A residential remodel project in Tempe is moving forward after receiving a use permit for a second-floor addition, despite neighboring residents concerned about how the added height will impact the neighborhood.
At the Tempe Development Review Commission’s July 23 meeting, the commissioners approved on a use permit to allow for a second-story addition at a residence in the 300 block of East Carter Drive.
Before the vote, the commission heard from several residents, the architect and property owner Daniel Lee about the project, discussing what the remodel would entail and the potential concerns for the neighborhood.
As explained in a staff report by City Planner Whitney Mayfield, the proposed addition is part of a larger remodel of an existing single-family residence that will include a carport-to-garage conversion, a laundry room and a remodel of the existing floor plan. This remodel plans to expand the ground floor square footage along with the additional space provided by the second floor.
Mayfield noted in her report that staff had received three comments before the meeting that were opposed to the second-story addition, citing privacy concerns and suggesting a basement in lieu of the second story to keep investors out of the neighborhood.
Addressing the latter concern at the meeting, Lee said neighbors have shared their concerns about him making these renovations just to rent out the property to students or to flip it for a profit.
He explained he’s been a Tempe local for almost his whole life and is planning on staying in the area.
“We’re putting all this time and effort into making this our forever home,” Lee said.
This drawing shows what the proposed Lee residence will look like following the remodel.
Courtesy City of Tempe
(Courtesy City of Tempe)
Mayfield also spoke at the meeting, covering the project from the city’s perspective and explaining the proposed addition will likely not impact the neighborhood.
However, she did note there were some conditions for approval for the project, such as asking that the proposal match its appearance to the surrounding neighborhood as best as possible.
“The proposed addition isn’t expected to create any kind of nuisance scenario, again, this is an addition to accommodate his family,” Mayfield said.
Additional conditions include privacy measures regarding windows for the property east of the Lee residence and the applicant working with adjacent neighbors to ensure the structural integrity of a masonry wall at the property line.
During the public comment, the neighbor east of the Lee residence, Arthur Nunez, said he had concerns, stating he was worried that the second floor would give an unobstructed view of his backyard and it could make installing solar panels on his single story home difficult.
Other residents who spoke expressed concern for the house’s size, as many of the surrounding houses are either single-story or have some kind of basement addition. Another neighbor, Stephanie Donahue also said the proposed design would compromise her backyard privacy, devalue her property and negatively impact the neighborhood.
“The proposed design of this massive five-bedroom, five-bathroom house would not complement the surrounding neighborhood but rather become a structure that resonates as a square in a round hole,” Donahue said.
Commissioner Joe Forte said as a resident of this neighborhood, he believes a project like this would be incompatible with the existing surroundings of smaller, single-family residences.
The commission ultimately approved the permit in a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Forte voting in opposition and with the additional conditions that Mayfield discussed to address resident concerns.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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