Development News for Rockport, Texas

Zoning Board Denies Front Setback Variance for 15 Luau Lane Amidst Hardship Debate

The Zoning Board of Adjustments considered a request for a variance to reduce the front setback from 20 feet to 15 feet for the property at 15 Luau Lane. The applicant seeks to increase backyard square footage for future improvements, such as a swimming pool, and to meet the Kealegro Design Code setback requirements for pools. The lot size is 6,400 sq ft, meeting R2 district standards. Staff did not find a hardship based on lot size or new construction exceeding minimum requirements, but noted floodplain considerations. Public input was mixed, with one comment in opposition and two in favor received before the hearing. Council Member Brad Rondrett noted that some older houses on the street might not adhere to the 20-foot setback. After extensive discussion regarding the definition of hardship and precedents, the board voted 3-2 (Michael Harm, Rocky Goodin, Tracy Baucom in favor; Carrie Dietrich, Pat Bemrose opposed) to deny the variance, as it did not meet the criteria for unusual hardship.

Zoning Board Approves Variances for Small Lot at 618 North Moline

The Zoning Board of Adjustments considered a request for relief from zoning ordinance requirements for lot size, lot width, minimum square footage, building setbacks, and parking for the property at 618 North Moline. The applicant, Kenneth McKinney, sought to replace a previously demolished home on a pre-recorded lot of record. The lot size is 2,400 sq ft (60x40 ft), smaller than the R2 district minimum of 5,000 sq ft. The proposed house is 576 sq ft, just under the 600 sq ft minimum living area. Variances were requested for the front setback (11 ft instead of 25 ft) and rear setback (5 ft instead of 20 ft) to accommodate the structure on the exterior lot. Staff recommended approval, citing hardship due to the lot's physical layout and non-conforming status. The board unanimously approved the variance after adopting findings of fact, acknowledging unusual and practical difficulties and hardship imposed by strict application of the ordinance. [cite: 45, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61, 63, 65, 122, 123, 125, 132, 147, 153-221, 228, 239]