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Board denies metal accessory‑structure variance after staff cites exterior siding rule
Summary
A request to construct a 720‑sq‑ft metal‑clad accessory structure at 3709‑60 Fifth Avenue was denied after staff said city code bars metal siding on accessory structures over 120 square feet and the petitioner did not show a qualifying hardship.
The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a variance petition from Wiley Petty on Oct. 27 seeking permission to build a 720‑square‑foot metal‑clad accessory structure at 3709‑60 Fifth Avenue.
Staff noted the applicable regulation, saying, "section 25 1 0 6 states that no accessory structure exceeding 120 square feet should be clad in aluminum or other sheet metal." Petitioner Wally (Wiley) Petty said severe backyard flooding during a June storm destroyed his previous building; he told the board he had ordered a prefabricated metal building but learned the current code would prevent reinstallation of a metal exterior.
Board members asked whether the vendor could provide a non‑metal exterior or whether the metal building could be surfaced with vinyl or composite siding. Staff said the petitioner could surface the prefabricated structure with other material that would meet code, and encouraged the petitioner to work with staff on acceptable exterior finishes. Staff also said they had no record of the parcel being in a FEMA‑designated flood zone.
Given the availability of non‑metal exterior options and the lack of verified, code‑defining flood designation, the board concluded the petitioner had not demonstrated the variance criteria and voted against the request. Staff told the petitioner it would assist with compliance options.
