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Council approves variance to allow detached garage at 608 South Front Street with revised timeline for removal of excess accessory space
Summary
The council granted a variance permitting a 28-by-35-foot detached garage to be built between the house and front-yard setback at 608 South Front Street, with conditions including a professional survey and a 180-day timeline for removing any accessory structure that would exceed the 1,000-square-foot limit.
The New Ulm City Council on Tuesday approved a variance allowing a homeowner to construct a 28-by-35-foot detached garage forward of the principal structure at 608 South Front Street, subject to conditions including a professional survey, downspout direction toward Front Street and removal of excess accessory area within 180 days of permit issuance.
Planner John Nisley said the zoning ordinance generally requires detached accessory structures to be behind or to the side of the principal building; the proposed garage would be between the existing home and the front-yard setback. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval with five conditions: record the variance, verify building location with the city once staked, remove any existing accessory buildings if the total detached accessory area would exceed the 1,000-square-foot allowance, install downspouts to manage runoff, and conduct a property survey prior to building permit issuance.
During council discussion members asked staff to tighten the timeline for removing any excess accessory structure; planners and the building official indicated building permits typically expire within 180 days. The council amended the condition to require removal of any accessory buildings that would cause the property to exceed the 1,000-square-foot limit within 180 days of building-permit issuance rather than 30 days after final inspection.
The variance passed unanimously. Staff noted that automotive repair businesses are not allowed in residential districts and asked neighbors to report violations to the police department.
