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Auburn BZA approves variance for large accessory building at 1901 Maple Street
Summary
The Auburn Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing property owners at 1901 Maple Street to increase cumulative accessory building area to about 2,504 sq ft, after staff recommended support based on lot size and setbacks and the applicant described neighborhood backing.
The Auburn Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing homeowners at 1901 Maple Street to increase the maximum cumulative square footage of accessory structures to about 2,504 square feet.
City planner James Cadarette told the board that the primary residence has a footprint of 1,277 square feet and an existing detached garage of 504 square feet, while the new building would bring total accessory area above the Unified Development Code limit that ties permitted accessory area to 100% of the home's footprint. "So staff is supporting this variance request," Cadarette said, noting the property's one-acre lot, large setbacks and lot coverage that would remain well below the 40% maximum if the structure is built.
The applicants, represented by attorney Eric Weber, argued the parcel is a unique, older lot that the UDO does not anticipate. Weber said neighbors had signed support and that a realtor's letter indicated the structure would not reduce nearby property values: "Everybody's in favor of it," he said. He described the intended use as storage for personal vehicles and boats, not commercial activity.
Board members asked whether any new approach to the accessory structure would require a paved driveway; Cadarette said an approach would be administratively approved through the planning office and the applicants indicated they would use concrete. On that basis the board moved to adopt findings of fact and then voted to approve the BZA standard variance, and the chair announced the motion carried. The transcript does not provide a full roll-call of individual members' votes.
The variance approval permits the property owners to construct a 40-by-50-foot accessory building in the back yard; the applicants and their attorney said the building would remain within fenced setbacks and was intended to store a tractor trailer, trucks, boats and personal vehicles. The board's action adopted staff findings and the submitted materials as the basis for approval.
Next steps: the applicants will need to follow administrative plan procedures for any paved approach and to obtain required building permits before construction begins.
