One Approved, One Continued

The City of Ladue Zoning Board of Adjustment wrestled with two thorny issues on Monday, Jan. 3.

They had to deal with two homes seeking variances, one with an issue of being three-stories high while another, planning a major remodel and expansion was encroaching too close to the property line.

Ann and Mark Travis of No. 17 Lindworth Drive appealed an earlier decision to allow their remodeling to encompass two-thirds of their backyard.

Homes need to be at least 30 feet from the property line and a proposed L shaped screen in porch measured 24-9 inches from the border.

The only way to fall into full conformity would have been a major restructuring of the plans, including moving a newly-proposed kitchen far forward in the house.

The house on Lindworth was built in the 1950s, and the Travis' have lived there for four years. "Moving this house to the east just seems too convoluted," said Arthur Bond, one of the commissioners.

A year ago, the Travis' variance request was approved and because of numerous reiterations and changes to the plans, the plans were delayed, forcing the Travis' to come back for a second request. Commissioner Diane Lochner pointed out "never before have we considered variances for any home where two-thirds of the backyard is proposed to be gobbled up."

Because the Travis's had an approved variance a year ago, the commission voted 5-0 to approve their plans this time.

The proposed construction for Diane and John Kalishman at No. 16 Fordyce Lane is a stickier issue. After much discussion, attorney John King and architect David R. Pape and the land owners agreed to a continuation as proposed by the board.

The issue is the overall mass of the proposed 4,500 square foot new construction. Plans call for a third floor with a walk out basement and visible from property owners from the rear. Board members suggested altering the configuration of a circular driveway, allowing builders to move the property some 30 feet closer to the street to reduce the visual effect.

The proposed Kalishman plans have already met with universal approval by the Fordyce trustees and nearby home owners. This land has sat vacant for nearly 10 years.

"If we approve this house as it is, we will have 50-100 (proposals) just like it in the new year, asking the same thing," said board member Robin Toft.

Planners hope to have revised proposals on the docket for the next board meeting in February.