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Madison board approves 3-foot setback variance for garage at 1211 West Main
Summary
The Madison Board of Zoning Appeals voted Jan. 13 to grant a 3-foot variance to the east lot line at 1211 West Main to allow property owners to build a rear garage, citing safety and neighborhood precedent.
MADISON — The Madison Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 13 approved a 3-foot variance to the east lot line at 1211 West Main so the property owners can construct a garage behind the house.
The board found that strict application of the zoning ordinance would cause practical difficulties given the lot layout in that part of Main Street and that a rear garage would improve safety by moving vehicles off the busy street, the board said during its findings of fact.
Applicant Joni Hall told the board she and her family were building a garage and cited safety as the primary reason. "I was almost struck by a car twice, and the last 1 was just right before Thanksgiving. And this 1 was literally, like, 3 to 4 inches from me," Hall said. She said the lot is "roughly 39 feet," and the requested change is a three‑foot allowance on the east lot line so a garage can be built in the alley behind the house.
Board members referenced prior variances granted on nearby Main Street properties and said the neighborhood’s parcel pattern predates modern zoning. "Variances for lot lines out there are absolutely nothing new," the chair noted while reviewing earlier approvals on West Main. Board member Mark Acosta said the project "fits in well with the immediate area and offers them a huge safety benefit from just getting in and out of their vehicles." Carl Eaglin agreed that the proposal improves public safety.
After the board completed its findings of fact, a motion to approve the variance of developmental standards for a three‑foot allowance to the east lot line carried. Roll call votes were recorded as affirmative by the members present.
The applicant indicated a concrete foundation has already been poured at the rear of the property to retain a neighboring wall and serve as the base for the garage; she said the new garage would be built on that foundation. The board did not place additional conditions beyond the variance approval. Any required building permits or historic‑district approvals were not addressed in detail during the hearing.
The decision allows the owners to proceed with the garage project subject to the city’s permitting process.
