Borger Board of Adjustment grants variance for 40-by-14-foot pole barn

The Borger Board of Adjustment voted to grant a property owner’s request for a variance to construct a 40-by-14-foot pole barn closer to the street than the zoning district’s required 25-foot front-yard setback.

The applicant, identified in the record as the property owner (name not specified), told the board the rear of the lot is sloped and that previously considered locations were impractical. “If I don’t do that, then I’ll—I don’t know what I’ll do,” the applicant said, explaining the extra length is to store a tall pickup and a zero-turn mower that will not fit in the existing garage.

Gary, planning staff, told the board the property is in a zoning district that requires a 25-foot front-yard setback and said staff mailed five notices to neighboring property owners within about 200 feet; no written objections were returned. “This was basically his only option is to get a variance,” Gary said, summarizing staff’s view that the proposed siting was the applicant’s only practical alternative.

Staff and the applicant clarified setback measurements: the applicant said the existing distance from the garage is about 13 feet 6 inches, the neighboring offset is about 10 feet, and the district requires a 5-foot side-yard setback. A board member suggested adding a protective bollard or similar barrier so vehicles approaching from the driveway would not strike the building; the applicant said he would move his yard line and take other precautions.

A board member moved to grant the variance; another member seconded. The board voted by voice; the chair called for any opposition and none was recorded. The motion carried, and the applicant thanked the board.

The meeting then concluded and the board adjourned.