HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Exception for Minor Area Modification - 3127 Greenwood Road - PetersIN THE MATTER OF THE
APPLICATION OF PETERS FOR AN
EXCEPTION FOR MINOR AREA
MODIFICATION, SECTION29.1506,
AMES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO
ALLOW A REDUCTION IN THE
REAR SETBACK FOR AN ADDITION
ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
3127 GREENWOOD ROAD
CIFIf;' /I 1�
CASE NO. 11-23
GEOCODE NO. 05-33-126-040
DECISION & ORDER
FACTS
The property at this address is a single family residence with an attached garage. The zoning
district in which it lies is RL (Low Density Residential). The home sits on a roughly square lot
that is 92 feet wide by 105 feet deep. The lionie is a two story and has a walkout basement. The
homeowners want to build a two story addition at the rear of their home, and since it will start at
the basement level back there, it will be tall enough to provide a first floor bedroom, bath and
laundry area. The required setback distance from the rear lot line is 20 feet. The back of the
house presently sits about 38 feet from the rear lot line, but the addition they are hoping to
construct will be 20 feet deep, which would encroach into the rear setback by two feet. The
homeowners are seeking an exception for Minor Area Modification to allow this project. The
homeowners explain the configuration and uses of the space in the new addition are so that it can
be used by an elderly family member. They need it to have a ground level entry and with wide
doorways. Their home is in a subdivision which was originally platted with a public space and
walkway in the interior of each block. Abutting the back lot line of this property, there is a
greenway with a paved walking path through it. In this particular block, the width of that green
space varies from about 38 to 44 feet, but the overall net effect of the dedicated green space is to
make the lots abutting it shallower. The presence of the green space mitigates the reduced
setback and it is noted that there is an extensive stand of trees between the walking path and this
house so there is natural screening. The homeowners have provided information to their
neighbors about the project and the neighbors are supportive of it.
DECISION
The Board hears the evidence and considers it in light of the standards applicable to exceptions
for Minor Area Modifications. The dimensions of this property are impacted by the presence of a
public green space to the rear of the lot, which limits the buildable area. The requested reduction
in setback is the minimum necessary to accomplish the homeowner's project, and there will be
no negative impact on neighboring properties or on the public. The use of the addition will
remain residential. In light of this evidence, the Board finds the standards to grant this exception
have been met.
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is Granted an Exception for Mine]- Area
Modification, Section 29.1.506(4) of the Arnes Municipal Code, to allow a building addition with
a rear yard setback of 18 feet, all for the property located at 3127 Greenwood Road.
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 7"' day of December, 2011.
Bruce Calhoun
Chair