07-24-2003 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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r' Staff Report August 28, 2003 Special Exception Permit Request #SE 03-005 Requested 6v: Lisa M. Waligora, property owner ' Reauested for: Lots 4,5; Block 12; Bay Oaks addition Location: 119 Dwire Drive Zoning: .. . . Low Density Residential (R-1.) Background: According to the City's current zoning map approved on March 24, 2003, the .property in question is zoned as. Low Density Residential (R-1). A single-family dwelling is a "permitted" use this zone. (See Exhibit A). However, a property survey identifies the house in question does not comply .with the standard front yard setback of twenty-five.(25'). As result,- staff notes that the house is considered a pre-existing, nonconforming structure. The applicant's Special Exception request #SE03-005 states the house had a 4' X 7' front porch at one time but it was removed over fifteen (15) years ago. At this time, the applicant is asking the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBOA) to consider reducing the city's standard twenty-five foot (25) front yard setback requirement to allow the construction of a new front porch. (See Exhibit Q. In reviewing the 1996 survey, staff notes the existing house is 15.3'' back from the front property line. (See Exhibit B) At this time, the owner is requesting permission to construct a 7'(deep) X 21'(wide) roofed -over front porch. (See Exhibit D & E). Should the Board approve the applicant's request as submitted, the porch addition would be located 8.3'. off'the front property line. The abutting lot requirement as referenced in Section 106-191(b)(2)(a) does not exist; however, there are three (3).existing homes within the. same block. . The setbacks vary and without a property survey of each one, the exact setbacks are unknown. Staff s inspection of the block found two of the homes have a small front porch. On these homes (including the porch), one is approximately 1014" from the property line while the other is 12'-5". The other home within the block is approximately 13' .back from the front