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Commission rejects variance for home office addition at 105 S. Whirlaway Drive
Summary
A request to encroach into multiple setbacks for a 14x14 office and covered porch at 105 S. Whirlaway Drive was denied after commissioners determined the hardship was largely self‑imposed and viable design alternatives exist.
The Planning Commission voted not to approve a variance that would have allowed a 14‑by‑14 foot office addition and covered porch to encroach into front and rear setbacks at 105 South Whirlaway Drive.
Applicant (identified in the record as Celeste) told the commission she works remotely as a finance director and needs a separate enclosed office for confidential calls and ergonomic equipment. Staff said the property is zoned R‑1, is a legally nonconforming structure and already lies inside current setbacks; the applicant noted that one cabin on the lot was built under an earlier variance.
Commissioners asked whether the addition could be shifted to avoid the setback, whether a new exterior door provided safe access, and why the minimum office size was required. A contractor on behalf of the applicant said a rear door was intended but was missing from the plans as submitted. Staff and commissioners suggested shifting or shrinking the addition, or moving a walkway, could avoid a variance.
A motion to approve the variance, citing sections of the village code, failed in roll call. Commissioners concluded the applicant had not demonstrated an extraordinary, non‑self‑imposed hardship that would justify the variance.
The applicant was encouraged to revise plans to provide direct exterior access and consider a reduced footprint that conforms to the setbacks.
