Bentonville City Council reviews setback variance for residential property

Bentonville's Board of Adjustments took a significant step forward during their January 8, 2025, meeting by approving a variance request that will allow a local property owner to address a setback issue that arose unexpectedly during a home renovation project. The decision comes after the property owners discovered that their existing structure did not comply with setback regulations, a situation they did not create.

The variance was sought after a survey revealed that the property had only 6.5 feet of setback on the western property line, which was not initially flagged by city building officials who had previously inspected the site. The property owners, represented by their advisor, argued that they should not bear the consequences of a problem that was not of their making. The board members acknowledged the fairness of the request, emphasizing the importance of equitable treatment in such cases.

During the discussions, board members expressed their understanding of the complexities involved in property line adjustments and the potential impact on neighboring properties. While the western property line will remain unchanged, the variance will allow the eastern line to be adjusted, bringing the entire property into compliance with local regulations.

The board's decision is expected to facilitate the completion of the home renovation, allowing the owners to move forward without the burden of non-compliance. This outcome highlights the board's commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that property owners can resolve issues that arise during construction.

As the board prepares to finalize the variance, the implications of this decision will resonate within the community, reinforcing the importance of clear communication and thorough inspections in property development. The next steps will involve formalizing the variance, ensuring that the property can be fully compliant and functional for its owners.