The Waterloo Board of Adjustments on Aug. 26 approved a variance permitting the City of Waterloo to rebuild an accessory garage at 1515 Liberty Ave. at a 0-foot setback, 3 feet less than the 3-foot setback required in the R-2 (single- and two-family) residence district.
Tamala, a city staff member, told the board the property has been zoned R-2 since 1969 and that the existing accessory structure already sits at the lot line; the city intends to rebuild the garage in the same location. Staff recommended approval and asked that gutters and downspouts be installed so water would not shed onto the neighboring property.
Rudy Jones, community development director, described planned repairs and broader home rehabilitation the city intends at the property, including shoring footings, repairing water-damaged areas and installing a new driveway. Jones said the garage alone could cost about $2,025,000 and that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides an allowance of roughly $140,000–$150,000 for substantial rehabs; he said final house rehab budgeting had not been established.
Board discussion noted adjoining properties also have accessory structures at the lot line and that rebuilding the garage in place preserves access behind the structure; one board member suggested requiring gutters “will be required” rather than optional language to ensure runoff is directed away from neighbors.
A motion to approve the City of Waterloo’s variance passed by voice vote. The board approved the variance with the condition that gutters and downspouts be installed and directed away from the neighboring property to avoid creating water problems.