RES 86209 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND Mr. and Mrs. McDowell wish to subdivide their lot near Neal Street so that two houses could be constructed. On the easternmost parcel, proposed Lot A, they intend to build a residence. Lot B could then be either sold or a speculative house could be constructed upon it. The McDowells' lot was created in 1978 by a minor subdivision that divided the approximately 1.5 acre lot at 431 Neal Street into three separate lots ranging in size from the 33,500 sq. ft. lot on which the existing "Joshua Neal" house sits to the 15,510.sq. ft. lot that the McDowells purchased. The third lot, east of the McDowells', is approximately 16,500 sq. ft. in size. There are several other large lots in the vicinity. The three lots to the west are each approximately 17,000 sq. ft. in size. When the land was subdivided in 1978 a variance was required to allow the creation of the two smaller lots without frontage on a public street. At that time it was determined that due to the shape of the property it would be "impractical" to make provision for a public street to serve all three lots and that the City was not anxious to accept the dedication of a public street which would serve only two parcels. The City was also concerned with potential impacts the development of the lots would have on the existing residence, a designated historical structure, and the possible safety hazard from increased traffic using the common driveway access which has limited sight distance to the east. The Board of Adjustment decided that the development would not detract from the Joshua Neal Home because the proposed lots were large and would allow for large setbacks and that the traffic on the driveway would be limited. Therefore, the findings were made and the variance was granted. The two newly created parcels were sold, but to date there has. been no development of the lots. The McDowells applied for and were granted a variance in 1985 to allow them to build a house with a reduced front yard setback. At that time they did not apply for a minor subdivision of their property. CURRENT PROPOSAL The proposed subdivision would yield two lots that both meet the basic size requirements of the zoning district. Access to the lots would be provided by the existing paved access easement. This 20 ft. wide easement is located on the extreme western edge of the Foust property and then curves to the east along the northern edge of the McDowell property. The driveway passes very near the house immediately to the west. Because of the topography of Neal Street, egress from the driveway onto Neal Street is somewhat hazardous. - 2 -