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Auburn zoning board approves variance for screened porch at 622 Calypso Circle
Summary
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a variance allowing a 7-foot rear setback for a 12-by-20-foot screened porch at 622 Calypso Circle. The applicant said the porch would protect a west-facing door from weather damage; planning staff noted detached accessory structures could be placed closer to the rear lot line without a variance.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment on Nov. 5 approved a variance (BZ2025008) to permit a 7-foot rear setback where the City of Auburn zoning ordinance requires a 20-foot setback, allowing construction of a 12-by-20-foot screened porch at 622 Calypso Circle.
The variance was requested because the existing residence is built approximately 19 feet from the rear property line, increasing the requested relief to a 13-foot variance to permit the proposed attachment. Planning staff said the applicant told them the porch would protect a west-facing door and door casing that are deteriorating from exposure to the elements.
Planning staff described options other than an attached porch, noting that detached accessory structures are allowed to encroach closer to the rear lot line (generally down to 5 feet under accessory-structure provisions) and that the principal constraint in this subdivision is lot size and design. The applicant told the board that both immediate neighbors and the homeowners association had approved the proposal, and that the porch was sought for shade, insect protection and to preserve the door.
Board members asked about neighbor outreach, whether a smaller structure had been considered and whether a detached structure was feasible. The applicant said neighbors were supportive and that a smaller porch could be considered if required. Planning staff explained that the key regulatory issue was attaching the structure to the house: an attached addition must meet the primary-structure setbacks, while a detached accessory structure may receive greater relief.
After closing the public hearing, a motion to approve BZ2025008 carried on a roll-call vote: Will Faulkner — Yes; Mary Boyd — Yes; Amy Sorrells — Yes; Leticia Smith — No; Marty Heffern — Yes. The board chair announced the motion passed.
The applicant may now pursue the building permit consistent with the variance; staff reminded the board that building-code and permit reviews (including any required inspections) remain part of the separate building-permit process.
