Board grants variance for replacement shed installed ahead of zoning review at First Street West property

The Board of Adjustment approved a practical‑difficulty variance for a residential storage building installed at 3103 First Street West after an improperly issued building permit and subsequent zoning denial.

Applicant Stuart Schroed testified the prior shed was run‑down and that his contractor obtained a building permit to replace it. During inspection city zoning staff flagged the structure as non‑compliant with the required 60‑foot front‑yard setback because a public right‑of‑way easement reduces the owner’s measured setback from the street. The replacement structure meets size and height limits but was constructed in the same location as the prior shed, and the building permit proceeded to inspection before zoning approval was resolved.

Schroed told the board he uses the alley for parking and that relocating the shed to the rear would significantly reduce usable parking depth. He said the new shed is visually improved compared with the prior structure. Staff confirmed the shed’s square footage and height comply; the nonconformance is the front‑yard setback measurement.

Board members characterized the matter as largely a human error and noted the applicant had taken steps to correct the record by applying for a variance. The board approved the variance with a condition that stormwater runoff from the shed and adjacent areas be directed and maintained on the property in accordance with the land development code. A roll call recorded unanimous approval.

Votes at a glance Case 25033 (3103 First Street West) — Approved with condition that stormwater runoff be directed and maintained on the property to ensure compliance with the land development code. Vote: 5–0.