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Plan Commission denies conditional-use permit for oversized detached garage at 4769 S. Oakwood Hills Parkway
Summary
Neighbors argued a proposed large detached garage and entertainment terrace would block views and harm property values; the commission rejected the conditional-use permit 1–6.
The Eau Claire Plan Commission voted 6–1 Aug. 18 to deny a conditional-use permit (CUP) for construction of an oversized detached garage and covered lounge at 4769 South Oakwood Hills Parkway.
City planner Erin Kuzma presented the petition from Sandvik Construction on behalf of property owner Anthony Kovich for a CUP to allow a 2,018-square-foot detached garage and a 480-square-foot covered lounge. Under the R1P zoning rules cited in staff materials, private garages normally cannot exceed 1,000 square feet, and combined attached and detached garages cannot exceed 1,500 square feet without a CUP.
Several adjacent homeowners told the commission the project would substantially impair the enjoyment and value of nearby properties. “That garage and that location would have a significant negative impact on the value of my property,” said Jim Seeger, owner of the property immediately north of the site. Other neighbors echoed concerns about blocked views, loss of greenery and the project’s scale compared with neighborhood covenants.
Commissioners discussed the CUP criteria, and several members raised the provisions that require the commission to ensure a conditional use will not “substantially impair or diminish” the uses, values and enjoyment of nearby property. Commissioner Zoid described “a lot of red flags” and said the proposal looked like “a complex” more than an accessory building. Chair Helgason likewise referenced the CUP standards in explaining his opposition.
A motion to approve the CUP failed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Erickson voted yes; Commissioners Holzman, Leonard, Reid, Zoid, Brewster and Chair Helgason voted no. The motion therefore failed 1–6.
Outcome and next steps: The plan commission denied the CUP; no conditions were attached. Neighbors were advised any covenant claims (homeowners’ association restrictions) would be an enforcement matter between private parties and not a reason for the city to approve a permit that otherwise conflicts with private covenants.
Speakers at the public hearing included residents from multiple adjacent properties and a representative for the applicant. The record noted the applicant did not appear in person but was represented by Karina Matthews.
