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Commission hears resident’s shed variance request, encourages applicant to work with staff; request tabled
Summary
A request to reduce rear and side setbacks for a 12-by-16 backyard shed was discussed at length and tabled so the applicant can work with staff to explore alternatives and drainage/foundation needs; the fire department opposed setback reductions.
The Planning Commission on March 11 heard a request from Isaiah Desmond for variances reducing a rear setback from 20 feet to 5 feet and side setbacks from eight feet to five feet for a 12-by-16 shed. After discussion, the commission and staff encouraged the applicant to work with planning and engineering to identify alternatives; the applicant agreed and the request was tabled.
Desmond said the rear corner proposed for the shed "generally accumulates quite a bit of water" and that tree stumps and low-lying ground made the current 20-foot setback impractical. He described a 12-by-16 shed and said he planned a gravel base with skids and stick framing. Planning staff and the fire department raised concerns about combustible construction close to property lines and the cumulative effect of multiple sheds near the fence line.
The fire department stated it would oppose variances that reduce separation between structures and asked whether the applicant could meet the eight-foot side setback. Commissioners noted portable structures larger than 120 square feet cannot be on skids and must be on a slab; staff clarified that a 12-by-16 structure would require a concrete slab.
Several commissioners recommended tabling the request so staff could visit the site and work with the applicant on drainage, foundation options and whether the shed could be relocated to meet setback requirements. The applicant agreed to a site visit and to work with staff. The commission did not adopt revised setback relief at the meeting; the item will return if the applicant pursues a revised variance application.
