GENERAL
Board of Adjustment Type:
Variance
Filing Date:
09/02/2026
Hearing Date:
10/12/2026
Proposed Use:
No Change
Filing Fee:
250
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Reason for Staff Referral to BOA:
Request for a variance from the maximum permitted FAR to allow a 90-square-foot enclosure and expansion of the existing rear porch/laundry area. The project increases the FAR from approximately 0.445 to 0.457 and is needed to relocate essential daily living functions to the first floor to accommodate a mobility limitation of the primary resident who cannot safely use the basement stairs.
Non-Conforming Use/Structure
Existing Non-Conformity:
Yes
Describe Non-Conformity:
Existing floor area results in an FAR of approximately 0.445, exceeding the current maximum FAR of 0.35. The residence predates the current zoning requirements. The requested variance would permit a limited 90-square-foot addition, resulting in a proposed FAR of approximately 0.457.
VARIANCE INFORMATION
Description of Variance(s):
Variance from the maximum permitted FAR to allow a 90-square-foot enclosure and expansion of the existing rear porch/laundry area. Existing FAR is approximately 0.445; proposed FAR is approximately 0.457.
Unreasonable Circumvention:
The request is narrowly limited to approximately 90 square feet and is not intended to maximize development or circumvent the FAR requirements. It allows a modest accessibility-related improvement to an existing historic residence.
Describe if granting the variance will negatively affect public health, safety or welfare; negatively affect or alter the character of the general vicinity; or allow an unreasonable circumvention of the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.:
The proposed work is a limited modification to an existing historic single-family residence. It does not change the property's use or increase density, create a hazard or nuisance, or materially alter the character of the surrounding historic neighborhood.
Describe the special circumstances which apply to this property and not generally to other land in the general vicinity or same zone.:
The property is an existing 1904 historic residence with a pre-existing low-ceiling basement and an attic substantially occupied by HVAC and other mechanical equipment. The primary resident also has a mobility limitation following a serious neurological injury and cannot safely use the basement stairs.
Describe how strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would deprive of reasonable use of land or create an unnecessary hardship.:
Strict application of the FAR limitation would prevent us from moving essential daily living functions to the first floor. Because the primary resident cannot safely use the basement stairs, the proposed first-floor laundry is necessary for safe and reasonable use of the home.
Describe if the circumstances of the requested variances were the result of the appellant's actions:
The circumstances are inherent in the existing 1904 residence and substantially predate the current zoning requirements. The low basement, attic configuration, and existing floor area were not created by the applicant, and the accessibility need arose independently of the requested variance.
Alter the Character of the General Vicinity:
No. The proposed work is a small rear modification to an existing historic single-family residence and will not materially alter the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood. The proposed exterior changes have been reviewed and approved through the historic preservation process, confirming their compatibility with the historic character of the property and vicinity.
TENANT DISPLACEMENT
Dwelling Units to be Removed:
No
Any removed in previous 12 months:
No