Board grants variance to Andover Auto Body after neighbor complaints about lights and screening

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 9 approved a variance allowing Andover Auto Body at 123 West Cloud to encroach into the front-yard setback so the owner can add roughly 4,000 square feet to an almost-completed 8,000-square-foot building.

Applicant Jeff told the board the addition would be constructed north of the existing building and remain behind the property’s fence; staff said the variance changes only the zoning setback requirement (about a 10-foot adjustment), not permission to build. Board member Dan Colson moved to authorize a resolution granting the variance (case BZAV250012); the motion was seconded and carried.

Neighbor Robert Simmons, who lives immediately south of the property at 602 S. Daisy, objected to additional encroachment and said prior additions and lighting have already affected his yard. "I'm tired of giving up stuff for this company," Simmons said, citing bright lights and cameras that he said shine into his yard. Staff acknowledged potential screening and lighting issues and said those matters would be investigated and addressed through site-plan compliance and final inspection processes.

Board members framed the decision around five statutory variance criteria and found the lot’s irregular shape—caused by the curve of West Cloud Avenue—creates a practical difficulty that justifies a variance; staff reported no expected detriment to neighboring properties if conditions are met. A written resolution will be provided to the applicant within 45 days; appeal rights to district court were described in the hearing.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the resolution for the applicant and investigate lighting/screening compliance under site-plan review and final inspection.