“The lot was difficult to build on in 2004,”
Council member Rodman noted. 2004 was the year Oro Valley resident Susan Richards paid $149,000 for it. Richards, who has been trying to sell the property for the past five years, was before Town Council in October, seeking a grading and fill variance.
The lot in question is Oro Valley Estates, lot 6 (945 W Valle Del Oro). Most of the homes there were built some years back. Almost all required grading and fill. Lot 6 is a bit different. It is a hill, seven stories high!
The scenario was typical... Petitioner wants variance... Neighbors say “no”
Richards has been told by an architect that one can’t build a reasonably sized home on the property that meets Oro Valley's allowable grading standard. A reasonably sized home requires a 16 foot cut (12 foot fills) twice the town code limit . A grading variance will give some assurance to a potential buyer that they could put a reasonably sized home on the land.
The neighbors, even one whose house sits precipitously on top of the hill, foundation eroding, object.
Town staff planner Hayes presented the case. The lot was defined in 1959 for a home. A variance is needed to allow for that.
Town Staff sees a win-win
Town professional engineer Keesler noted that a grading variance was a “win win” for everyone. The precipitously perched house owner could work with whoever eventually tries to build on the property to abate their foundation erosion issue; because any remediation they would need to do would require the cooperation of the lot 6 owner.
Councilmember Solomon, a contractor, assured all that a variance could be built that would stabilize the land. He assured all that terracing walls would be a cost effective solution. And, all agree that there will be no view blocking issue because the house would be at the base of the hill.
Council agrees
By unanimous vote, Council approved the grading exception, with the condition that no individual retaining wall be greater than 8 feet in height.
The next day: The yellow public hearing sign came down on lot 6. The “For Sale” sign went up.
The land is listed for $94,900,
This is a veritable bargain for land in Oro Valley Estates. But is it?
The catch?
The home will take a long time to build, more town approvals and variances will be needed and all of this will add to the already heavy cost to build. In the end will be a home with a really small back yard... a home that won’t see the sun until the afternoon.
Perhaps, not such a good deal after all!
