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ZBA approves 900-square-foot accessory structure at 256 Cottage Street with no-living-space condition
Summary
The board granted a 100-square-foot variance to allow a 900-square-foot detached garage at 256 Cottage Street, conditioned that the structure not be used for living quarters; the applicant reduced an earlier, larger request following staff guidance.
The Pontiac Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request to build a 900-square-foot detached accessory structure at 256 Cottage Street, granting a 100-square-foot variance from the 800-square-foot limit in section 2.304 of the city’s zoning ordinance.
Staff told the board the applicant previously requested a significantly larger accessory structure in September 2023 and returned with a reduced plan. The current application requests a 30-by-30-foot detached garage; staff recommended that any approval include a condition prohibiting residential occupancy in the accessory structure because application plans had noted a “living area” label.
The applicant, Jessica Espinosa of 256 Carter Street, told the board she intended the building to be a garage aligned with the driveway and said “it shouldn't have said living space” on the plans. Espinosa said the extra space would allow vehicles to be stored and provide room to move items in and out of the property.
Commissioner Burke moved to approve the variance from section 2.304 to allow a 900-square-foot accessory structure at 256 Cottage Street “based on the findings of fact outlined in the staff report with the restriction that this space is not used as living quarters.” Commissioner May seconded. On roll call the board recorded these votes: Commissioner May — yes; Commissioner McClellan — yes; Commissioner Bueno — yes; Commissioner Anderson — yes; Commissioner Burke — yes; Commissioner Babakwa — yes. The motion passed.
Why it matters: The approval permits the property owner to construct a detached garage larger than the ordinance normally allows, subject to the board’s condition preventing conversion to an accessory dwelling. Staff previously directed the applicant to reduce a larger request; the board’s action implements that compromise.
What’s next: Staff told the applicant they will follow up the next day and that the applicant may proceed with building permit applications and required inspections once zoning and building approvals are obtained.
