Planning commission approves major deviation to legalize unpermitted additions at 1045 Union Street

The Sparks Planning Commission unanimously approved a major deviation request for a property at 1045 Union Street to address unpermitted additions. Development Services Manager Scott Carey said the site contains three unpermitted structures (identified in the record as areas A, B and C) and that the applicant proposes shaving two feet off one rear addition to create an 11‑foot rear yard setback where the code requires 20 feet. Carey explained that the 11‑foot setback represents a roughly 45% deviation and therefore qualifies as a major deviation rather than a variance.

Carey reviewed the five required findings for a major deviation and told the commission that staff believes the request would not be materially detrimental to public health and safety, would allow the unpermitted additions to be brought into compliance with building and fire codes, and would not grant a special privilege because other properties may apply for major deviations under Title 20. Staff recommended approval with conditions including obtaining a building permit, painting additions to match the home, matching the roof line, and a one‑year timeline to obtain permits (with staff authority to extend one additional year).

The applicant (identified in the record as Morris) said they flew in from Ireland and that their priority was to bring the property into compliance as quickly as possible. A motion to adopt findings MD1 through MD5 and approve the major deviation subject to conditions passed unanimously.