HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTAFF REPORT WOLF PEN CREEK DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
STAFF REPORT
Project Manager: Brett McCuIIy, P.E. Date: October 16, 2003
E -mail: bmccully @cstx.gov
For
JOHN HOLLEMAN (DVWY) (03- 00500258)
Zoning District: R -1
Location: 303 Walton Drive
Applicant: John Holleman
Item Summary: Request for a variance from Section 7.3.B.1.c to allow a secondary
access driveway from this lot onto Lincoln Avenue.
Item Background: The residence at 303 Walton fronts Walton Drive and has an existing
driveway onto that street. The rear of the property fronts a public alley way that is
overgrown with mature vegetation. Across the alley are fourplex apartment units that
face Lincoln Avenue. A small section of the rear of the property also fronts directly onto
Lincoln, which is designated a Major Collector.
The house is presently used as a rental unit. The lot also has a detached garage that
the owner uses to store personal equipment and property. It is the desire of the owner
to construct a second driveway into the rear of the lot to be able to occasionally access
the garage without having to move the tenant's vehicles from the existing driveway.
When the Applicant first approached the City, the request was to have the City clear the
alley so he could access the rear of his property consistent with the alley designation.
The Public Works Department responded with the clarification that clearing the alley was
not the responsibility of the City. Upon further investigation of the site, it is clear that the
vegetation in the alley is serving as a significant buffer between the single family and
apartment uses, which would be beneficial to retain.
Therefore the applicant has requested a driveway directly onto Lincoln. While the UDO
prohibits such access directly to a major collector, Staff believes that the occasional use,
coupled with the desire to retain the buffer justify the granting of the variance requested.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow the
driveway.