Title
The Gardens Ph6 lot 39 - Variance Request
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SUMMARY: The owner of lot 39 in phase 6 is requesting a 2 1/2 foot variance on the front of their lot. The existing front setback in phase 6 is 30 foot. This would result in a front setback for lot 39 of 27 1/2 feet. The other half of the duplex has already been constructed and was built on the 30 foot setback. The architectural standards for this phase of The Gardens requires the second structure, the one to be constructed on lot 39, to be 30 inches in front of the existing structure. The builder constructed the "back" structure right on the 30 foot setback not leaving any room for the "front" structure to be constructed with the 30 inch offset. The first 5 phases of The Gardens only have a 20 foot front setback. (Variances were granted for those first 5 phases) By granting the 2 1/2 variance, the homeowner will be able to construct their house by design and meet the architectural standards for the development.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff has reviewed the variance request. The front setback is in place to create a buffer of safety for vehicles traveling along the roads. That is the reason for having greater setbacks on roads like collectors and arterials. They are also in place to ensure room for utilities and to provide adequate room for off street parking. With a development like The Gardens where the typical vehicle is a motorhome, more space is required for off street parking in the driveways. The average length of a Class A motorhome is 36 to 45 feet. After discussions with the developer, it appears that the distance from the house to the road, not the property line, would be about 40 feet. There are several other structures in The Gardens that have less than 40 feet of "driveway" space between the home and the road. After having a discussion with the Crossville Police Department, no complaints of a blocked roadway, have been reported in The Gardens. Staff feels that the granting of the variance wou...
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