Board approves setback variance for 1816 East 9 with survey contingency

The Sheldon City Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant a setback variance that will allow an expanded attached garage at 1816 East 9, but the board conditioned approval on locating and verifying property lot pins.

Applicant Cody Hansen told the board he plans to "add on straight forward from where the existing garage is and kind of wrap it around the front of the house and put another uh two stall garage in front of it." Board members confirmed the house sustained fire damage last July and that the project involves substantial interior rebuilding.

Neighbor Sonia Van Tielberg submitted written concerns asking that property lines be clearly marked. Staff member Steve advised the applicant that "it's the homeowner's responsibility to know where property lines are" and recommended cheaper pin-location options or a targeted survey; he noted a full survey can cost about $2,000.

Board members discussed that the addition projects the existing garage line north and does not move closer to the neighbor, and they urged the applicant to talk with the neighbor before construction. To address the record and potential later disputes, a motion to approve the variance was made and seconded with the contingency that lot pins/property lines be verified before foundation work proceeds. The board approved the motion by unanimous roll call.

The board’s action resolves the immediate zoning question but leaves a civil property-boundary issue between neighbors if a post-construction survey shows encroachment. The board did not specify enforcement steps beyond the stated contingency; staff advised the applicant that failing to verify pins could expose him to costly civil claims later.

The board moved on to the next agenda item following the vote.