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Board approves side-yard setback and privacy condition for ADU at 211 2nd Avenue
Summary
A variance to reduce the side-yard setback to enable conversion of a detached garage into an ADU at 211 2nd Avenue was approved with a condition that clear-story windows have bottoms at least 6 feet above the finished floor to protect neighbor privacy.
The Decatur zoning board approved a side-yard setback reduction to permit conversion of a detached two‑story garage into a small studio ADU at 211 2nd Avenue, subject to a condition on window heights intended to protect adjacent privacy.
Applicant described raising the pitched roof and building out gables to increase usable interior area from about 250 to 448 square feet. Staff and the applicant reviewed how floor‑area ratio (FAR) is calculated — noting attic areas below 7 feet do not count toward FAR — and estimated the total FAR after the proposed work would be approximately 42.4% rather than 46% under a different counting method.
Board members generally signaled support for the side-yard reduction but not for an FAR variance. Several members discussed changes that could eliminate the need for an FAR variance, such as raising window sills, redesigning the interior access, or converting enclosed garage area to unenclosed carport space. One motion passed to approve the side-yard reduction from 10 feet to 3 feet with the condition that clear-story windows are not lower than 6 feet above the finished floor.
The condition reflects board concern for neighbor privacy and is included in the approved motion.
