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Norton BZA unanimously approves 32x40 pole barn variance at 3741 Brookside Drive
Summary
The board approved BZA application AZ‑14‑2025 to allow a 32-by-40 pole barn (1,280 sq ft) at 3741 Brookside Drive, exceeding the code allowance of 1,008 sq ft by 272 sq ft; applicant said the structure is to house a camper and additional vehicles.
The Norton Board of Zoning and Building Appeals unanimously approved a variance Nov. 18 allowing a 32-by-40 pole barn at 3741 Brookside Drive.
City staff presented the application and said the code allows 1,008 square feet for the accessory building size applicable to the applicant’s lot; the submitted plan proposed 1,280 square feet, a difference of 272 square feet. Zone Administrator (transcribed) Bill Grama observed that many applicants seek similar sizes and suggested the ongoing zoning code review consider aligning accessory building limits with common construction practices.
Applicant Dan Ehlinger, sworn for testimony, said he selected the 32-by-40 size so he could store a camper and another vehicle inside and still have room to open vehicle doors: "To get to be able to get my camper indoors ... I needed to go a little bit wider so I could get both vehicles in to the point you could open, like, a door of the truck and not eat into the next vehicle beside it," he said. Board members confirmed overhead‑door sizes (12x12), setback distances (12 feet), and that the driveway access would be gravel.
During discussion several Board members noted the accessory‑building size issue is recurring and encouraged code updates; staff said consolidating accessory‑building sections in the code could address common requests. With no public opposition and technical details (setbacks, distance from property lines) confirmed, the Board moved and the secretary recorded a unanimous 'Yes' vote from Mister Smith, Mister Mullins, Mister Petrick, Mister Sudenko and Mister Williams.
The Board advised the applicant to expect a zoning certificate or email that afternoon and to complete the standard subsequent steps for permits and recording. The hearing on AZ‑14‑2025 was then closed.
