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Board denies Lonnie Barth variance request for accessory building height
Summary
The Bismarck Board of Adjustment denied a variance that would have raised an agricultural accessory building sidewall from 16.5 to 18 feet and overall height from 25 to 27 feet for a proposed ~10,943 sq ft structure on a 71.2-acre parcel; the board cited alternative design solutions and the absence of the applicant at the hearing.
The Bismarck Board of Adjustment unanimously denied a variance request to raise accessory building heights for a proposed structure on property west of Bismarck.
City planning staff said Lonnie Barth requested relief from section 14 0 4 17 11 of the city code to increase the permitted sidewall height from 16.5 to 18 feet and the maximum building height from 25 to 27 feet for an accessory building proposed at about 10,943 square feet on a 71.2-acre agricultural parcel. Staff said 16 postcards were mailed to nearby property owners and that the planning and zoning commission will hold a related special-use permit hearing Oct. 22, 2025.
No applicant representative was present at the hearing and no public testimony was given. A mover argued the board should deny the variance and several members spent the discussion detailing construction alternatives: one board member said driveway grading and exterior fill could create a level approach for large vehicles, eliminating the need for an 18-foot sidewall, and that changing roof slope could reduce overall height to comply with the 25-foot limit. The board member summarized: “there’s really from my standpoint, there’s no reason that he can't build this and comply with what's in the ordinance right now.”
The board took a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous support for the motion to deny. Staff noted the decision is appealable and that the applicant may pursue appeal procedures or revise plans and resubmit.
The project remains subject to a scheduled planning-and-zoning public hearing for the special-use permit because the proposed building exceeds 8,000 square feet.
