Applicant seeks variance to keep existing accessory structure if new garage is built in Amherst

The third agenda item before the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals concerned a request from Mister William Muir (listed at 806 South Lake Street) for a 32-square-foot variance to allow a 10-by-20 (200-square-foot) accessory structure to remain.

Staff explained that if Muir builds a new detached garage sized at 24 by 24 feet (576 square feet) — the largest accessory structure the board’s materials identify as permitted — the existing 10-by-20 structure would become the secondary accessory structure by size. Under the ordinance language cited on the agenda (transcript reference: Chapter 11 45 0 5 b 2), the largest secondary structure is not to exceed 168 square feet, so the existing structure would be noncompliant without a variance.

‘‘So the structure that he would like to build ... it'll be 576 square feet. It'll be a 24 by 24, which is the largest, accessory structure that's permitted,’’ a building official explained during the hearing. Board members discussed where the new garage would sit and whether the applicant could reduce the existing structure to comply; the applicant said he preferred to keep the shed at its current size.

The board did not render a final decision in open session and moved the item to deliberative session. The chair told the applicant he would receive written notice of the board’s decision within 14 days.

What’s next: The board will finalize the item in deliberation and issue written notice of any approval, denial or conditions to the applicant.