Board of Zoning Appeals grants fence and self-storage variances; Gerber approval limited to portable units

The Board of Zoning Appeals met after the Planning Commission session on March 16 and approved two variance requests: a fence-height variance for a corner lot at 402 North Polk Street and a variance allowing continued storage use on a corner lot with a condition restricting relief to portable self-storage units.

Board members considered Brendan Tate's request for relief from the front-yard fence-height restriction on a corner lot at 402 North Polk Street. Staff advised that the fence sits behind the house and that the specific fence would have minimal impact on sight lines; after brief discussion the board approved the variance.

The board then reviewed a variance related to a property long used for storage (applicant referred to in filings and discussion as Mr. Gerber). Staff said the lot had been used to store trailers and equipment for about 20 years; the applicant proposed placing portable self-storage containers on the site. Commissioners discussed whether granting setback relief would allow permanent construction in the future. To address those concerns, the board amended the variance and approved it with a condition that the relief apply only to portable self-storage units (not to permanent buildings). The amended approval passed 5'to'1.

Board members asked staff to draft a variance condition restricting the relief to non-permanent, portable units and noted that the variance can be tied to the property and conditioned to limit future permanent construction. The transcript shows the board debated hardship findings and practical use of the parcel before the final vote.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the variance paperwork reflecting the portable-storage limitation; any change to a different use or permanent construction would require additional approvals or a new variance request.