Planning commission approves variance for Bird Construction to build carport five feet from side property line

The Petersburg Borough Planning Commission approved a variance for Bird Construction to build an open carport and storage shed at a property referred to in the record as 407 Midcoff/Midcalf Highway.

The applicant requested a 3-foot side-yard variance, but the motion approved by the commission authorized construction 5 feet from the side property line and 7 feet from the rear property line—the commission noted 5 feet is the typical minimum the commission has been approving. The motion in the record reads: “I move to approve the application from Bird Construction for a variance at 407 Midcalf Highway from the yard setback requirement to allow for construction of an open carport slash storage shed 5 feet from the, side yard property line and 7 feet from the rear property line subject to the findings of fact and the proposed conditions of approval outlined in this report.”

Daniel Byrd, who identified himself as the builder, described siting constraints and the house’s placement on the lot. Commissioners asked whether fire-code requirements would apply if the structure were closer than 5 feet; staff and the builder discussed that any part of a structure within 5 feet of a property line may need to meet a one-hour fire-resistance rating and that fascias or soffits might need to be wrapped or sheetrocked. One staff speaker said approving a 5-foot setback avoids applying additional fire-code wrapping conditions the commission would otherwise need to specify.

A roll call followed the motion; the named commissioners on the roll call recorded yes votes and the motion passed. The record shows the commission approved the variation to allow the structure 5 feet from the side property line rather than the 3 feet originally requested by the applicant. Staff noted the plat and permit materials should reflect the approved distances and any applicable fire-code conditions.