Zoning board approves front-setback variance at 912 Fourth Street

The Galena Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Oct. 8 to grant Timothy and Laura Gaffney a variance to reduce the front setback at 912 Fourth Street from 16 feet to 8 feet to permit construction of an accessory structure.

Board members said the record met the legal criteria for a variance, including a hardship tied to the property's site characteristics and that the request was the minimum necessary to allow reasonable use. The board's written finding of fact says the property is in a low-density residential zoning district and that the reduced setback would be compatible with adjoining properties and consistent with the zoning code and the comprehensive plan.

At the meeting the board read its finding of fact into the record, citing that a variance is discretionary and may be granted only if strict adherence to the code would create particular difficulties or undue hardship. The written conclusion included the required findings: uniqueness of hardship, absence of special privilege, reasonable use, minimum necessary relief, compatibility with adjacent properties, and conformance with the zoning code and comprehensive plan.

The board then moved to approve the recommendation contained in the finding of fact. A roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the members present; the motion carried.

The action was a zoning variance only; the board's approval addresses compliance with the city's zoning regulations and does not itself substitute for any building permits or other approvals required before construction.

The board identified the item as calendar number 25BDash08 in its minutes and adopted the finding of fact as the basis for approval. No public comments opposing the variance were recorded for this item.