Applicant asked to pursue variances after garage addition plan raises setback and size questions

The Planning Commission continued review of a garage addition proposed at 9668 North Bedford Road after staff identified missing scaled site plans and potential zoning relief needed for setbacks and larger accessory-structure rules.

Staff’s review said the applicant proposes a 16-by-40-foot addition to an existing 24-by-24 detached garage on a 1.47-acre lot in the Darwin Residence District. Under the zoning code, larger detached outbuildings (those exceeding 600 square feet) are subject to a different subsection that requires they be located in the rear yard and that the lot meet a one‑acre minimum and additional requirements; the applicant will need a conditional zoning certificate if the structure exceeds the 600‑square‑foot threshold. Staff also found the plan lacked a scaled site plan showing exact distances to side and rear property lines and requested calculations for lot coverage and rear-yard accessory coverage limits.

During discussion the applicant clarified the addition would be in the rear yard and estimated the addition would be about four feet from the south neighbor’s property line. Staff advised the applicant that if the addition encroaches into the side-yard area they must pursue a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals as part of the variance process; multiple variances may be necessary (side setback, accessory-building area rules, and any lot-size thresholds). The commission asked the applicant to provide a scaled site plan, lot coverage calculations, and to pursue the BZA variance(s) and the conditional zoning certificate as applicable.

The commission continued the item to the June meeting to allow the applicant to submit the scaled site plan, obtain required variances and provide conditional-zoning paperwork.