Commission rejects two side‑setback variances for proposed subdivision on North Washington Avenue

On June 4, 2026, the Pearland Planning Commission voted down two separate side‑setback variance requests tied to a proposed subdivision at 2214 North Washington Avenue.

Planning staff presented the application (VAZ2026-000027) as two connected requests: reducing the standard 7.5‑foot side setback to 5 feet on the proposed southern lot and to 5.4 feet along the southern property line of the proposed northern lot (the lot with an existing structure). Staff said the lots were annexed and platted at different times, that older plats sometimes have 5‑foot setbacks, and that new construction is expected to meet current UDC standards; staff concluded the applicants did not demonstrate a unique hardship and recommended denial.

Builder and applicant Arthur Lopez said the variances would allow construction of a roughly 30‑foot house on a subdivided corner lot so his father, John Lopez, could live nearby and that the reduced setback would provide an accessible layout. "We're trying to build his father's house on the corner," Lopez said.

Commissioners asked why the northern lot with an existing house required a variance when the property is subdivided; staff explained that a subdivision and replat change the zoning baseline and both resulting lots must meet minimum lot‑width and setback standards, so a variance would be required to keep the existing footprint under the new lot configuration.

The commission voted on each request separately. Request one (southern lot, 5‑foot setback) failed by recorded vote of 1–4. Request two (northern lot, 5.4‑foot setback) also failed by recorded vote of 1–4.

Because the motions failed, the applicants will need to revisit lot configuration or conform to the 7.5‑foot setback requirement when subdividing.