Board approves 5‑foot side setback for Willow Avenue carport with noncombustible material requirement

Summary

A variance was approved to reduce the east side yard setback from 8 to 5 feet to allow a 12x24 foot carport at a Willow Avenue single‑story home, with a stipulation that the carport be built of noncombustible (fire‑treated composite or similar) materials and that the first 50 feet of the driveway be paved.

The Zoning Board approved a variance on Nov. 7 allowing a homeowner on Willow Avenue to build a 12‑by‑24 foot carport five feet from the east side lot line.

Planner Cassie Hayes explained the property now contains a 912‑square‑foot single‑story dwelling with no garage; strict application of the 8‑foot side yard requirement would reduce a typical carport width to 9 feet, which staff said is not sufficient for opening vehicle doors. Hayes said several neighboring properties have carports with similar setbacks and staff recommended approval with a stipulation that the carport be constructed with noncombustible materials and that the site plan show paving at least 50 feet to the parking pad.

Commissioner Eric moved to approve the variance as presented; Mike Kosny seconded. The board confirmed the stipulation that noncombustible (including fire‑treated composite) materials are acceptable, and the motion carried unanimously.

The approval is limited to a carport structure; any future conversion to a fully walled garage would require a building permit and could trigger a new variance if setbacks or design change.