Salina BZA approves variance to allow third detached accessory structure at 1318 S. Marymount Road

The Salina Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance on Jan. 15 allowing the construction of a detached garage as a third accessory structure at 1318 South Marymount Road.

Planning staff introduced application B25-7 (filed by Sean Carlin on behalf of property owners Justin and Ashley Howie), describing the subject parcel as an unplatted, roughly 2.98-acre lot east of the Smoky Hill River and noting an existing 3,200–3,219-square-foot dwelling and two storage sheds already on the site. The proposed detached garage would measure roughly 24 by 32 feet and, if built, would raise total lot coverage from about 2.8% to roughly 3.4%, well under the RS district's 30% maximum.

Staff reviewed the five statutory criteria for a variance—uniqueness, no adverse neighbor impact, unnecessary hardship, public health/safety, and conformity with the ordinance's spirit—and told the board that lot size alone typically does not satisfy uniqueness or hardship. Staff said the proposed structure meets setbacks, will match the dwelling's materials and roof style, and that no neighboring property owners formally objected; Rachel and Matt Pyle, residents directly south at 1414 South Marymount Road, submitted an email in support that was included in the meeting packet.

The applicant (speaking online) said expanding the existing attached garage would not be feasible because a concrete wall prevents pulling a car out. "We cannot pull the car out of the garage," she told the board, and added that the two existing accessory buildings are used for lawn and outdoor equipment storage (dimensions provided in the packet as about 240 sq ft and 216 sq ft).

Several board members cited the parcel's nearly 3-acre size, its unplatted/annexed-from-county history, and the small overall increase in lot coverage as reasons to approve, while staff reiterated that findings should explain what makes this property unique to avoid setting precedent. Ultimately a board member moved to approve the application "as filed," the motion was seconded and the variance was approved by voice vote. The board approved the variance subject to staff's recommended conditions: that the garage match the house in design and materials, maintain at least a 25-foot setback from South Marymount Road and minimum side setbacks, be built substantially per the submitted plans, be limited to personal storage/use (not commercial use), and that no additional accessory buildings be added without BZA approval.

The board's action allows staff to issue a building permit for the detached garage, subject to the stated conditions. The BZA had continued this item from its Dec. 18, 2025 meeting because no applicant representative attended that hearing; the application proceeded on Jan. 15 with the applicant present online.