Owner wins board backing for front‑yard detached garage at Old Mission Road after redesign

Jack Lawson, who spoke at the mic and gave his address as 1890 Old Mission Road, told the board he redesigned his detached garage after the planning board denied a prior variance request in March 2024. He said he removed the two‑car garage and reduced the structure to about 2,090 square feet with matching stucco and shingled roof, and he described landscaping and lighting improvements.

City staff said the parcel had lost 0.38 acres of front yard to eminent domain for a future road expansion and that wetlands occupy much of the west side of the lot. In reviewing the application against Article 9, Section 21 100.04D, staff found the applicant could not meet all six criteria and recommended denial. Several board members probed the roof height difference (applicant and staff estimated a roughly five‑foot roof differential) and asked whether moving the berm or installing a swale could address neighbors’ stormwater fears.

Resident Steve Gunter and others raised stormwater and wetland impacts and asked whether additional berming or retention would be required. Staff responded that stormwater permitting and mitigation would be addressed during permitting. After discussion and public comment, the board moved to recommend approval of the variances and recorded affirmative votes.