Waupaca County board denies variance request for garage addition on Cut Off Road

The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously Nov. 11, 2021 to deny a variance sought by Daniel P. Deeg to construct an addition to an existing detached garage at E7769 Cut Off Road in the Town of Mukwa.

Deeg, who testified in person, told the board he is 71 and said he needs additional enclosed space “to help with doing normal maintenance.” He said the garage would provide storage and protection from theft and that floodplain elevation requirements would prevent attaching the new addition to the existing garage without elevating the older structure. He said the proposed new garage floor would be about 15.5 inches above existing grade.

Candace Bauer, Land Use/Code Enforcement Specialist, presented the Planning and Zoning staff report recommending denial. Staff concluded the property already contains a garage, alternatives exist to add storage within setback limits, and the parcel is not unique compared with nearby lots on Cut Off Road. J. Snyder, Zoning Administrator, pointed to areas on the site plan that staff said could accommodate additional storage without a variance.

During deliberations, the Board examined the three statutory variance criteria — unnecessary hardship, unique physical property limitations and harm to the public interest — and found each criterion unmet. Individual votes on the criteria were recorded; the board then voted 5-0 to deny the variance. Chair P. Craig closed the hearing and the board moved on to the next agenda item.

The denial leaves the applicant the option of pursuing alternative designs or building in locations that comply with the county setback and floodplain rules. No letters of opposition or support were reported at the hearing, and testimony in favor or opposition was not offered by other attendees.