Council approves 1,152-square-foot accessory studio at 130 Robin Hood Drive for woodworking and pottery

The Woodstock mayor and council voted 6-0 May 19 to approve a variance to allow a 1,152-square-foot accessory structure at 130 Robin Hood Drive for use as a private woodworking and pottery studio.

Planning staff explained the parcel is a corner lot in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood constrained by septic infrastructure, specimen trees and underground irrigation lines; those elements limit locations where an accessory structure can be sited without encroaching on required infrastructure. The applicant, Andrea Stocker, told council the building is intended for personal woodworking and pottery and to house tools she will inherit from her grandfather; she said many of the tools are oversized and a garage-style door is needed to load and move them safely.

The planning commission recommended approval with modifications: increasing the maximum allowed size to 1,152 square feet (from staff's 806-square-foot suggestion), requiring the owner maintain a valid home-occupation license, prohibiting in-person events beyond the license limits, and restricting conversion to a dwelling. The commission also removed a staff recommendation that would have prohibited any street-facing garage door; the final permit allows a garage-style door facing Nottingham Drive so long as the structure's visible materials match the primary house and other LDO standards are met.

In making its decision, council members noted the request is limited to accessory, nonresidential use and emphasized conditions preventing future conversion to a dwelling. The applicant said she is content with the 1,152-square-foot size as proposed.

Ending: The city approved the variance and conditions; staff will verify compliance with the conditions during permitting and construction.