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Levan Planning Commission denies variance request to convert garage to living quarters, approves outbuilding permit
Summary
At its Oct. 1 meeting the Levan Planning Commission declined to grant a setback variance that would reclassify a garage at 79 North 400 East as a dwelling, citing code and inspection requirements; the commission approved Aug. 6 minutes and an outbuilding permit for Gus and Katie Rolling before adjourning.
LEAVEN — The Levan Planning Commission met Oct. 1 and declined an applicant’s request to use a setback variance to reclassify a garage at 79 North 400 East as living quarters, saying the structure would need a full residential inspection and to meet all building-code standards before it could be occupied as a home.
Commission staff introduced the inquiry about a variance submitted by mail. Commissioners noted the parcel’s 30-foot setback requirement and discussed that the existing building is currently a garage or storage structure and does not have residential footings or other residential construction elements. “The answer to his main question is no. We’re not gonna grant a setback variance to allow that structure to be classified as a home,” a commission speaker said, adding that the owner could instead remove the first 5 feet and attempt to meet the setback and reapply.
The discussion made clear converting the building into living space would require a full reinspection and compliance with structural and other residential-code requirements, including proper footings; the commission characterized that work as potentially costly and indicated the agency would not waive inspection or code requirements.
On routine business, the commission unanimously approved the planning commission minutes for Aug. 6, 2025, after a motion and second. Later, the commission considered a building-permit application for an outbuilding and shop for applicants identified in the record as Gus and Katie Rolling. Commissioners confirmed the structure would have no power or water and reviewed setback measurements; they then moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the outbuilding permit.
Before adjourning, commissioners briefly exchanged reports on miscellaneous items and noted the meeting’s short length. A motion to adjourn was carried unanimously.
The commission did not take any formal vote to grant a variance for 79 North 400 East; the matter remains open only if the property owner follows up with the required application adjustments and inspections.
