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Council approves partial vacation of rear setback at 2407 S Skillern Drive despite neighbor objections
Summary
The council approved a partial vacation reducing a platted 25-foot rear setback to the standard 15-foot R1C setback at 2407 South Skillern Drive after neighbors raised concerns about an existing trailer encroaching into setbacks; the applicant said the work followed staff direction and would comply with ADU and building-code review steps.
The Boise City Council voted to approve a partial vacation of a 25-foot platted rear setback at 2407 South Skillern Drive, effectively reverting the property to the standard 15-foot R1C rear setback that will allow more buildable area for a planned accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Neighbor Tanya Harris (S16) testified that a trailer on the lot is currently within the setback, described the structure as dilapidated and said recent improvements appeared to have been made without permits; she asked the council to uphold zoning rules and not set precedent for waiving setbacks. Barbara Klein (S15), who lives across the street, also opposed the vacation, saying similar structures in the area have been treated differently and worried the change would reduce neighborhood character.
Applicant Dan Stout (S6) and staff (Madison, S9) said the applicant has worked with city staff for nearly two years and that the plat-note vacation was one of several required steps; Stout said the two existing structures on the lot would be tied together, re-sided and reroofed to meet building-safety and firewall requirements and that code compliance would be enforced during subsequent zoning and building permit reviews.
Several council members noted the vacation only adjusts a plat note to the city’s existing code standard and that any construction or ADU proposal would still require a zoning certificate and building approvals. The council approved the partial vacation on a recorded voice vote following the motion (S5) and second (S1). Staff advised neighbors to connect with code compliance for outstanding enforcement questions.
The decision allows the applicant to pursue subsequent administrative approvals for an ADU subject to code and permitting.
