BZA denies request to build shed on vacant lot before primary structure

Marshall County—s Board of Zoning Appeals on May 13 denied a variance requested by Deborah Steph to place a 16-by-40-foot prefabricated shed with a 6-foot porch on a vacant lot before constructing a primary residence.

Planning staff recommended denial and advised that best practice would be to obtain a survey and combine the vacant lot with the adjacent lot containing the applicant—s primary residence before erecting an accessory structure alone. Staff said nearby lakefront lots did not typically show secondary structures standing alone and cited neighborhood character and setback concerns. The TRC also recommended against approval.

The applicant told the board she did not want to combine lots because she wanted to retain the vacant lot as a separable asset in case of future financial need; she said the proposed shed would sit on patio blocks and could be moved and that she had already had a survey completed. Neighbors raised concerns about lost parking for summer guests, potential traffic and blocked sight lines; one neighbor said the structure would remove a parking area used by visitors and posed a safety concern.

After discussion, a motion to deny the variance was made and seconded. The board voted to deny the request by voice vote.