03-26-1992 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting ZBOA

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Page 2 of 3 Variance Request V92-001 The tract in question comprises approximately one (1) acre. (See Exhibit B). It is a narrow, rectangular piece of property with 87 feet of street frontage. The tract is 500 feet deep. The building presently located on the property was built while La Porte's previous Zoning Ordinance (#780) was in effect. The structure complied with all zoning requirements in effect at the time. When the property was rezoned to Business Industrial in 1987 (in conjunction with the adoption of Ordinance 1501), the 30 foot side yard setbacks required for BI developments rendered the building a legally nonconforming structure. The setbacks, due to the narrow configuration of the tract, also severely restricted the buildable area available on the site. As illustrated on Exhibit B, maximum building width, under the terms of the current Zoning Ordinance is 27 feet. Further, a building addition, in order to comply with setback requirements would have to be offset from the existing structure. These setbacks severely restrict development on what could otherwise be useable property. These circumstances appear to qualify as a legitimate hardship. As illustrated on Exhibit C, the proposed addition would be a direct extension of the existing building. Other than the variance necessary for the 4 foot setback on the north face of the property, all other zoning requirements would be satisfied. Front setback is not at issue. Setback on the south side of the property would exceed 40 feet. Rear setback would be nearly 200 feet. Lot coverage would remain substantially under the 50% maximum and there is more than adequate room tosdevelop any additional required parking.