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Commission approves variance for large accessory structure in Southwest Boise
Summary
Ada County approved a variance allowing a 1,440‑square‑foot detached accessory structure to be built in the front yard of a Southwest Boise property — larger and taller than county standards — after staff concluded site constraints and surrounding precedent justify the change.
Ada County planners on Wednesday approved a variance allowing a detached accessory structure larger and taller than normally permitted in a front yard on a residential lot in southwest Boise.
Planning staff member Leon told commissioners the 0.45‑acre site in the R2 district is an established neighborhood and that a similar structure exists on a neighboring property. The applicant, Henry Proctor, proposed a 1,440‑square‑foot detached accessory structure with a peak height of about 20.5 feet; county code limits detached accessory structures in a front yard to 50 percent of the primary home's footprint and to a height no greater than the dwelling.
"In reality, if the home had been rotated, you know, 20 degrees to the east, the front yard area would have been dramatically smaller," Leon said, describing how the house orientation and the location of septic and drain fields constrain buildable locations. Whitney Fire District reviewed access and fire‑flow matters and noted hydrant and access considerations; because the structure would not be a dwelling, sprinklers were not required in the accessory building, Leon said.
Proctor spoke in support of the application and said his neighbor had a comparable building. He told the commission the proposed location avoids septic and drain‑field areas and allows room for a potential future home addition on the opposite side of his house.
After staff recommended approval and the applicant answered questions, the commission voted to approve the variance. The approval is subject to the usual building permits, wildfire‑interface requirements and any fire‑access conditions from the fire district and county engineer.
