Planning Commission denies 522 Walnut Drive variance; Council launches ordinance-wide review to address inconsistencies

Mayor Rok reported that the Planning Commission denied the variance request for 522 Walnut Drive and that, as of the June 25 work session, no appeal had been filed. An applicant has 10 days from the date of denial to submit an appeal to the Town Council; if appealed, the matter would be scheduled for a July Council meeting.

Councilman Bitter voiced concern about consistency, saying similar requests "have been approved in the past." Mayor Rok responded that the current ordinance section on "Accessory Buildings" specifies that dwellings are not permitted in accessory structures and acknowledged confusion created by inconsistent ordinance language and varying homeowners association covenants. She said she had not found explicit language prohibiting a dwelling above a garage, highlighting the need for clearer ordinance text.

Mayor Rok said she has begun a comprehensive review of the Town’s ordinances by title and chapter, assigned sections to council members for review, and set a goal to complete the work by the end of the calendar year. Councilman Ellis recommended using Microsoft collaboration tools the Town already holds to facilitate the review and urged council members to submit changes as they are ready rather than waiting until the deadline. The review is intended to resolve discrepancies and provide clearer guidance to applicants and staff.

If an appeal is filed on 522 Walnut Drive, the Council will consider the Planning Commission record, the ordinance language and applicable HOA documents before making a final determination.