BZA grants side-yard variance for garage addition in Waterloo

The DeKalb County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for a proposed attached garage addition at 0710 County Road 45 in Waterloo, allowing the structure to be sited about 10.8 feet from the south property line where the Unified Development Ordinance requires a larger side-yard setback.

Planning staff presented petition 'location 2513' and showed survey imagery of the property and the proposed 26-by-26-foot garage. The applicant (referred to as Gerardo in the transcript) said the chosen location is necessary to attach the garage to the house, to preserve existing utility features, and to provide an interior handicap ramp for easier vehicle access.

Neighbors and board members interjected brief questions about septic location and proximity to other features. Staff read jurisdictional findings and recommended approval with conditions similar to the other items: continuing board jurisdiction, compliance with the UDO and Article 5 environmental standards, preventing any obstruction of off-site drainage, and written evidence of compliance with county and applicable state/federal agencies before a certificate of occupancy would be issued.

A motion to approve was made and seconded. The roll call recorded 'yes' votes from Roy Walker, Andrew Provines, Wayne Funk, Jason Carnahan and Frank Palver, and the variance to allow a 10.8-foot side-yard setback was approved with the staff conditions. As with the other approvals, the action addresses the county zoning variance; final permits depend on fulfilling the listed conditions and agency requirements.