Board grants variance allowing Shackleford garage to remain; applicant cites medical-storage hardship

The Anchorage Municipality Zoning Board on April 16 approved a variance for homeowner Theresa Shackleford to legalize an existing garage that encroaches into the front setback.

Planning staff had recommended denial, saying Standard C (self-imposed hardship) was only partially met because the garage could have been built back from the property line when originally constructed. Staff noted there were no reviewing-agency objections and that the structure does not present public-safety risks but recommended conditions including proof of any necessary encroachment permits.

Shackleford told the board she purchased the house after the garage was built and uses the garage to store medical equipment for her child, arguing removal would create hardship. Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the access road is an alley or a spur, whether an encroachment into the right-of-way exists (staff pointed to condition requiring right-of-way approval), and whether the structure had previously been the subject of a nonconforming determination.

A motion to approve the variance, subject to the conditions in the staff packet (including securing encroachment permits where applicable), was moved and seconded; board members noted the lack of objections from reviewing agencies and found the hardship persuasive under the circumstances. The motion passed 5–0.

The board recorded that the applicant must obtain any required right-of-way encroachment permits as a condition of approval and reiterated that parties have 30 days from mailing of the decision to appeal to superior court.

The board then considered a separate Girdwood deck variance later in the agenda and completed officer elections before adjourning.