Board denies variance request for rear‑yard coverage at Thompson property
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Summary
The board denied a variance request that would have allowed a detached accessory structure to exceed rear‑yard coverage limits; staff had advised the applicant they could achieve compliance by moving the building 16 feet from the lot line, and the board voted 3–0 to deny the advertised variance.
The Board of Adjustment denied a variance request for the Thompson property (APN 22065003U) after discussion about alternative placements that would meet county rear‑yard coverage standards.
Staff reported the applicant’s proposed detached accessory building would cover approximately 64% of the rear yard where county rules cap detached accessory coverage in the rear yard at 30%. Staff said the owner could relocate the structure 16 feet from the property line and thereby reduce rear‑yard coverage below the 30% threshold without a variance. At the hearing the applicant reached staff by phone and confirmed the option to place the building 16 feet from the property line.
Board members discussed whether the applicant had had adequate opportunity to pursue the non‑variance option after the previous continuance. Member Clapp moved to deny the variance; Member Ward seconded. The board recorded a 3–0 vote to deny the requested rear‑yard coverage variance. Staff noted the applicant may proceed by relocating the building to meet the ordinance or return to the board with a narrower coverage request.
The denial requires the applicant to either construct within the county’s rear‑yard coverage limits (for example by moving the building to a 16‑foot offset) or to return with a revised variance request showing a smaller coverage allowance.