Commission denies variance request to build carport in Northdale subdivision

At the 10:00 hearing, landowner Alan Keller requested a variance to add a carport over an existing slab that would encroach roughly 3–4 feet into the required side setback in Northdale Subdivision. Planning Director Tanya Vig presented the packet and noted planning commission concerns about safety, utility easements and encroachment into standardized setbacks.

Keller told the board his property has 11 feet from the slab to the neighboring house at one point and that he had obtained neighbor support letters. Planning staff and several commissioners questioned whether photos of movable containers around the neighborhood were comparable precedent for granting a variance to a permanent structure. Planning staff also noted that utilities and the plat show an 8‑foot utility easement along interior sides and rear lot lines, and that utility company rights could require removal of encroaching structures.

Commissioners debated measurement (from sidewall or eave), whether the planning board had seen the supporting photos, safety concerns for fire access, and the possibility of placing a time limit on a building permit. One commissioner moved to approve a narrower 12‑foot width variance measured from the sidewall (including eaves) but the motion failed on an electronic vote, 3–2.

The commission closed the hearing and thanked the applicant for following the process. The variance denial leaves the current setback requirements in force; commissioners suggested stronger enforcement and clearer subdivision lot‑width standards in future plats.