A couple trying to sell their home got approval from the City Council last week to build into the rear building setback to extend their kitchen and breakfast area.

This is the second time a resident has taken advantage of a new city plan that allows residents who back up to city-owned greenbelt the chance to expand their homes.

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Svoboda will expand their home in a bid to appease a potential buyer who wants to increase the size of the home from its existing 1,400 square feet, representatives said. Their home, at 147 Long Leaf, is in the Center Green subdivision.

The variance was opposed by resident Phyllis Aguayo, who said residents were concerned about the smaller homes when they were initially built years ago.

The project will not involve the cutting of any trees in the greenbelt, nor will it involve any intrusion onto the city-owned greenbelt. Instead, it will allow for a 10.5-foot encroachment toward the rear property line that’s normally forbidden by building setbacks.

Councilman Steve Boone said he thinks the new variances allow residents to improve their smaller homes, which is a net benefit to the city.