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Planning board approves 25-foot front-yard variance for resident's freestanding carport
Summary
The Fielding planning and zoning board granted a front-yard setback variance allowing a resident to site a 24-by-20-foot freestanding carport closer to the street than zoning normally allows. The board approved the variance by voice vote and noted follow-up on a building permit and written confirmation.
A board member moved and the planning and zoning board approved a variance reducing the front-yard setback to 25 feet so resident Guy Ballard can install a freestanding steel carport, the board said during its meeting.
Ballard presented a hand-drawn map and described the planned 24-by-20-foot pad, saying the distance from his property line to the pad edge is about 22.5 feet. "Here is a cryptic map that I put together," Ballard said while describing the proposed location next to his driveway and a hedge.
The board discussed applicable setbacks and prior variance decisions. Members referenced a 35-foot front-yard setback and said some prior allowances had been set at 25 feet in similar situations. After debate about precedent, an unidentified board member moved to grant the variance to 25 feet; another member seconded, and the board approved the motion by voice vote after members answered "aye." A board member offered to prepare written documentation and email it to Ballard and to run the decision by the town council if they had concerns.
Ballard said he had already talked with building-permit staff and expected to need a permit for the structure, estimating the fee at about $200. "I think they're gonna ask me to make a building permit," Ballard said; board members noted county permit processes and said a staff member (Kurt) would see the permit when it was filed.
The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the agenda and Oct. 2 minutes by voice vote. The board adjourned after the variance discussion.
The variance allows installation of the freestanding carport with a 25-foot front-yard setback; the board recorded the action by voice vote and said it would provide Ballard written confirmation and follow up on permit requirements.
