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Board of Zoning Appeals grants setback variance for Andover Auto Body expansion at 123 West Cloud
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing Andover Auto Body to encroach into the front‑yard setback at 123 West Cloud to build a 4,000‑square‑foot addition to an under‑construction 8,000‑square‑foot building; a nearby neighbor objected to lights and previous uncompleted promises.
The Andover Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance (case BZAV25‑0012) that allows Andover Auto Body to reduce the front‑yard setback at 123 West Cloud and construct a 4,000‑square‑foot addition to a building already under construction.
Jeff, speaking for Andover Auto Body, said the existing structure is about 8,000 square feet and the requested addition would add roughly 4,000 square feet to the north. He told the board the addition will be consistent with the existing building’s appearance and that site plan review will address details such as screening of mechanical equipment.
A neighbor, Robert Simmons, who lives immediately south of the property, told the board he is frustrated by recent additions, exterior lighting that shines into his yard and gaps under a privacy fence. "I'm tired of giving up stuff for this company," Simmons said, urging the board not to approve further expansions without resolving lighting and screening.
Julie, the zoning administrator, confirmed the site plan review process had considered the previously proposed building and that the addition under consideration would not extend onto neighboring property. Staff and the board noted the property is oddly shaped because of Cloud Avenue’s curve; staff said that constraint reduces buildable space on the west side of the lot and justified the practical difficulty standard for the variance.
The board made the required findings for a variance — that the lot’s shape creates a practical difficulty, that granting the variance will not cause material detriment to neighboring properties, and that strict application of the setback would unnecessarily restrict the owner — and voted to authorize the chair to sign a resolution granting the variance. Dan Colson moved to grant the variance and the motion was seconded and approved. The board said a resolution will be prepared and made available within 45 days; the decision may be appealed to district court within 30 days after the resolution is filed.
The board and staff agreed to investigate the neighbor’s concerns about lighting spillover and screening; the zoning administrator said final inspections for the existing construction had not yet been completed.
