The Decatur City Board of Zoning Adjustments on Tuesday denied a request for a 5.5-foot side-yard setback variance for a carport at 916 Betty Street SW.

Applicant Mite Sanchez asked the board to allow a carport 9.5 feet from the side property line, saying the garage lacks space and the household has experienced thefts. "We have police reports where we've had multiple property," Sanchez said, describing repeated losses of vehicles and equipment and noting a recently installed privacy fence.

Sanchez said the carport would shelter vehicles and allow room to maneuver in the driveway. Board members asked whether the proposed structure could be located in a rear yard instead of the side yard and questioned the claimed hardship and exact dimensions.

A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded, but roll-call voting recorded multiple 'no' votes and one 'yes' vote; the board announced the application was not approved.

The application cited a variance from Section 25-10.82(e) for a 5.5-foot side-yard setback in an R-1 single-family district. The record shows the decision was a denial; the applicant may pursue other remedies or reapply.