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Board allows Donald Frank to build detached garage in side yard due to site constraints
Summary
The Green BZA approved a variance allowing a detached side‑yard garage at 5519 Arlington Road, citing topography and septic/well locations; neighbors testified and the board approved the request 4–0.
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted April 16 to permit a detached accessory garage to be built in the side yard at 5519 Arlington Road after the applicant explained that rear placement is infeasible because of a 12‑foot elevation drop, septic lines and a front well.
Applicant Donald Frank described site constraints and said the proposed two‑car garage will include a brick facade to match the house and a French drain and landscaping to address runoff. “So the way the property is, we’ve got the well up here in the front… the septic tanks here… I had them all x‑rayed to find out exactly where they’re at,” Frank said.
Neighbors, including Beverly Stitch and Robert Prentice, addressed the board. Stitch, who lives across the street, told members that similar side‑yard detached garages exist on the block and that Frank’s design fits the neighborhood. Board member Schultz made the motion to approve; the motion was seconded and passed 4–0 on roll call.
Why it mattered: The request involves location of an accessory structure rather than use or scale; staff confirmed that the request must be treated as a variance from the rule that accessory buildings be in the rear yard and that conditions such as drainage and facade were proposed to mitigate impacts.
The decision: The board approved the variance; applicant may pursue building permits and must comply with permit conditions and inspections.
