Board approves variance for large backyard workshop in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment voted to approve a variance allowing applicant Amos Lamar Smith Jr. to construct a 1,620-square-foot accessory workshop with an 80-square-foot attached porch and a 220-square-foot rear lean-to on his R‑1 zoned property.

Planning staff told the board that Section 701 of the zoning resolution limits cumulative accessory-structure area to 1,200 square feet for residential properties and that the property is about 0.72 acres. Staff said there is no land-related hardship but described the request as mounting in nature and recommended approval, noting only three similar denials since 2000.

Smith, who identified himself at the podium as "Amos Lamar Smith junior" of 5311 Sutherland Road, told the board the project encloses an existing lean-to for security and that the total square footage remains the same as a previously approved shop. "All this is doing is changing that lean to to be contained within the shop because I can't see it from my house and for security purposes, I want it contained," he said.

The board opened the public hearing and received no opposition. A board member moved to approve the case and, after a second, the chair announced the motion carried and stated, "Your request has been granted." The transcript records a voice vote but does not record a roll-call tally of individual votes.

The board indicated its decision will be provided in writing within 10 days. The approval permits the applicant to proceed with the accessory structure subject to any required permits, including health- or environmental-related permits if applicable.

The board moved on to its next agenda items following the approval.