Zoning board approves side-yard setback for 117 West Hill Street, declines other variances

The Decatur zoning board voted to grant a side-yard setback variance for 117 West Hill Street, allowing construction 2 feet from the property line instead of the required 10 feet.

Board members said they were comfortable approving the setback because the east-facing wall will have no glazing and the change would not materially alter the neighborhood’s character. “I’m totally good with the side yard setback variance, particularly since there’s no glazing on that east side,” said one board member during deliberations.

Members also made clear they were not prepared to approve other requested variances. Several expressed concern about increasing usable interior area in accessory structures and the board’s tradition of strict enforcement for the 1,000-square-foot ADU cap and the 40% lot-coverage limit. As one member put it, “We’ve been pretty strict about the maximum 1,000 square feet and the accessory units, so that concerns me.”

The board advised the applicants they could work with city staff to explore alternatives that avoid further variances — for example, lowering the rear shed, reducing wall heights, or removing small concrete areas — and require the applicant to return if staff determines the property cannot be brought into compliance. A motion to approve only the side-yard setback passed on an affirmative vote.

The board’s action clears the way for the applicants to proceed with the plan that relies on the approved setback while they work with staff to address floor-area and lot-coverage issues.