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Saint John board approves variance for large detached garage at 7902 West 101st Avenue
Summary
On March 4, 2025 the Town of Saint John Board of Zoning and Appeals approved a variance allowing homeowner David Willey to build a 1,368-square-foot, 18-foot‑3‑inch post‑frame detached garage at 7902 West 101st Avenue; the decision passed 4-0 after staff explained site conditions and the owner described personal storage needs.
On March 4, 2025 the Town of Saint John Board of Zoning and Appeals voted 4-0 to grant a developmental variance to homeowner David Willey that allows construction of a 1,368‑square‑foot post‑frame detached garage with a maximum height of 18 feet, 3 inches at 7902 West 101st Avenue.
The variance (item A 2026‑05) was requested because the property was annexed into Saint John after Mr. Willey purchased it and the requested outbuilding would match the one‑story profile of the existing house. Willey told the board he has lived at the address since 2011, stores collectible vehicles and a large seasonal display at the home, and plans to retire soon; he said the new building would provide space for hobbies and storage of holiday materials that he currently hauls up and down his home’s stairs.
Planning staff told the board the detached structure would be consistent with the one‑story residence and that a concrete apron would extend from the existing attached garage to the proposed building. Staff also noted the parcel straddles in‑town and out‑of‑town areas, and that structures similar to the applicant’s proposal exist in the adjacent outlying area — a factor the applicant cited in deciding to seek a variance.
Chair opened and closed the public comment period with no speakers. A Committee member moved to approve the variance, reciting the standard findings that the approval would not injure public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare and that strict application of the zoning ordinance would cause practical difficulties; a second was recorded and the motion passed 4-0.
During discussion the Chair said, "I don't agree with our ordinances on pole buildings anyway, personally," reflecting a policy preference but not changing the formal record, and staff confirmed required site improvements including the concrete apron would be part of the building permit review.
The board took no additional conditions beyond those stated during the hearing. The meeting then moved on to the next agenda item.
