Commission approves architectural review for conversion of single-family home to duplex at 2001 S. 70th Street

The West Allis Planning Commission voted to approve the site, landscaping and architectural design review for a conversion of a single-family house into a duplex at 2001 South 70 Street, contingent on the owners obtaining a variance from the Board of Appeals for an existing nonconforming side-yard setback.

Planning staff explained the property is in the RB zoning district where two-unit dwellings are a permitted use but where current side-yard standards require a three-foot setback. The existing building — constructed before the current zoning code — sits roughly 1 foot 7 inches from the property line. Staff said the proposed rear and porch additions will maintain the existing setback line, and the applicant will need a variance to avoid a staggered addition that would otherwise result if the addition complied strictly with the modern setback.

Staff described the proposed changes: a 126-square-foot porch extension facing South 70th Street, a two-story 22-by-21-foot rear addition, and an overall height increase to about 26 feet. The interior conversion plans show the building would provide six bedrooms and two bathrooms split across two mirror-image units.

Commissioners discussed preserving neighborhood character, roof form details (including a suggested clip gable), and the role of the Board of Appeals in resolving the setback. Planning staff recommended approval of the site, landscaping and architectural plan subject to the applicant securing the required variance from the Board of Appeals.

A motion to approve carried with the chair voting aye; no roll-call tally was recorded on the record.