Council grants variance for carport but requires passing building inspection

The Town Council approved a variance for an after‑the‑fact carport at a West Drew Street property, making the approval contingent on the structure passing a building inspection in its current condition.

Assistant Development Services Director Elizabeth Issa told the council the carport was placed 2 feet 2 inches from the western property line while the code requires 7.5 feet; she said the planning commission recommended approval 4–1 but staff recommended denial because the applicant had not demonstrated the variance criteria were met. "The applicant has already placed the carport on the western side of the property 2 feet 2 inches from the western property line with a code requires a minimum of 7.5 feet," Issa said.

The applicant, who identified himself only as Sean, said the carport existed when he bought the property, that neighbors agreed to the relocation, and that he did not initially obtain permits. Council members pressed about whether certified plans or visible footers existed and whether a structural inspection could verify compliance. Given uncertainty about hidden footers and engineering stamps, the council crafted a contingency: the variance is approved only if the building inspection finds the structure acceptable "in its current condition." Council members clarified that if the inspection fails for substantial structural reasons, the variance would be denied and the applicant would need to remove or relocate the structure to meet setback requirements. The motion passed 5‑0.

The decision preserves the council's obligation to base the quasi‑judicial ruling on the hearing record and the subsequent building inspection outcome; staff will follow up with the building official regarding the inspection result and next steps.