The Board of Adjustment on Nov. 4 denied a property‑owner’s request to classify a large detached structure behind a proposed primary residence at 6616 North Haven Road as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and denied a variance to allow the accessory structure to exceed 25 percent of primary building floor area. The denials were unanimous (4–0) and issued without prejudice, which allows the applicant to refile with a revised plan.

Developer and applicant Clint Nolan requested permission to build a substantial detached building (roughly 3,000 square feet by his presentation) behind a new primary home on the same lot and to include a full kitchen. The application required a special exception (to allow an ADU with kitchen facilities) and a variance to the accessory‑structure size standard. Nolan said the detached unit was intended as guest quarters or caretaker housing and described a design that follows the lot grade and seeks to avoid extensive fill.

Six neighbors testified in opposition, stressing four primary concerns: (1) drainage and flood risk affecting the White Rock Creek tributary that runs behind the properties; (2) the proposed private drive and driveway alignment would direct headlights and traffic toward adjacent back yards; (3) removal of mature specimen trees (including a tall, estimated 65‑foot tree cited by neighbors); and (4) the scale and location of the detached building — pushed to the rear lot line — would be out of character with the immediate neighborhood and could be used as a rental or commercial studio.

Board members noted the depth of neighbor concern, the engineering questions about drainage and the lack of engagement with some immediately affected homeowners. After discussion, the panel denied the ADU special exception and the floor‑area variance, both without prejudice. Members encouraged the applicant to continue neighborhood outreach, resolve technical questions (flood/drainage study and tree permits) and bring a redesigned plan back to the board if desired.

The board administrator will mail formal denial letters. "Without prejudice" preserves the applicant’s right to revise and refile.