CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Pass the ordinance granting a variance to the corner side yard setback to permit an addition to the principal structure at 32 South Columbia St. - DEV-0001-2026
body
DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Therese Egner, Community Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) considered this matter April 15, 2026 and voted to recommend approval of the request (approved 6-0). Staff concurs.
On March 26, 2026, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recommended approval of the requested Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) HPC-0003-2025, which permitted the proposed one and two-story addition visible from both Columbia Street and Van Buren Avenue, a new covered porch on the north secondary fa?ade, and a new gable roof on the west front porch. Per Municipal Code ("Code"), the HPC also provides a recommendation to the PZC regarding any variance that is sought in the Historic District. On March 26, 2026, the HPC also recommended approval of the required corner side yard setback variance.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property, generally located at the northeast corner of the Columbia St. and Van Buren Ave. intersection, is approximately 11,250 square feet and is improved with a 2.5-story single-family residence and detached garage. The principal structure is non-conforming due to the south wall of the building encroaching into the 15-foot required corner side yard setback in the R2 (Single-family and Low Density Multiple-family Residence) district. Per the Code, alterations to a non-conforming principal structure shall comply with the current regulations and requirements for the zoning district.
DISCUSSION:
The owners and petitioners, Mark and Melisa Urda, have submitted a variance request to allow the proposed addition to the principal structure to encroach into the required corner side yard as shown in the attachments. The proposed addition is approximat...
Click here for full text