The Delafield Zoning Board of Appeals voted on Nov. 26 to deny an area variance sought by James and Sarah Lowe for a garage addition at 2021 Nagawicka Road. The applicants requested a reduction of the city’s 15‑foot minimum side‑yard setback to 10 feet 10 inches to allow a three‑car garage in place of the existing two‑car garage.

Contractor Greg Perkins told the board the lot and house are “askew” on the parcel and described constraints created by steep elevations behind the house and a watersheds overlay, saying the proposed addition would result in a 10'10" setback on one corner and 12'4" on another (contractor presentation, SEG 174–176, SEG 324–333). Owner James Lowe said enlarging the existing garage would be necessary to accommodate an RV year‑round because off‑site storage facilities in the area do not provide electrical service for charging, which the family uses to maintain batteries.

Board members questioned whether alternatives — including off‑site storage, removing batteries seasonally, or redesigning the garage footprint — had been sufficiently explored. Several members said the city’s variance standard requires a property‑specific hardship, not owner inconvenience. After deliberation the board moved to deny the variance consistent with a drafted written decision; the motion passed and the chair and clerk were directed to sign and file the order.

The written decision concluded the applicants had not shown three required tests for an area variance: an unnecessary hardship, a hardship arising from unique property limitations, and no harm to the public interest. The decision noted the property could still be used as intended and that options existed to store recreational vehicles off‑site or redesign the structure.

The denial is a final administrative decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals; the board recorded the matter consistent with its standard procedures.