Planning commission recommends variance to allow shed at 300 Concetta Trail

The City of Eagle Lake Planning Commission recommended approval on June 15 of a variance allowing a residential shed to be sited two to three feet from the rear property line at 300 Concetta Trail instead of the five-foot setback required by the Eagle Lake Zoning Ordinance. The commission voted 5-0 among those present to forward the measure to the City Council for final consideration on July 6.

Staff told the commission the shed would be placed on a gravel pad in the rear yard and that the owner had demonstrated "practical difficulties" stemming from site-specific topography and drainage that limit suitable locations for the accessory structure. The application materials and staff report cited a bowl-shaped rear yard, elevation changes and natural drainage patterns as constraints that would make strict compliance with the five-foot setback interfere with drainage and reduce usable yard area.

Property owner Mr. Bridger described the lot as bowl-shaped with drainage to the southwest and said the contractor recommended the proposed location. Administrator Jennifer Bromeland read an email from neighbors Kevin and Karen Kennedy stating, "We received the notice for the meeting this evening regarding the neighbor’s placement of a shed. We will not be at the meeting but are completely fine with them adding the shed. We have spoken with them already."

Staff recommended approval subject to conditions intended to protect public access to utilities and safety. Those conditions require the shed be installed on a movable base (not on a permanent foundation), be anchored in accordance with applicable building code requirements, and remain movable so it can be relocated or removed at the property owner’s expense if the City or a utility provider requires access to facilities located within the five-foot rear utility easement. Staff also noted that approval of a variance does not authorize obstruction of utility easements and that required permits must be obtained prior to installation.

Commission discussion centered on whether the circumstances cited were unique to the property and whether the requested relief represented the minimum necessary to allow reasonable use. Commissioners said the application met the variance standards and that no objections had been received from surrounding property owners. Commissioner Michael McCarty moved to approve the variance with the stated conditions; Commissioner Michael Hughes seconded the motion, which carried with Commissioners Michael Hughes, Michael McCarty, Jan Hughes, Richard Garvey and Vice Chair Ray Beckel voting in favor. Commissioners Trent Talle, Tom Barna and Aaron Stubbs were recorded as absent.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be considered by the City Council at its July 6 meeting; staff will verify permitting and utility access conditions as the item proceeds to Council.