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Commission grants variance for front‑yard shed at 244 Boulder Street
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance and architectural review allowing a 220‑square‑foot storage shed in the front‑yard setback at 244 Boulder Street, citing topography, existing structures and neighborhood precedent while noting efforts to avoid removal of large cedar trees.
The Nevada City Planning Commission approved a variance and architectural review for a 220‑square‑foot accessory structure at 244 Boulder Street that will sit within the front‑yard setback.
Staff said the lot’s topography, two large cedar trees on the south side of the property and neighborhood precedent support the variance standard that special circumstances apply. The proposed storage shed will match the home’s finishes and stylistic details, including corner boards and corrugated metal wainscot, consistent with the applicant's plan.
Applicant representatives described the grading constraints, the cedar trees (one measured at roughly 68 inches in diameter and another at 42 inches) and nearby examples of similar outbuildings; neighbors on both sides of the property told applicants they supported the proposal. Commissioners noted the municipal code’s 30‑foot front‑yard setback is ill‑suited to much of the city’s historic built fabric and supported the variance for the site‑specific circumstances.
A motion to find the project CEQA‑exempt and approve the variance and architectural review, with the conditions and findings set out in the staff report, passed on a roll‑call vote.
