GENERAL
Board of Adjustment Type:
Variance
Filing Date:
09/09/2026
Hearing Date:
10/12/2026
Proposed Use:
No Change
Description of Reason for Referral to BOA:
Variance required for location of detached garage in side yard.
Filing Fee:
250.00
VARIANCE INFORMATION
Description of Variance(s):
Variance requested for side yard location of 320 sq. ft. one-story, detached garage with 1.5' distance from fence/property line. The proposed location is similar to that of other garages on the street, but technically in a "side" yard due to the shape of the house.
Describe if granting the variance will negatively affect public health, safety or welfare; negatively affect or alter the character of the general vicinity; or allow an unreasonable circumvention of the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.:
The requested variance would not negatively affect public health or alter the character of the general vicinity. The proposed garage will be in a location similar to that of other garages on the street, in terms of distance from the street. The structure will not divert water runoff to any neighboring property.
Describe the special circumstances which apply to this property and not generally to other land in the general vicinity or same zone.:
The location of the proposed detached garage is nearly in the back yard, but moving it farther into the backyard (or farther from the property line) would require removal of large trees. Large tree removals would alter the character of the general vicinity more than the proposed location of the structure.
Describe how strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would deprive of reasonable use of land or create an unnecessary hardship.:
Strict application of the ordinance would require removal of one or more large trees, as well as an extended area of non-permeable surface (concrete) to extend driveway all the way to the backyard, generating more runoff to the street/storm drain.
Describe if the circumstances of the requested variances were the result of the appellant's actions:
No. Based on the characteristics of our neighborhood and site, the proposed garage location is likely the same location where a small garage was previously located many years ago, at the top of the driveway.
Alter the Character of the General Vicinity:
The location and relative size of the proposed garage will be similar to other garages on the street. No significant alteration of the character of the general vicinity will result.
TENANT DISPLACEMENT
Dwelling Units to be Removed:
No
Any removed in previous 12 months:
No
Dwelling Units Currently Occupied by Households Earning under 40% of the Median Income:
No