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Waukesha Board of Zoning Appeals approves 1-foot setback for replacement garage at 534 Grove Street
Summary
The Waukesha City Board of Zoning Appeals on March 10 approved a dimensional variance under Section 22.582(a)(1) to allow a 12-by-22-foot detached garage to be rebuilt within 1 foot of the lot line at 534 Grove Street; the board cited the property's substandard lot and neighbor approval.
The Waukesha City Board of Zoning Appeals on March 10, 2025, approved an appeal to allow construction of a detached garage at 534 Grove Street with a one-foot setback from the lot line, instead of the five-foot setback required by Section 22.582(a)(1) of the municipal code.
City staff presented photos, a certified survey map and elevations showing the property at 534 Grove Street, which sits south of Catholic Memorial High School and near Hartwell's. Staff said the existing garage had been removed and that the applicant proposes a 12-by-22-foot detached garage to be built on the same footprint and with materials and colors matching the house. Staff noted the lot narrows in the rear to about 44.27 feet.
The variance request was described as a dimensional variance under Section 22.582(a)(1), which states accessory building foundations shall not be closer than five feet to a lot line. Staff and the applicant said the proposed garage would be located less than one foot from the lot line at the nearest point. Staff also noted a typographical error in the findings document related to the stated setback amounts and pointed it out for correction.
Board members discussed the application as a replacement of a preexisting structure on a substandard lot. Kevin Riley, a member of the Waukesha City Board of Zoning Appeals, said, "I'd be in favor of granting this appeal just on the basis of the substandard lot. Basically putting the same garage up. They're actually being pretty reasonable. It's a very small garage and it matches the garage to the neighborhood and the neighbors." Board members also noted the applicant provided a letter from the adjacent property at 538 Grove Street indicating the neighbor's approval of rebuilding the garage in the same location.
The board read and affirmed the required findings of fact for a dimensional variance. Christine D'Angelo, a member of the Waukesha City Board of Zoning Appeals, moved to approve the appeal; Kevin Riley seconded. The motion passed unanimously among members present: Christine D'Angelo (yes), Kevin Riley (yes), Bridal Erickson (yes), and Timothy Redick (yes). Member Ed Rathear was absent. The board recorded the outcome as approval of the dimensional variance allowing a one-foot setback where five feet is otherwise required.
The board concluded the item, noted there was no other new business, and adjourned.
Votes at a glance
- Motion: "Approve the appeal for a dimensional variance from Section 22.582(a)(1) for 534 Grove Street, allowing a 1-foot setback whereas a 5-foot setback would otherwise be required." Moved by Christine D'Angelo; seconded by Kevin Riley. Outcome: approved. Tally: Yes 4, No 0, Abstain 0, Absent 1 (Ed Rathear).
