The Rapid City Planning Commission convened on November 7, 2024, to discuss several variance requests, focusing on property development and zoning adjustments in the area.

The first item on the agenda involved a request to reduce the front yard setback from 25 feet to 14 feet and the rear yard setback from 25 feet to 6 feet for a proposed single-family residence at the corner of Van Buren Street and Gold Street. The applicant aims to construct a two-story home with a footprint of 2,100 square feet, totaling 4,200 square feet. The property, previously developed in the 1930s, was demolished in 2018. The commission noted that the lot's narrow width significantly limits the buildable area, making the requested variances necessary for reasonable use. The proposal includes maintaining existing mature trees for privacy and aesthetic continuity with the neighborhood. After thorough discussion, the commission ultimately approved the variance request, adjusting the setbacks to 10 feet on both the north and south sides, while allowing a maximum lot coverage of 33%.

The second item addressed a variance request to reduce the east side yard setback from 8 feet to 5 feet for a carport at a property on Willow Avenue. The existing single-story dwelling lacks a garage, and the proposed carport would facilitate parking without requiring extensive modifications to the property. The commission recognized that the request aligns with the character of the neighborhood, where similar structures exist. The variance was approved with the stipulation that the carport be constructed using non-combustible materials.

The third item involved a variance request to reduce the minimum parking requirement for a commercial property at 807 Saint Andrews Street, transitioning from a dental clinic to a group travel wholesale company. The applicant proposed to provide four off-street parking spaces instead of the required nine, citing the online nature of the business, which generates less parking demand. The commission acknowledged the availability of nearby public parking and the reduced need for on-site parking due to the business model. The variance was approved, allowing for the reduced parking requirement while stipulating that any future changes in use would necessitate a new variance request.

Lastly, the commission reviewed a request to increase the fence height from 4 feet to 6 feet along the property lines of a church and school complex on Mount Rushmore Road. The proposed chain-link fence aims to enhance safety for children using the recreational fields. The commission supported the request, emphasizing the unique circumstances of the property and the importance of maintaining visibility through the fence for safety reasons.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to balancing property development needs with community safety and neighborhood character, resulting in several approved variance requests that facilitate reasonable use of the properties while addressing local concerns.