Planning Commission approves variance for Rotary Club lot at 1131 Herald Avenue

The Planning Commission voted to adopt Resolution 2024‑12 approving a variance for a vacant parcel at 1131 Herald Avenue submitted by the Lincoln Rotary Club. Senior Planner Efren Sanchez told commissioners the existing house at 1143 encroaches on the common property line, producing a development constraint; the proposed boundary adjustment would reduce the vacant parcel’s width from the R‑1 standard (50 feet) to 44 feet and the lot area to 5,500 square feet. Staff recommended approval, concluding the change would not create a special privilege beyond allowing the lot to be developed for a single‑family dwelling and that no additional environmental review was required under CEQA (citing minor alterations / section 15305).

Daryl Scott, president of the Lincoln Rotary Club, addressed the commission and said the club owns the vacant lot and seeks the city’s solution to allow future development; he confirmed the Rotary and the adjacent property owners have been working toward a resolution. After public comment, the commission closed the hearing and took a roll‑call vote. The clerk recorded five yes votes with one recusal and one abstention; the resolution was adopted as recorded. The variance entitlement, if exercised, must be followed by a recorded lot line adjustment and is valid for two years under the conditions described in the staff report.

Staff noted that other development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, building height) will continue to apply to any future dwelling built on the adjusted parcel.