HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - D&O for an Exception to the Side Yard Setback 0 L E
CITY OF AMES, IOWA MAY 2 3 2011
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTME T
CITY CLERK
CITY OF AMES,IOWA
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICA-
TION OF LITZEL FOR AN EXCEPTION CASE NO. 11-03
TO THE SIDE YARD SETBACK, SEC- GEOCODE NO. 09-08-275-140
TIONS 29.1506(4)(c)AND 29.701(3) OF
THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO
BUILD A SECOND STORY ADDITION DECISION&ORDER
ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
3408 TRIPP STREET
FACTS
The property at this address is a single story structure with two dwelling units that sits on the
southeast corner lot at the intersection of Tripp and South Franklin Avenue. It is in an RL
(Residential Low Density)zoning district. The owner of the property lives in one of the two units
and would like to remodel the duplex into a single-family home in which he would continue to
reside. The conversion and remodeling he would like to undertake would also enlarge the overall
size of the home by adding a second story. The house presently meets all setbacks,but a two-story
house needs an eight foot setback on the south side,instead of just a six foot setback that currently
is being met. In order to do this conversion to a two-story house,the owner is seeking a minor area
modification of two feet. The house is on a lot which measures 70 feet by 168 feet,but its placement
on the lot will not accommodate the additional setback on its south side. It would not be practical
to move the home, nor can additional land be acquired from the adjacent lot because its lot would
become non-conforming. The home next door is built at the front of its lot, so the two houses are
not side by side. Therefore, the additional height of the applicant's home would not be imposing
right next to the neighbor to its south. Two story homes are present in this neighborhood,so its size
will continue to be in character for the area. The conversion to a single-family residence will be
accompanied by removal of a second substandard driveway from the lot, and overall,there should
be fewer cars parked at the home, which will be an improvement. The additional size and
improvements to the property will increase its value,which also benefits the neighborhood.
DECISION
The Board considers the standards applicable to Exceptions for Minor Area Modifications under the
provisions of the zoning ordinance. This request is sought in order to convert this premises to a less
intense use,which the Board finds will better fit this lot and reduce the potential negative impacts
of many units in little space. The Board further concludes that the larger mass of the converted home
will not be immediately next to the house on the adjacent lot, so open space and access to light
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should not be impaired. The conversion will result in a more valuable structure which positively
impacts the whole neighborhood. The use will remain residential, and will be in conformity with
the intent and purpose of the zoning ordinance. In light of these findings and conclusions,the Board
determines that this exception can and should be granted.
ORDER
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is granted an Exception for Minor Area
Modification, Sections 29.1506(4)(c) and 29.701(3) of the Ames Municipal Code, of two feet to
allow construction of a second story addition with a side yard setback of six feet,with the following
stipulations:
1. The home at this location shall be permanently converted to a single family residence, and
2. The gravel driveway on the west side of the residence shall be removed and the curb restored and
re-established at the street line,
all for the property located at 3408 Tripp Street.
Any person desiring to appeal this decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after the
filing of this decision.
Done this 13' day of April, 2011.
mily Burto Thomas Weber
Se,cret the Board Chair
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