Board grants variance for garage expansion at 378 North Lake Drive after finding street geometry unique

The City of Watertown Board of Adjustment on May 22 unanimously approved a variance to allow a garage addition at 378 North Lake Drive that does not meet the 20-foot minimum setback for a garage opening perpendicular to the right of way.

City planning staff Brandy explained the property is in an R-1 zone and that the existing garage line dates to 1971. "They're proposing that the addition will be staggered back so that they'll have a 17.4 foot setback," Brandy said, noting the existing condition had a 16.6-foot setback. She told the board the proposed configuration would be 2.3–2.6 feet short of the 20-foot requirement.

The applicant, Jim Sire, described the existing garage as a 24-by-24 structure with inadequate roof trusses and said the work will replace the garage and install trusses spanning the full width. "My name is Jim Sire, I'm from 378 North Lake Drive," Sire said. He told the board the property provides roughly 32 feet from the garage face to the street, and that even with vehicles parked in the driveway there is clearance before the public way.

Board members considered the local street geometry and historical development when evaluating the variance criteria. A board member said the uniqueness that supported the variance was the transportation network and narrow street rather than the lot itself, and that the proposal is no more intrusive than several nearby structures built under older standards.

Motion and vote: Board member Gragacek moved to approve the variance as presented; Olenski seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote for the variance and the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the decision allows the property owner to replace and enlarge the garage to provide additional enclosed parking while the board relied on local street conditions and the existing development pattern in making a findings-based determination.

Details and context: Staff said the street lacks curb, gutter and sidewalks and functions as a local street; the public-right-of-way width was reported as consistent with typical local standards though the pavement is narrow. Sire said the roof trusses of the existing garage were insufficient and would be fully replaced. The board noted the property has adequate off-street parking and that the variance would not materially increase neighborhood density. No opponents spoke at the hearing.

Next steps: applicant to obtain building permits to proceed with the approved garage addition. The board recorded the approval with a unanimous roll-call vote.