Variance 1278-1134 Jordan Avenue - The applicant is requesting a variance from Section 27-308 requiring a minimum rear setback of 20 feet to allow a minimum rear setback of 8 feet and from 27-308 requiring a maximum lot coverage of 30% (2,133 sf) to allow a maximum lot coverage of 31% (2,204 sf) in a Residential 7,000 (R-70) zone, on Lot 12, Block 2, Celestial Subdivision, a 7,109 sf parcel of land. The purpose of the variance is to allow the addition of 2 bedrooms to the north side of the home. Tax ID: A28748. Presented by, Karen Husman, Planner I.

Staff recommends conditional approval of the variance.

OWNERS:                             Cara Auch
AGENT:                                 Lonnie Ray Smith
PURPOSE:                           To allow a minimum rear setback of 8 feet and to allow a maximum lot coverage of 31% (2,204 sf)
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:          Celestial Sub., Blk. 2, Lot 12
ADDRESS:                           1134 Jordan Circle
EXISTING LAND USE:            Residential
PROPOSED LAND USE:       Residential
EXISTING ZONING:                R-70

None.

Subject Property – None
 
Surrounding Property – There have been four variance requests in this area.  One for setbacks, one for lot area reduction for two dwelling units, one for lot coverage allowance of 33% and one for lot coverage allowance for 36%. All were approved.

NORTH:   Zoning:      R-70
                  Land Use:  Residential Single Family
SOUTH:    Zoning:      R-70
                  Land Use:  Residential Single Family
EAST:       Zoning:      R-70  
                  Land Use:  Residential Single Family
WEST:      Zoning:      R-70
                  Land Use:  Residential Single Family

The applicant is requesting a variance from Section 27-308 requiring a minimum rear setback of 20 feet to allow a minimum rear setback of 8 feet and from 27-308 requiring a maximum lot coverage of 30% (2,133 sf) to allow a maximum lot coverage of 31% (2,204 sf) in a Residential 7,000 (R-70) zone, on Lot 12, Block 2, Celestial Subdivision, a 7,109 sf parcel of land. The purpose of the variance is to allow the addition of 2 bedrooms to the north side of the home.
 
There have been similar variances approved in this area of Billings.  The applicant is requesting the variance in order to add additional rooms to her growing family.  The lot coverage variance would allow the applicant an additional 125 square feet of living area over the 30% allowed (30%= 347 more square feet allowed, the proposed new addition is 472 square feet) if approved they would also be encroaching into the rear setback 12 feet.  The applicant and owner of the home purchased the house new through the Habitat for Humanity program allowing them a zero interest financing package. They are hoping to retain the home and financing with the remodel. 

There were no comments received from City departments, and there was only one concern from a neighboring property owner.  The property owner to the west (at 1145 Bench Blvd.) wanted clarification about how it would affect the easement and their property.  After Staff explained the intent of the application they were not opposed to it.  There were no other comments or concerns received.

Planning staff has reviewed this application and is forwarding a recommendation of conditional approval for the variance based on the determinations for review provided within this report.