The St. Charles County Board of Adjustments voted to approve variance VAR25-04 on Jan. 8, 2026, permitting a new carport to encroach into the seven-foot side-yard setback at 301 South Church Street in Council District 5.

Chairman Jerry Prinster opened the hearing and noted that county ordinance requires at least four of five affirmative votes to grant a variance. The application listed property owners as "Terry Leakey and Marita Leakey." The person who testified at the podium identified himself as "Terry Yakey" and gave the address as 301 South Church Street, Saint Peters; the transcript reflects both names.

The applicant told the board he removed an existing, deteriorated carport and wants to replace it. "Estimate came in at about $40,000," he said, adding there is only about three feet between the existing garage and the neighbor's privacy fence and that moving the carport elsewhere on the lot would be impractical because of how cars enter and exit the driveway.

County planning staff described the request as a reduction of the side-yard setback from seven feet to three feet for an accessory structure located at the front of an existing garage. Staff noted the house and detached garage were built in 1940, predating zoning ordinances on the parcel, and ran through the four statutory variance criteria. Staff recommended the board find the variance met the criteria and "recommend[ed] the board of zoning adjustment approve variance 25 04 with the conditions listed in the staff report."

Board members asked about the condition of the garage and whether a survey copy existed; the applicant said the garage is solid and that a neighboring property survey had flagged stakes in his yard but he did not have his own survey to provide. Staff reported no written communications in opposition and no other audience members spoke.

After closing the public hearing, an unidentified board member moved to approve VAR25-04, another member seconded, the chair called the roll, and the chair stated the motion carried. The chair told the applicant he may proceed with permit applications and reminded him of appeal rights under county rules.

The board also approved prior minutes referenced in the meeting and adjourned. The staff report and conditions referenced at the hearing contain the detailed conditions the board attached to the variance.

What happens next: The applicant may apply for the required building permits consistent with the board's approval; any appeal of the Board of Adjustments' decision to the county council is available within the notice period provided by county ordinance.