Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variance allowing rear deck at 3024 Louella Lane
Summary
The Eaton County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to allow an already-constructed rear deck at 3024 Louella Lane to remain despite setback and lot-coverage limits, citing the lot's 1941 plat, small size (2,154 sq ft), and staff safety findings.
The Eaton County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve a variance permitting an already-constructed rear deck at 3024 Louella Lane to remain, after a board member argued the lot's small size and 1941 plat present a practical difficulty.
Staff described the application (BA-10254) as a request by the property owner to permit the deck 9.6 feet from the west property line, 0 feet from the rear property line (to the water's edge), and a 19% increase in lot coverage equal to 411.46 square feet. The staff report noted the parcel is 0.05 acres (2,154 square feet) and that the Charlotte Fire Department had no safety concerns; the Eaton Conservation District offered no comment and Barry Eaton District Health approved the request. "The granting of the variance will not alter the essential character of district," said a board member during the motion discussion, arguing the deck aligns with neighboring structures and that parts of the parcel constitute unusable or "dead space."
Applicant Chris Adkins, who identified himself during public comment, said the deck was built to make the backyard safer for his children and to match neighboring decks. "I just didn't feel that it was safe," Adkins said, describing the choice to build a deck rather than pour concrete. Staff confirmed the applicant was previously notified of a violation for constructing decks without permits and that a required survey had been provided.
Board members discussed whether the request met the ordinance's "minimum amount necessary" standard. One member said, "I immensely dislike these little lots on the lake," and questioned whether the deck needed to sit directly on the property line. Another board member recommended treating the request under section 6.2.0.12 for permitted yard encroachments rather than three separate variances, emphasizing the parcel's historic platting and proximity to water. The motion to approve, which included the lot-coverage adjustment, passed in a roll-call vote with recorded 'Yes' responses from the board.
Following the vote staff advised Adkins to contact the office to complete building drawings and proceed with the building-permit and zoning-approval process.
