Planning commission approves front-yard accessory-structure variance for Trestle View property

The Stevens County Planning Commission voted to approve a pair of variances requested for 122 Trestle View Road to permit an accessory structure in the front yard and to reduce the required setback from the principal structure to four feet. Property owner James Garner spoke in favor on behalf of the applicants, James and Sydney Connor, explaining that steep topography in the side and rear yards would require extensive retaining and disturbance to site a garage there. Garner said moving the structure forward would “allow us to put it on existing land with minimal disturbance of the soil.” Staff told the commission that accessory structures are ordinarily required in side or rear yards and must be set back 10 feet from the principal building; the requested variances would allow placement in the front yard and a 4-foot separation from the house. The staff recommendation was to approve as requested. The public hearing for this item produced no opposition; commissioners moved to approve and passed the motion. Decision versus discussion: the record shows applicant testimony about topographical hardship and minimal visibility from the road plus staff findings; the commission made a formal motion to grant the variances and voted to approve.