On July 9, 2025, the Plain Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance 25-5 to allow a 24-by-24 detached accessory garage at 157 Church Street for applicant Lisa Miller, exceeding the accessory-structure size limit in the RS-3 Old Town Residential District by about 161 square feet.

The variance request concerns Section 11-183.05 (accessory uses and structures) of the zoning code, which caps detached accessory structures at 25% of the main dwelling's gross floor area. Staff told the board the house has 1,176 square feet of finished living area, an attached garage of about 396 square feet and a covered porch of about 88 square feet, yielding a maximum allowed detached accessory structure of roughly 415 square feet. The applicant requested a 576-square-foot detached garage (24 by 24).

Planner staff said the requested increase is not excessive, recommended approval and noted staff will confirm setbacks and height during the subsequent zoning- and building-permit review with West Jefferson if the variance is granted. The applicant told the board she plans to remove an existing 10-by-10 shed and place the garage in the same general area near a small creek on the lot.

Board members evaluated the request against the ordinance's variance criteria (11-38-0-5 c 3), finding the proposal "not contrary to the public interest," not substantial, and that literal enforcement would create practical difficulties given lot constraints. Members noted the neighborhood already contains similar detached outbuildings and said they did not expect negative impacts to adjoining properties or government service delivery.

After deliberation the board approved findings of fact and moved to approve variance 25-5. The final vote recorded in the transcript was: Miss McCoy '1; Mister Hogan '1; Mister Robles '1; Mister Herrick '1 (recorded as yes votes). No public opposition was recorded during the public-hearing portion of the item.

If the property owner proceeds, the next steps are a zoning permit and building permits through West Jefferson, at which point staff will verify setbacks and height limits. The board's approval covers only the area-variance requested; other code requirements still apply and would be enforced during permit review.