Zoning panel approves limited variance for deteriorating deck at 5704 Cove Circle

The Monona Zoning Board of Appeals on a voice vote approved a variance allowing property owners Valerie and Drew Cathers to replace and expand a nonconforming second‑floor deck at 5704 Cove Circle, with conditions that the deck’s new usable depth be limited to 8 feet (excluding stairs) and that a screened porch beneath the deck be allowed within the same footprint. The board recorded the motion and second and took a voice vote; the transcript does not list a roll‑call tally.

The Cathers told the board the existing deck is “unsafe and deteriorating,” with rotted joists and unstable stairs that leave patio doors opening onto a 15‑foot drop. “This is about replacing a failing hazardous structure with one that is safe, functional, and consistent with the neighborhood,” the applicants said during the public hearing, arguing the house predates current shoreline setbacks and that strict compliance would deny them reasonable use of their home.

Doug, a city planner on the staff, told the board the key setback line for shoreyard regulation is the meander line shown on the survey and that typical shoreyard setbacks would be 50 feet inland from that line. He also said the…