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Council reviews variance and enforcement after large barn built close to road
Summary
Officials discussed a recently permitted (and then varianced) large barn that was built near the road; staff and council members flagged miscommunication about whether the structure was an agricultural building and described next steps to confirm measurements and, if necessary, send enforcement letters.
Council members and staff reviewed a case in which a large new barn was built very close to the road near the intersection of First North and First West. The structure was permitted and then changed to an agricultural permit during the process; council members said there had been miscommunication between the owner, county permitting staff and town staff.
Key facts from the discussion
- Council records show a variance was granted allowing Wayne Anderson’s new shed/barn to be built about 13 to 16 feet from the property line where the code standard is 15 feet. Several council members said they had told the owner the structure must be at 13 feet to match the variance; if it is not 13 feet, he must move it.
- Council members expressed concern that the new structure appears to sit very near the pavement in places and that neighbors’ sight lines and the character of the street could be affected.
- Staff said the owner started the permit as a regular building, later shifted to an agricultural building and that a county inspection or follow-up was expected; that follow-up did not occur or was not communicated, and the matter “fell between” county and town oversight.
Enforcement and next steps
Council directed staff to prepare and print the variance documentation and to measure the site with staff (and bring a tape measure on the site visit). Council members said they would follow up with the county if the building is not within the approved variance or permitted location. If the structure does not meet the recorded variance conditions, staff indicated the town will notify the owner to remedy the noncompliance.
Quotes and attribution
- The minutes recitation states: “motion to allow the variance for Wayne Anderson's shed being built 13 to 16 feet from the property line. Code is 15 feet.”
- A council member said the town “made him do it because he was a [commercial builder?],” and another said the town should examine the permit and follow up.
Ending
Staff will locate the recorded variance and the permit documents, visit the site with measuring tools and coordinate with the county; council members asked staff to prepare written notice if the building exceeds the approved variance footprint.
