(5/27) Builder Chad Wilson of Wilson Homes came before the Planning Commission in April to ask the commission to send their positive recommendation to the Board of Zoning appeals for a variance that would allow them to turn four lots on Ridge Avenue into two lots and build one single family dwelling on each lot. A variance allows a property owner to use their land in a manner not otherwise allowed due to zoning law.
Originally drawn in 1936, each lot currently measures 25 feet by 125 feet; totaling 3,125 square feet each, which at the time was an acceptable measurement for lot size. The variance was requested to change the lot measurements to 50 feet by 125 feet, each totaling 6,250 square feet, which is under the current minimum requirement of 7,500 square feet. For context, Darryl Hale, Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer, said newer lots are 60 feet by 125 feet which just meets the minimum requirement.
Former Mayor Bradley Wantz pointed out that although there are smaller property sizes in the area, most modern properties are larger than the minimum, and they fit with the characteristics of the community. "I do not know if this dwelling fits the character or the density of Ridge Avenue," he said, "but I think it is important for the planning commission to consider if it does or does not, as opposed to just shoehorning houses onto these lots." He asked the Planning Commission to not give their recommendation to the Board of Appeals for the variance.
City Councilwoman Beth Chaney who lives adjacent to the properties explained that her house is on seven lots and another adjacent house is on four. "Why change the look of the neighborhood just to shove two houses in?" She asked, "What is the purpose for doing this?"
In response to the public concern, Randy Bachtel of BPR Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Services showed examples of properties built in the last 20 years that were on two lots such as is intended for this project. He also said Wilson would build houses that fit the neighborhood.
The projected single-family homes were described as single story ‘rancher style’ homes estimated to be 1,200 to 2,000 square feet with resale values of $425,000. "We think that these new homes will improve the value to the surrounding homes too because their value is substantially greater than their neighbors," he said.
Another resident, Kenyetta Brooks, was concerned by the high price tag stating that "$425,000 is not affordable. The market value in that neighborhood is nowhere near that." Member Dan Myers pointed out that if they downsized to one single family home on the four lots it would likely go for more than $425,000 on its own.
City Manager Jim Wieprecht mentioned that plans for a semi-detached home were denied at the same location years back and that the Commissions duty at this time was regarding the lot size, and not what will be built there. The Commission has the choice of sending a favorable or a not favorable recommendation or not sending a recommendation at all.
The first motion opposed the recommendation, but it failed. The second motion was in favor of the recommendation and ended with a tie vote. The tie was broken by the chair in favor of the recommendation.
