Huron board of adjustments approves two variances, including tattoo shop use and zero-foot setback

The Huron Board of Adjustments on Tuesday approved two variance requests: a zero-foot east setback for a commercial building at 79 Lincoln Avenue SW and a use variance allowing a tattoo and piercing business at 1506 Dakota Avenue South.

City planning staff presented both requests to the board. "We recommended approval," Barry Cranston, city planning staff, said while explaining the Hanson request and the Rivera application. Cranston said the Hanson variance was sought because of underground utilities on the west side of the lot and that the proposed building would align with adjacent properties. For the Rivera request, Cranston said tattoo parlors are not permitted in the city's business zoning without a variance and that no opposition had been received.

Both requests were recommended by the planning staff, the building inspector and the hearing examiner. Cranston said the building inspector initially recommended denial for the Hanson request but withdrew that opposition after learning the new structure would align with the existing building to the north.

Property owner Cody Hanson spoke briefly at the hearing. "Nope. That sounds very good. Okay," Hanson said when given the chance to add to the presentation. Hanson’s request would allow a new commercial building to be built up to the lot line on the east side of the property where the zoning code requires a 20-foot yard setback.

On the Rivera application, Cranston said the city received no opposition and that staff recommended approval.

Both motions were approved by roll call. The board recorded unanimous affirmative votes on each item.

Planning staff noted one condition on the Hanson approval: no overhangs into the public right-of-way; the approved structure must maintain at least one foot clearance where it abuts the right-of-way.

The hearing concluded with the board returning to the city commission for the remainder of the agenda.