Commission tables variance for oversized accessory structure to allow staff findings to be revised

Ada County commissioners on Wednesday voted to table a variance request from Hatch Design Architecture for an accessory structure that would exceed the county's 24‑foot height limit. The structure, proposed at roughly 32 feet tall with a ~20,847 square‑foot footprint, would contain an indoor sports court, RV storage and an upper‑level mezzanine.

Staff (Amelia) recommended denial because the application did not meet two of the three statutory variance findings: the request was characterized as granting a special privilege (the underlying zone allows primary dwellings to 35 feet while accessory structures are limited to 24 feet), and staff concluded the applicant had not demonstrated an undue hardship related to site characteristics. The applicant, Steve Thiessen of Hatch Design, and Jeff Hatch (online) described program needs — a sports court and RV parking — and said high groundwater made sinking the court infeasible.

Commissioners questioned whether alternative layouts could achieve interior clearance for sports courts while staying under the height limit and whether neighboring houses in adjacent jurisdictions could be built to 35 feet. After discussion the board voted to table the item to its March 31 open business meeting to permit staff to revise findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The board recorded unanimous assent for the tabling motion.