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Decatur board grants variance for accessory structure at 417 Closs Street
Summary
The Decatur City board approved an 8-foot side-yard variance request from Larry Templeton to build an accessory structure on a concrete foundation at 417 Closs Street. The board recorded unanimous approval and told the applicant to return for any future business-use approvals and to obtain required permits.
The Decatur City board granted a variance allowing a reduced side-yard setback for an accessory structure at 417 Closs Street, the board decided after hearing from the applicant and city staff.
The variance request, filed by Larry Templeton of 417 Closs Street, asked the board to allow a 0-foot side-yard setback where city code 150.071 requires a minimum side yard of 8 feet. The board found the petition met the required findings and voted to grant the variance.
Templeton told the board he plans to build an unattached, finished structure on a concrete foundation inside an existing fenced area and said it would be set about 5 feet from his existing garage and house. He described the structure as intended for recreational use and later possibly for food production; city staff advised that operating a business would require separate approvals. City staff reviewed the applicant’s drawings and materials list and confirmed electrical and plumbing would require permits.
The board ran through the required findings of fact — including impacts on light and air, traffic congestion, fire danger, property values and public welfare — and recorded affirmative answers before announcing the decision to grant the variance.
The board instructed Templeton to obtain building permits and inspections from city staff and noted that if he later seeks to run a business from the structure he will need to return to the board for any additional variances or approvals related to commercial use.
Action taken: The petition for a side-yard variance at 417 Closs Street was granted. The applicant must secure required building, electrical and plumbing permits and follow inspection stages; any future request to operate a business from the structure will require a separate application and approvals.
Less critical details: One board member was participating by phone. No members of the public registered opposition or spoke in favor during the hearing.
