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Variance approved for new garage with demolition of existing structure and 3-foot setback
Summary
Decatur County approved a variance allowing a new 24x40x14-foot garage to be built 3 feet from the property line, contingent on demolition of an existing garage; the board noted safety and precedent concerns but granted the variance with the stated conditions.
The Decatur County Board approved VZA petition 2026-4 on April 1, allowing the petitioner to demolish an existing garage and construct a new garage with a reduced setback of three feet from the property line.
Staff introduced the petition as an application associated with the George Irrevocable Trust for property at 105 East Harrison Street in Saint Paul, Adams Township under Decatur County ordinance section 9-45. The petitioner (identified in the hearing as Mr. George) said the new garage is intended to free up backyard space for family use and will replace an older garage. He told the board the proposed structure would measure 24 by 40 by 14 feet.
Board members questioned whether moving the building to meet the standard 15-foot setback would encroach on a deck and reduce usable yard space. The chair and other members noted they typically avoid approving zero-foot setbacks, citing emergency access and future property-transfer concerns, but they accepted the petitioner’s explanation that the new building would be sited near the previous footprint and that the old garage would be demolished.
The board amended the variance motion to require demolition of the existing garage and to set a 3-foot setback for the new structure. The clerk read a roll call during the vote and confirmed affirmative votes for the motion; the chair announced the variance passed. The petitioner was instructed to coordinate final building-permit details with county staff.
The board emphasized that such narrow setbacks create precedent concerns and asked staff to be cautious about future similar requests.
