[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6636885,"mediaKeyId","2602547-76995a24acc9a69042482db052d131d3","parentId",2602547,"title","Commission approves small side-setback encroachment for AC pad at 15102 Berry Drive","audioSeconds",423,"startMs",1612000,"endMs",2035205,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602547-76995a24acc9a69042482db052d131d3&start=1612&end=2035","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602547-76995a24acc9a69042482db052d131d3/thumbnail_1612000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6636885/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-approves-small-side-setback-encroachment-for-AC-pad-at-15102-Berry-Drive","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636885-57083d8d89cf3ee7379838b0c0864909/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183099&Signature=SMetW6N9sKEZT6nU7bG7FuAlwdSGSzQ4ro1y5n6M~wfK4YXLJ3zJsMic2Vm7-LUBihZf7E~iI5BTjuw~9kjG6bpZ0YYSYKkGtWdLMg-IwTlJjS9rSOdnKMOud5VQp3jcezxWKu3JlSUHkAFgAlMr9LK7JEuJSISUahfAzv9CakS0gidlDAd4XkDNBryFYhsEUyHzSd3TxFcwwVNIWkXKdtkBQXm2oUAxuQOP-c8u4CTVzyzfi5s5PlLL94HYjYdw8qyvVzo6gze88JBp0WkllZExnjBZFKCL33dHjvE~xiscP7hSiGzR-xa3J3-8wUeMR4h1Y4~hUpBydMjbd4MQag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeway","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Lakeway commission approved a variance allowing property owners William and Jane Schilhorn to place an air-conditioner pad and screening within the left-side building setback at 15102 Berry Drive.

The owners asked for a two-foot encroachment into the five-foot left-side setback to accommodate a mini-split HVAC unit and the screening the permitting process requires. William Schilhorn told the commission the concrete pad was poured late last year and that the encroachment was identified during the permitting review.

“I went ahead and poured the pad,” William Schilhorn said, explaining that removing or cutting the concrete would be an alternative if the variance were not granted but that either option would present challenges for properly siting and operating the HVAC unit.

City staff clarified that the code requires screening but does not prescribe the screening material. “Perhaps the HOA may, but you could put landscaping around to screen it and that would be acceptable per code,” a staff member said.

Commissioners asked questions about shade, drainage and maintenance: the Schilhorns said the side yard is shaded and has been difficult for plantings in recent summers, and staff observed that landscaping in that side area could be subject to runoff or localized drainage during heavy rain. Commissioners also noted the property retains other space and access on the opposite side yard.

After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the encroachment and another seconded. The commission approved the variance by voice vote.

The owners are permitted to use landscaping as an acceptable screening solution under city code; the staff and the owners discussed options including plantings and the possibility the HOA could have stricter standards. The owners said they intend to pursue plantings such as butterfly bushes and will work with staff to identify suitable screening that meets both code and site constraints.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakeway - City Building Commission - Mar 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Lakeway commission approved a 2-foot encroachment into a 5-foot left-side setback so owners William and Jane Schilhorn can site a mini-split HVAC pad and screening wall to service their garage; staff noted landscaping can satisfy screening requirements.","taxTitle","Lakeway, Travis County, Texas","taxId",69618,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636890,"Lakeway commission denies front-yard fence variance for 105 Palazzo Alto Drive",1399,122000,1521000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602547-76995a24acc9a69042482db052d131d3&start=122&end=1521","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602547-76995a24acc9a69042482db052d131d3/thumbnail_122000.jpg","/articles/6636890/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Lakeway-commission-denies-front-yard-fence-variance-for-105-Palazzo-Alto-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636890-5901e75472df82d630dd4eed28597d7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183099&Signature=cnPYKcidlk8wdo-y62VYKsxhJs3U7UGNzQNe0zcELgNFfcXqt-A0IuoqZ6UOkF~Wfg8PBFIRI8U8XgwEUvdaI6kIKjGj6OMsr93V26lJvTSmKtXqCNwAFA8oCu3WLxXgoJAjH6kbOEM7hN3-42-BLwajS1ZNjGP74XJeSKqvD9q3vttYWbFu-youYJ-PKQxq1zOsjVQU-sZXrpoyFL0IMx3W76q48wcnwQmHV8aPBBu7YctTtN9lx5aWbcIS6saEZLsPAUm7F6EFu5em5WMM1qqWbN2ds~yibAEL6OSIGqNHYnJv79ahCPRAnYym1CGwL61gx8DOi2XZ793echmkHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeway commission voted against a variance request from property owners Carlina and Kevin Brach to construct a five-foot iron fence, stucco columns and an automated gate up to 10 feet into the 25-foot street-side building setback at 105 Palazzo Alto Drive.

The request, introduced during the commission’s regular agenda, would have allowed the fence and gate to sit closer to Plaza Alto Drive than the Lakeway code of ordinances permits. The applicants said the reduction would create a small front play area for their dog and preserve the house’s curb appeal without removing established trees.

“The red line represents where the variance would lie…the minimum impact on the variance as possible, but keep the natural beauty of the front yard,” Kevin Brach said during the presentation.

The applicants told the commission they were constrained by water restrictions placed by Water District 17 that limited how much of their lot could be irrigated, leaving the backyard undeveloped and increasing their desire for a usable front lawn area. They also said the Bella gated community where the home sits includes other properties with similar front-yard treatments and that the homeowners association (HOA/POA) leader indicated the HOA defers to the city on this type of variance.

Commission discussion focused on sight lines and the potential impact to the street-facing trees. One commissioner said putting the fence on the building line would avoid disturbing trees and questioned whether the applicants were significantly disadvantaged by complying with the 25-foot setback. Another commissioner said the parcel’s front-yard trees were attractive and that moving the fence forward “would go right in front of them.”

“The fence itself, I’d like to see how it really disturbs the trees,” a commissioner said during deliberations.

Members also noted that a single neighbor submitted two protests (one web form and one email) and that the protester has had prior conflicts with the applicants’ HOA. The applicants said the protest appeared to be from an individual with a personal dispute and not from multiple neighbors.

A motion to approve the variance failed. The commission announced the outcome with the motion receiving one vote in favor and two opposed; the chair declared the variance not approved.

Commissioners who voted in favor and against were not recorded by full, official seat names in the minutes beyond tallying the voices on the motion. The commission invited the applicants to return with additional materials, such as photos showing specifically how trees would be affected, if they wish to seek reconsideration.

The commission’s staff noted that POA/HOA guidelines often defer to the city on setbacks and that applicants must provide emergency-access information for any gated entry if a gate is installed.

The commission moved on to the next agenda item after closing public comment and concluding deliberations.","The Lakeway commission voted down a request from Carlina and Kevin Brach to place a five-foot iron fence, columns and an automated gate 10 feet into the 25-foot street-side setback at 105 Palazzo Alto Drive, citing sight-line and tree-impact concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves small side-setback encroachment for AC pad at 15102 Berry Drive

Lakeway commission denies front-yard fence variance for 105 Palazzo Alto Drive