Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessory Building Front Yard Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board denies variance to place garage-type outbuilding in front yard of Hickory's subdivision lot
Summary
Oklahoma County planning staff and neighbors weighed in on a request to locate a large accessory building in a front yard within the Hickory's subdivision; the Board of Adjustment denied the variance after hearing from the applicant and a letter of protest.
The Oklahoma County Board of Adjustment voted to deny a request to place an accessory building in the front yard and to encroach into required side and front setbacks for a lot in the Hickory's subdivision, an area that sustained tornado damage last year.
County staff said the lot is in a subdivision that dates to the 1990s and described a stricter enforcement of setback rules since the county adopted a building code in February 2002. Staff explained the applicant was seeking relief to place the building 10 feet closer to the road than the 80-foot front-yard setback measured from the centerline and 10 feet into a 25-foot side-yard setback. Staff also noted the county received one letter of protest that had been sent to the board and to a named party on the application.
The applicant described site constraints that, they said, limit placing the building in the rear yard: a steeply sloped backyard, a 20-foot natural-gas easement and an on-site septic system and storm shelter. The applicant said the proposed building would be largely screened by trees and offered to reduce the requested size if that would address board concerns. The applicant said, "the only reason why we're asking for the variance because our house has significantly pushed back on the lot," and noted the building would be used as a private garage and recreational space for their children.
Board members discussed neighborhood precedent and the site history, including older nearby properties that may not meet current setbacks. After discussion, a motion to deny the variance carried on a roll call; board members recorded aye votes.
The board’s action denies the requested front-yard placement and setback encroachments as presented. Staff advised that the property owner may pursue options consistent with county regulations or modify the application for future consideration.
