HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Variance for an 11-foot front yard setback for a carport CITY OF AMES, IOWA
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTME T DEC - 9 2015
IN THE MATTER OF THE CITY OF AMES. IOWA
APPLICATION OF RYAN AND LIZ CASE NO. 15-21
JEFFREY FOR A VARIANCE,
§ 29.1504(4),AMES MUNICIPAL CODE, GEOCODE NO. 09-06-475-070
FOR AN 11-FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR A CARPORT ON DECISION & ORDER
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
234 PARKRIDGE CIRCLE
FACTS
The applicants are Ryan and Liz Jeffrey. The property at issue is at 234 Parkridge Circle, and
the property is zoned Residential Low Density (RL). The applicant is requesting approval of a
variance to the minimum front yard setback requirement in the RL zone to allow for the
construction of a carport in front of the existing two stall garage. The home is a two-story,
single-family home located on a cul-de-sac. Based on GIS data, existing grades at the front of
the property appear drop approximately 10 to 12 feet from the front property line to the base of
the home. The existing grades on the property are such that the garage is located on the upper
story of the home over lower level finished living space and is accessed through the use of a
bridge structure from the public right-of-way to the garage entrance. The current garage is
approximately 30 feet from the front property line where a 25-foot setback is required per
Chapter 29, Table 29.701(3) of the Ames Municipal Code.
The applicant states that the existing garage floor is constructed of structural OSB and is leaking
into the lower level living space located under the garage. The application notes that the concern
for future water issues and materials available on the market are not adequate to be able to
maintain the existing garage attached to structure. Therefore, the applicant is requesting the
variance to be able to construct a new carport in front of the existing garage to allow for covered
parking for their personal vehicles to replace the use of their current garage. Staff noted that in
conversations with the applicant, it was noted the existing garage would be used for storage in
the short term and could eventually be remodeled for additional living space in the future. The
proposed carport will be located in front of the existing garage over the driveway bridge and,
based on the scale of the submitted plans, is proposed to be approximately 21 feet wide by
19 feet deep (the length of the existing bridge structure to the garage). The column supports of
the proposed carport are located approximately 12 feet from the front lot line with the eaves of
the roof structure extending 4 feet beyond the columns to match the roof design of the existing
home. (See applicant submitted plans.) Based on Chapter 4 of the Zoning Code, eaves can
project into the front yard not more than 3 feet. With the proposed carport eaves being proposed
4 feet from the column structure, the variance request for the proposed garage, as indicated in the
plans, would need to be granted at an 11 foot front yard setback (not 12 foot as shown on the
plans) to make the proposed carport complaint with the Zoning Code for allowed encroachments
into the setback.
Property owner Ryan Jeffrey, 234 Parkridge Circle, was sworn in and testified under oath.
Mr. Jeffrey addressed the cost concern first. He informed the Board that the cost of fixing the
flooring in the current garage was estimated at roughly $240,000 while the cost of the carport is
$60,000; he considers this to be a significant financial hardship. Within residential low density,
there is a general expectation of covered parking. In conclusion, he feels he meets all of the
criteria for the variance. Mr. Jeffrey also provides supportive documentation of the costs from
the contractor.
Two neighbors communicated support for the variance request and there were no expressions of
opposition to the request.
Staff recommended against approval. The staff report found that the application met criteria (a),
(b)(ii-iii), and (d) of Ames Municipal Code section 29.1504(4), but did not meet criteria (b)(i)
and (c). Board members expressed that they felt the decrease in value of the property for not
having a usable garage met criterion (b)(i), and that the cost of repairing the property and the
location of the property would result in criterion (d) being met.
DECISION
The Board considers the standards and criteria for a variance in Ames Municipal Code section
29.1504(4), the staff report, application, and testimony and documents submitted and finds that
the application meets the criteria, and the request for a variance is granted.
ORDER
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is GRANTED a variance, section
29.1504(4) of the Ames Municipal Code, for an 11-foot front yard setback for a carport on the
property located at 234 Parkridge Circle.
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 28th day of October, 2015.
Erin Cain Shel y E el
Secretary to the Board Chai