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Board of Adjustment approves variance allowing house behind existing garage on Fairview Avenue
Summary
The Waterloo Board of Adjustment on April 22 approved a variance permitting construction of a single-family home behind an existing accessory structure on a parcel south of 2021 Fairview Avenue, concluding the structure was longstanding and neighbors supported the request.
The Waterloo Board of Adjustment on April 22 approved a variance that lets a property owner build a single-family house behind an existing garage on a parcel south of 2021 Fairview Avenue.
Planning staff told the board the accessory structure has existed since about 1950 and the site has been zoned R-2 (one- and two-family residence) since the city adopted its zoning ordinance in 1969. Joseph Gautelman of planning staff said the garage is set back about 45 feet from the front lot line and that the lot is approximately 3.9 acres.
Staff recommended approval, saying the garage’s age and ownership history provide a unique circumstance and that neighbors contacted by staff were supportive. Elizabeth Underwood, who said she lives at 2021 Fairview Avenue, told the board, “Just looking for support. He's my brother. We've lived there our whole lives.”
John Beckman moved to approve the variance; Tom Powers seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The approval allows construction of a house behind the existing garage while leaving the accessory structure in the required front yard. Staff noted alternatives — such as tearing down or relocating the garage — would be the property owner’s option if the variance had been denied. The board did not set additional conditions on the variance during the hearing.
The applicant may now pursue any necessary permits and site approvals required by city code and by the building-permit process.
