Board of Adjustment

MEMORANDUM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO: Board of Adjustment FROM: Luke Sims DATE: March 6, 2025 SUBJECT: BOA Application Considerations for 3/19/2025 Meeting Applicant: Tyler Armitage Considerations related to Board of Adjustment Variance Criteria are provided below: 1) Is the variance in harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance? The intent of the ordinances in question is to allow for roadway expansion if needed, as dictated by the 1959 Master Plan (officially “Comprehensive Municipal Plan”) of the City of Winona. The current ordinance has not been updated since original zoning supported by that master plan. The Unified Development Code allows some flexibility from this standard through UDC 43.02.16(B)(1) which allows for medication of front yard setbacks to the average depth of neighbors with a minimum of front yard setback of 10 feet (10’) which the current house is compliant with, but the proposed porch exceeds the front-yard modification. 2) Is the variance consistent with the Comprehensive Plan? The variance does not affect the land use as dictated in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan’s future Land Use map designates this property as Traditional Neighborhood, which will not be affected by the variance. The 2045 Comprehensive Plan no longer supports the larger, automobile-focused setbacks that were adopted in original zoning.  3) Does the proposal put property to use in a reasonable manner? The R-2 Medium Density Residence District allows for single family uses and Lots of Record allow for more flexible front yard setbacks up to 10 feet when neighboring properties are also closer (which is not the case in this instance, though the property is a Lot of Record). Expanding the porch space of the structure is considered a reasonable use of the property and is consistent with historic uses of residential property in the area. 4) Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? This property is a Lot of Record on a corner. Other neighboring properties create a more constrictive Lot of Record standard for front yard setbacks (20’) than is typical for Lots of Record in Winona. 5) Will the variance, if granted, retain the essential character of the locality? The surrounding area features a range of residences with smaller setbacks than prescribed in the City’s zoning code, including some on the same block as short as 0 feet (0’). The character of the locality will not be affected by this proposed variance. 6) Are there other considerations for the variances request besides economics? If the findings of questions 3-5 are affirmative this criterion is satisfied. ⚫ Page 2