Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conditional Approval Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission grants conditional approval for homeowner’s greenhouse pending 10‑foot setback or council variance
Summary
Planning and Zoning conditionally approved a homeowner’s request to place an underground/metal greenhouse closer than the city’s 10‑foot separation requirement, with approval contingent on meeting a 10‑foot setback or obtaining a variance from city council.
The Mona City Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 1 conditionally approved a homeowner’s request to place a metal, partially underground greenhouse nearer than the ordinance’s 10‑foot separation requirement, provided the structure be set back 10 feet from existing buildings or the applicant obtains a council variance.
Applicant presentation: the applicant described an underground metal greenhouse that needs close placement to an existing building to block north winds and operate without power except a frost‑free tap. The applicant asked whether an exception could be granted for a reduced setback; the commission’s code requirement is 10 feet to maintain fire access and allow vehicle passage.
Commission response and decision: planning staff and commissioners said the 10‑foot separation is intended for fire access and truck clearance. The applicant argued the greenhouse construction (concrete and metal) and lack of combustible material reduce risk; a fire representative and staff reviewed the structural notes but said the code is prescriptive. The commission offered two paths: (1) move the greenhouse to provide a full 10‑foot separation and the commission would approve the plan administratively, or (2) seek a variance from Mona City Council. The commission moved to conditionally approve the greenhouse on the condition that the new greenhouse is 10 feet away from existing structures; if the applicant prefers to request relief, staff will forward a variance application to the council and review the variance criteria.
Conditions and next steps: the commission asked the applicant to submit exact measurements (the applicant supplied a 4‑foot closest separation in the existing layout) and offered to transmit variance forms. Staff said a variance fee applies if the applicant pursues that route. The commission did not grant an immediate variance; the conditional approval requires compliance with the 10‑foot separation or a successful council variance.
