Grant County BZA approves 1-foot-7-inch side-yard variance for Jonesboro property owner

The Grant County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance that reduces the required side-yard setback for a building at 517 West Ninth Street in Jonesboro by 1 foot 7 inches.

The board approved the variance after hearing from the applicant, Gail Ford, who said she purchased a steel building and paid for a permit on May 30 and believed she had followed the permitting process. Ford told the board the concrete pad was poured June 12; when the contractor returned he discovered the pad was closer to the property line than required. Ford said neighbors had no objections and that the building would increase nearby property values.

Board members discussed options if the variance were denied — including cutting or removing the recently poured concrete or requiring Ford to pour an additional strip to meet the setback — and noted that enforcement remains an option if special-exception conditions are violated. The board member who moved the variance said the approval applies to the existing building pad and does not authorize a change in building size.

Motion and vote: The motion to approve the variance was made by Randy Atkins and seconded by Lois Jones. On roll-call the six members present voted yes; the motion passed.

Key details: The ordinance setback requirement at this property is 8 feet; the approved setback will be 6 feet, 5 inches (a 1-foot-7-inch reduction). The applicant said the utility pole near the driveway remains a concern but that she can access the building. The board recorded that the concrete was in place and that the variance addresses the building as constructed.

The applicant was granted the variance at the meeting; staff indicated they would coordinate any remaining inspections or administrative steps.