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Commissioners deny homeowner's request to reduce rear-yard setback after storm hardship testimony
Summary
After a public hearing in which Nancy Geehan described post‑storm hardship and permit delays, the board rejected her request to reduce a rear-yard setback from 20 to 6 feet; the motion to approve the variance failed 1–4.
Sheridan County commissioners denied a requested setback variance for a property at 11 Wagon Box Road after hearing from the homeowner and county staff on April 21.
County Planner Mark Reid said Nancy Geehan asked to reduce the rear-yard setback for an existing accessory building from 20 feet to 6 feet; the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended denial. Geehan testified about a "severe storm" that precipitated placement of the unpermitted shed and described efforts to obtain permits and comply with regulations amid insurance and hardship issues. Commissioner Lonnie J. Wright moved to approve the variance, but the motion failed with Commissioner Jennings voting in favor and Commissioners Arzy, Haswell, Siddle and Wright opposed (vote 1–4).
Commissioners emphasized adherence to zoning rules and said they look for special conditions or hardship sufficient to justify variances. The denial leaves the accessory structure out of compliance pending the homeowner's next steps to resolve the permitting issue.
