Board approves accessory-structure variance at Serenity Point Recovery property with 20-foot setback condition

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 28 approved a variance to allow an accessory structure in a front yard at 2121 Oak Street, the site of Serenity Point Recovery, and imposed a condition that the structure meet a 20-foot setback from Elm Street.

City staff said the parcel is triangular and functions as a double-front lot because it borders both Elm Street and Oak Street; setbacks in the R‑1 district are 20 feet front, 20 feet rear, 10 feet side, and 20 feet for corner/double-front lots. Kim, the city staff presenter, said the applicant proposes a 10-by-20 accessory structure that would sit approximately 13.25 feet from the Elm Street property line on the submitted site plan.

Eric Curtis, agent for property owner RendingPoint Recovery LLC, said the intent is to reduce cut-through traffic across the parking area and improve safety: "I'm trying to minimize the amount of traffic that cuts through that parking lot and just causes potential safety issues, with children and others." Staff recommended approval with the condition that the structure meet a 20-foot setback from Elm Street.

Board members discussed scope and possible conditions and noted that use rules and permitting (including allowed uses for accessory structures) remain part of later permitting and not resolved by the variance. The board voted to approve the variance with the 20-foot setback condition; staff said the accessory structure would be permitted for storage rather than living space and that building permits and any use restrictions would be enforced at the permitting stage.