Commission approves front-setback variance for small porch at Sycamore Village home

The Los Alamos County Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 approved a variance permitting a small covered porch to encroach into the 15-foot front setback at 1177 Seminole in Sycamore Village.

Desiree Luhan, senior planner and case manager, said the application by property owner Geraldine Lopez Keane requests a 48-square-foot (8-by-6-foot) covered freestanding porch to be located 9.3 feet from the front property line where the Manufactured Home Community (MHC) zone requires 15 feet. "The home sits roughly 4 inches behind the 15-foot setback leaving no room for a porch," Luhan said, describing the lot as wide and shallow and noting IDRC review raised no safety concerns. Luhan recommended approval under section 16-74(g)(3) of the county development code.

Geraldine Lopez Keane told the commission the home was placed about 10 years ago and currently has only steps without a secure landing; she said she has fallen off the steps and that emergency personnel have had difficulty accessing the house. "We've actually have fallen off the steps," Lopez Keane said, explaining the safety rationale for adding a covered landing.

After closing the hearing to evidence, a commissioner moved and another seconded to approve VAR20250017. The commission voted to approve the variance on roll call. The chair noted the 15-calendar-day appeal period under the county development code.