Gautier council grants 7-foot setback variance for accessory structure with gutter requirement

The Gautier City Council on June 17 approved a 7-foot variance to side-yard setback requirements for an accessory structure at 3205 Oak Street and amended the approval to require the structure be attached to the primary building and include a gutter to control stormwater runoff.

Planning Director Scott Anderson presented the variance application and noted the planning commission’s recommendation that the council approve the variance with the condition that the proposed structure be attached to the primary structure. During council discussion members raised concerns about roof runoff and potential drainage impacts on neighboring properties. Councilman College moved to add a stipulation requiring installation of a gutter system at the property line to prevent run-off onto adjacent land. The amendment was seconded and carried; the main motion (moved by Councilman George, seconded by Councilman Gillette) then carried as amended.

Applicant Clarence “Chip” Darrington spoke at the meeting and described contractor plans to attach the proposed structure to the house and to direct drainage toward other portions of the lot. Darrington said contractors had proposed attachment methods and that the configuration would direct roof water to the front and side rather than onto neighboring yards.

The council’s approval includes the planning commission condition that the addition be attached to the primary structure; the council’s amendment requires a gutter at the property line to manage runoff. Building permits and plan review remain subject to building-code review for structural and foundation engineering if the work is attached to the house, the planning director said. The motion and amendment were recorded as carried; the transcript does not list a roll-call tally.