to include driveways, patios & sidewalks in lot coverage, but the overlay
percentage was not adjusted for this issue. A contribution will be made to the Thoroughfare Fund.
Since this property is a Corner Lot, our side yard is treated as a second front yard. The Garage is
attached to the Principal Building and is oriented to the secondary “front yard” as the home faces First
Ave NW. The Garage is about three (3) feet further from the Front Lot Line than the Great Room Bump
out of the Principal Building.
The Driveway is wider than allowed due to the three-car design. The Driveway is oriented toward the
secondary Front Yard on the corner lot.
The final design plan resulted in two (2) window wells that project farther into the yard than allowed
due to the narrow lot. This has become a common variance request as the current standard is in conflict
with the building code.