Morgantown BZA grants setback variance for homeowner’s 8x10 shed at 716 McKinley Ave.

The City of Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals on record granted variance VAR25-030 allowing Jessica Adams to place an 8-by-10 accessory shed within the side and rear setbacks at 716 McKinley Avenue.

The variance was requested so the proposed 8-by-10 storage shed could sit near a corner of the lot where the applicant said the air‑conditioning unit and other site constraints limit alternative placements. “I’m proposing an 8 by 10 shed in the corner of my property. And it’s probably only 1 foot away from the property line,” Jessica Adams said during the hearing.

Planning staff had recommended approval and described the structure as a standard storage shed that would sit on gravel; staff noted the shed height would be under the 18-foot accessory‑structure limit. A nearby neighbor, Jason Black of 714 McKinley Avenue, spoke in support, saying the shed “isn’t gonna hurt either one of us.”

The board approved findings of fact and voted to grant the requested four-foot variance from the five-foot setback, subject to a single condition: any future modifications to the approved site plan must comply with the City of Morgantown planning and zoning code or the applicant must seek further variance relief from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The board chair reminded Adams that the decision is appealable to the Circuit Court of Monongalia County and that any work performed during the 30‑day appeal period is at the applicant’s financial risk.

Planning staff said written confirmation of the decision would be sent to the applicant within about a week.