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Zoning board approves waiver of 36-inch masonry wainscot for accessory structure at 886 West Kutzinger Road
Summary
The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals on March 10 granted a development-standards variance allowing an accessory structure at 886 West Kutzinger Road to omit the required 36-inch masonry wainscot. The decision followed neighbor comment about proximity to the property line and staff confirmation that no setback applies in the district.
The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals on March 10 approved a variance (BZA2025-004) allowing petitioner Charles Baxter to build an accessory structure at 886 West Kutzinger Road without the 36-inch masonry wainscot normally required for accessory buildings larger than 300 square feet. The motion carried 5-0.
The board adopted the staff report and evidence into the record and directed the corporation counsel to draft written findings of fact reflecting the board’s decision. Board members moved and seconded the motion, and the board noted it will finalize written findings at its next meeting in two weeks.
Petitioner Charles Baxter told the board he sought the waiver because the other buildings on his property are metal and the masonry wainscot would “offset that appearance.” Baxter added he did not believe the wainscot was necessary for the structure’s stability. Baxter provided the written answers to the statutory criteria that staff included in its report.
Neighbor Don Higgs opposed the variance in public comment, saying the structure was built in December 2024 and that it sits “13 inches of the existing property line.” Higgs said he believed a five-foot setback applied and asked that ordinances be upheld. Planning staff told the board they had issued a building permit that is pending this approval and that, in the subject agricultural zoning district, there is a zero-foot setback; staff said the only issue before the board was whether the masonry requirement could be waived.
The board moved to admit all evidence presented, including the petitioner’s application, maps, photographs and staff report. Mr. King made the motion to approve the variance without conditions; Mr. Peters seconded. The motion carried 5-0. The board also voted unanimously to direct counsel to draft the written findings of fact for adoption at the next meeting.
Final administrative steps: the board’s counsel will prepare the written findings of fact for the petition, and staff confirmed Baxter may proceed with final permitting once the board’s written decision is filed.
