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East Ridge Zoning Board approves two variances for garage addition at 500 Bonnie Lassie Avenue
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved two setback variances for an attached 20-by-20 garage at 500 Bonnie Lassie Ave., granting a 9-foot variance on the street side (Stimpson Drive) and a 13-foot variance from the rear property line. The board found limited traffic at the corner and no public opposition when voting to approve both variances.
The Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of East Ridge approved two setback variances on Sept. 8, 2025, for an attached garage addition at 500 Bonnie Lassie Avenue, a corner lot with frontage on Stimpson Drive. The board granted a 9-foot variance from the street-side (Stimpson Drive) requirement and a 13-foot variance from the rear-yard requirement.
Applicant and proposal: Annette Williamson, represented at the hearing by contractor Veil Medeiros of Improve America, proposed a 20-by-20 attached garage addition that would provide additional enclosed parking for the residence. The applicant said the existing single garage is used for storage (books) and that the new enclosed garage would accommodate two vehicles and provide interior access to the house. The addition is proposed to be accessed from Stimpson Drive (a dead-end street adjacent to the lot).
Staff summary and reasons discussed: Michael Howell, chief building official, told the board the proposed north (rear) elevation would sit about 11 feet 3 inches from the rear property line (a requested rear-yard variance of about 13 feet 9 inches from the 25-foot requirement), and the street-side (west/Stimpson Drive) elevation would sit about 16 feet 5 inches from the property line (a requested variance of about 8 feet 7 inches). Board members discussed sight-line and traffic concerns for corner lots but noted that Stimpson Drive is effectively a dead-end with minimal traffic. Staff also noted that a detached carport or pole barn would not require the same variances, but the applicant’s plan was for an attached, enclosed garage.
Board action: After discussion, the board approved the street-side variance (the board amended the numeric relief to 9 feet to encompass the requested layout) and then approved a 13-foot variance for the rear-yard encroachment. Board members who spoke in favor cited the lot’s configuration, the low traffic on Stimpson Drive, and the lack of opposition from neighbors.
Outcome and conditions: The motions were approved at the Sept. 8 hearing. Michael Howell reminded the applicant to obtain required building permits and to work with the building department so the construction stays within the approved setback relief and applicable building standards. The board’s approval was limited to the variances granted; any work must comply with permit review and applicable codes.
