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Panel approves variances to let homeowner rebuild garage in front-yard footprint and raise roof to ~23 feet
Summary
At a public hearing, members approved two variances allowing a homeowner at 334 East Water Street to rebuild a detached garage in its existing front-yard footprint and to construct a 12/12 roof pitch producing an approximate 23-foot height, exceeding the 18-foot limit; the applicant said the rebuild is to preserve a water view.
A local planning panel approved two variances to let a homeowner at 334 East Water Street rebuild a detached garage in the same front-yard footprint and raise the roof pitch to match the house, producing an approximate 23-foot roof height.
The chair read the staff report noting the proposal would place the garage in the existing front setback and that the proposed 12/12 roof pitch would result in a structure of about 23 feet, above the 18-foot limit in the city regulations. The staff report noted no written public objections and recommended approval. "The proposed roof pitch would be at 12/12 resulting in the structure approximately 23 feet height," the chair read from the staff summary.
The applicant, Kenneth Morris, identified himself for the record and told the panel he plans a full demolition and rebuild on a new pad. "If I move that garage back further, it'll block the water view from my living room," Morris said, explaining that keeping the garage near its current footprint preserves about half of the water view from his windows. He also confirmed the new layout would leave roughly 12 to 15 feet between the garage and the house and that he expects to meet required side clearances.
Panel members discussed multiple factors before voting. Staff and members noted the house and garage are already inside the formal 25-foot front setback; speakers gave differing measurements during the discussion (the transcript includes figures described both as "not even 5" feet and "about 12 feet"). Members asked about flood-plain or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concerns related to the nearby pond; staff stated there were no DNR or flood-plain issues raised for this rebuild. Members also raised neighborhood-impact concerns — including how a larger, taller garage on the corner would affect views for houses across the street — and practical questions about snow clearance and driveway alignment.
After discussion the panel moved on formal action. Committee member (speaker 3) moved to approve a variance under Section 20.12 0.03 (front-yard setback) allowing the applicant to keep the garage in its current plane; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Separately, committee member (speaker 4) moved to allow an exception to the 18-foot height limit so the garage would not exceed 23 feet with a 12/12 pitch; that motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The panel capped the approval at 23 feet and noted that any change in site grade that would raise the structure above 23 feet would require the applicant to return to the panel.
The record indicates the staff recommendation, the applicant testimony, and the panel discussion formed the basis for both approvals. The transcript does not list a roll-call tally by member name; votes were taken as voice votes recorded in the meeting transcript.
The chair closed the public hearing and the meeting after handling the motions. The transcript does not record follow-up deadlines for inspections or permits; staff indicated typical building-code review and site work could affect whether the capped 23-foot height remains effective once final grade is set.
