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Waukesha board grants variance to allow narrower basement stair at 1205 Ellis St.
Summary
On Jan. 21, 2025, the Waukesha City Board of Building Appeals approved a variance allowing a basement stair at 1205 Ellis Street to be 33.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches short of the 36-inch requirement in the Uniform Dwelling Code.
On Jan. 21, 2025, the Waukesha City Board of Building Appeals voted to grant homeowners a variance allowing a basement stair at 1205 Ellis Street to measure 33.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches below the 36-inch minimum required by the Uniform Dwelling Code.
The variance was requested by the homeowners so they could remodel and expand the basement into a single open recreation room. Staff presented measurements and photos showing the stair width, and board members discussed the narrowness before approving the appeal by voice vote.
Staff member Jonathan Castro opened the item by citing the code language at issue, saying the appeal concerned the Uniform Dwelling Code section 321.04 (stairway width) as referenced by the City of Waukesha Municipal Code and noting that Chapter 16.17 of the municipal code allows homeowners to appeal code requirements. Castro said photographs provided by the property owner and a contractor verification showed the stairway measured 33.5 inches.
Homeowner Zach Vic told the board, “We’re looking to expand our basement into 1 solid open rec room.” He and his wife, Nora, identified themselves as the homeowners at 1205 Ellis Street and described the renovation as intended to add living space.
Board member Brian Trautman said he was not concerned about the stairway being 2½ inches narrower than the code requirement: “No, I’m totally fine with this. We’ve crossed this before here. I’m not concerned about it being 2 and a half inches narrower.” Trautman then moved to approve the variance; a colleague seconded the motion. The board called the vote by voice; the chair announced the motion passed.
Castro told the board an earlier filing had included a ceiling-height question that was later resolved after recalculating to exclude carpet height; headroom clearance met the minimum once that recalculation was made. The board did not request additional conditions or documentation beyond the photos and contractor verification presented at the meeting.
The board completed the single-item agenda and adjourned.
