Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessory Building Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Augusta BZA approves 600-square-foot detached garage for Rio Ridge homeowner over staff recommendation
Summary
The Board approved a variance to increase the maximum accessory building area from 500 to 600 square feet at 3721 Rio Ridge Drive. Planning staff had recommended denial but provided conditions the board applied when approving the request.
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 600-square-foot detached garage at 3721 Rio Ridge Drive, exceeding the 500-square-foot maximum for the lot. The board voted to approve the request with staff-recommended conditions; no public opposition was recorded.
Planning staff, represented by Ashley Catterton, development services administrator, recommended denial because the request did not meet all criteria in section 33 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Staff explained the lot is approximately 0.35 acres (about 15,246 square feet), for which the zoning ordinance sets a maximum total accessory-building floor area of 500 square feet (or 3 percent of the lot, whichever is greater). The applicant proposed a 600-square-foot detached garage, which exceeds the maximum by roughly 20 percent. Staff noted the proposed garage would be located behind the primary residence, partially obscured from the road, would meet side- and rear-yard setbacks shown on the submitted plan, would not exceed the 30 percent lot-coverage maximum, and is not in a wetland or special flood hazard area.
The applicant, Rosetta Marshall Hixson, stated she had nothing further to add at the podium and that she understood the staff conditions. Staff recommended two conditions should the board approve: allow the 600-square-foot accessory building on the property, and acknowledge that accessory buildings shall not be used for residential purposes, may not contain sleeping or cooking facilities, may not be used for home-occupations or service home offices, and may not have a separate electrical service unless the applicant returns to request that specifically.
A board member moved to approve and another seconded; the motion passed by show of hands with no opposition. The board chair indicated the applicant would receive a written approval letter in the mail.
