06-25-09 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment minutes

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Staff Report August 27, 2009 Special Exception Request #SE09-002 Requested by: Dottie & Jimmy Kaminski., property owners Requested for: Lots 13 & 14; Block 61; Bay Front to La Porte Location: 325 S. Carroll Street Zonin2:: Low Density Residential (R -1 ) Back2:round: The property in question is zoned Low Density Residential (R-l), where a single- family dwelling is a "permitted" use in this zone. As per Harris County Appraisal District record, the single family house was built in 1971. The property is located at the northwest comer of South Carroll and East 'c' Street (unimproved right-of-way). The land area is 6,250 square feet and total living area equals 1,255 square feet. The required front, rear, and side yard setbacks are 25', 15', and 5' respectively. The applicant has submitted a Special Exception request for a reduction in the standard front yard setback from 25' to 14' in order to build a front porch or awning within the front setback. The applicant is requesting to place an 11 'x24' roofed-over porch area/wooden deck with a walkway setback 14' from the front property line along S. Carroll Street. A copy of the property survey and covered porch specifications are attached. The abutting lot requirement as referenced in Section 106-191 (b )(2)(b) of the Code of Ordinances does exist. The required front yard setback of existing homes within the same block varies, and front yard carports/porches are common in the area. Should the Board approve the applicant's request as submitted, the porch would remain consistent with the neighboring properties. The applicant has stated that a wooden deck existed at one time; however, the aerial photography does not reflect this and an old surveyor photographs do not confirm or substantiate in this case. The applicant further states that the porch is needed due to a medical situation of the property owner.