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Board approves variance for garage that encroached into front setback to preserve storage for medical equipment
Summary
The board unanimously approved a variance allowing a garage to encroach into the front setback; the applicant said removing the garage would cause hardship because it stores medical equipment needed at home. Staff recommended denial on one standard but noted no public-safety concerns.
The Anchorage Zoning Board approved a variance in Case 2025-0127 to allow an existing garage and its eave to encroach into the front setback, voting 5–0 on April 16.
Staff had recommended denial, finding that one variance standard (Standard C) was only partially met and describing the hardship as potentially self-imposed because the garage could have been built further from the line at the time of construction. Staff also noted that the structure posed no known public-safety risk and recommended conditions if the board approved the variance.
Applicant Theresa Shackleford told the board she bought the property believing a prior variance had been granted and that the garage had been in place for more than 25 years. She said the garage stores medical equipment for a child and removing it would cause hardship. She also explained there may be a 6-inch roof overhang into the right-of-way and that a right-of-way encroachment permit would be a condition of approval.
Board members asked whether the garage or house encroached on the property line, discussed the site’s topography and access (a gravel spur), and confirmed that conditions would include securing any required right-of-way permits. Mr. Norris said the applicant did not build the garage and found the hardship sufficient because the encroachment did not result from the current owner’s direct actions.
The motion to approve was seconded by Craig Bennett; with no opposition the variance was granted subject to the staff conditions printed in the staff packet.
The variance approval permits the existing garage to remain in place subject to any encroachment permits and the conditions specified in the staff report. The decision is subject to a 30-day appeal period.
