Board approves 2,184‑sq‑ft detached structure in Roaming Shores with affidavit barring habitable second floor

The Roaming Shores board approved a large detached structure proposed by Mark and Jen Al but required a recorded affidavit to prevent the second floor from being converted to habitable space.

Zoning staff told the board the property’s layout — notably a deep gully — made attachment to the house impractical and that a detached building in the proposed location met setback requirements. Zoning added that village code treats single‑floor detached garages differently and that an affidavit is the standard enforcement tool to prevent later conversion of storage space into living quarters. "The key for the village is really the affidavit," zoning said.

The applicant described a plan totaling about 2,184 square feet (1,200 sq ft first floor, 744 sq ft second floor, 240 sq ft pavilion) and said much of the upper level would be used for storage; he said he would remove any elements that the board found objectionable. "If that is an issue, then we will remove it from the plan. It can be just storage," the applicant said when asked about finishing the second floor. He also described plans to remove an existing driveway turnaround, add landscaping and orient new garage doors toward the road.

Neighbors who spoke were generally supportive. One neighbor said, "I've got no issues with it. I think it's going to look great," and another noted joint tree trimming had already been done along property lines in preparation for the project.

Board members pressed the applicant on whether interior finishing or a workout room would amount to habitable space. Zoning explained that finishing walls, electrical and heating that create habitable conditions would violate the condition unless the affidavit and permit explicitly allowed it. The board approved the project with conditions that included a recorded affidavit prohibiting habitable use of the second floor and clarification of the pavilion’s relationship to the main structure.

What the board required and next steps

- Affidavit: Zoning to draft a recorded affidavit stating the second floor cannot be converted to habitable space; affidavit must be recorded prior to final permit issuance. - Permit conditions: Zoning to confirm pavilion footprint and whether a detached canopy must be physically separated to comply with the single‑floor footprint rules. - Follow up: Zoning staff to provide the applicant with final permit language and to verify the driveway changes and removal of existing turnaround before final inspection.

Vote and dissent

The motion to approve with conditions passed with recorded affirmative votes from Committee member Joe, Committee member Michelle and Committee member Robert. Committee member Trish expressed reservations about some aspects of the project and voted no on portions of the motion; the record shows the project advanced with three affirmative votes and conditions to limit future conversion to living space.

The board did not record detailed timelines for construction; zoning staff indicated permit issuance and affidavit recording are the immediate administrative steps.