Zoning board approves 416‑square‑foot floor‑area variance for Etowah Avenue lot

The zoning board granted a variance permitting a 3,916‑square‑foot house on a large Etowah Avenue lot, a request that exceeded the 3,500‑square‑foot cap on usable floor area by 416 square feet.

Staff told the board the lot is roughly 15,000 square feet and that staff measured first‑ and second‑floor usable areas at 1,988 and 1,928 square feet respectively, producing a combined total of 3,916 usable square feet. Staff noted the adjacent south house had a nonconforming front yard setback greater than 50 feet and that the proposed house’s front setback would be consistent with the block context.

Homeowner Joel Wilbur, who said he and his wife work from home and need additional bedroom and office space, described the design goals including an in‑law suite and a secondary prep kitchen. He said the home would preserve a double lot and that neighboring owners opposed subdividing the parcel.

Board members divided on whether the oversized lot constitutes a unique hardship created by the applicant; supporters said the house fits the lot and massing is toward the rear, limiting streetscape impact. One member urged caution, saying the board’s role is not to rewrite zoning ordinances but to grant relief when a unique lot condition justifies it.

Clinton moved to approve; after discussion the motion passed.

The variance approval allows the project to proceed subject to standard building permits and any site‑specific conditions required during plan review.