Planning Commission approves 24x40 detached garage at 3714 Canyon Drive after applicant adds screening and design concessions

The Rapid City Planning Commission on May 8 granted a conditional use permit for an oversized detached garage at 3714 Canyon Drive, approving revised plans that move the proposed 24-by-40-foot garage further from the north property line, add windows on the street-facing elevation and commit to planting a row of trees to preserve screening once Canyon Drive is reconstructed.

Staff reminded the commission that the item had been continued from March 27 and that the property is zoned Low Density Residential District 1 with a future land use of Low Density Neighborhood. The applicant proposed a detached 24-foot by 40-foot garage located in front of the house; staff and commissioners had previously discussed the historical preference to recess oversized garages behind the house. Staff reported the applicant had revised the plan to move the garage farther south — now 35 feet from the north property line instead of 25 feet — added windows to the north (street-facing) elevation to provide a residential character, and committed to planting trees 10 feet from the property line so screening will remain after the planned Canyon Drive expansion removes existing trees.

Applicant Marty Jacob told the commission the lot has a private septic system and power lines running diagonally through the backyard that make placing the garage behind the house infeasible. Jacob said he previously used a commercial shop to store personal items and that the new garage will not be used for commercial business; he described storage of a side-by-side vehicle and an antique car.

Commissioners asked about fire suppression; staff said fire suppression is not required for garages in the circumstances of this site and that separation requirements trigger fire design only where setbacks are not met. Staff also said there had been no written neighbor comments on file and that Jacob indicated he had spoken with neighbors. Commissioner Mike Quasney moved to approve the conditional use permit with the amended plans and stipulations; Commissioner Vince seconded. The commission voted in favor and the motion carried.

Approved changes recorded in the staff report include the garage’s new setback distance (35 feet from the north property line), added fenestration on the north elevation, and a commitment to plant a new row of trees 10 feet from the property line to maintain screening once Canyon Drive reconstruction occurs.