Board rejects motion to approve front‑yard shed variances at 1433 Northwest 7th Street (motion fails 6–3)

The Zoning Board heard a staff presentation that the 360‑square‑foot storage shed at 1433 Northwest 7th Street was built without permits and is located in the front yard because the property is a double‑frontage corner lot. Staff explained the requested variances: to allow an accessory structure in the front yard, to reduce the front‑yard setback from 30 feet to 22 feet 6 inches, and to reduce a side‑yard setback from 8 feet to 2 feet 6 inches. Staff said it did not object to ZBA26050034 and described the shed's construction and the code enforcement case that led the applicant to seek after‑the‑fact relief.

Applicant Stephanie Garcia told the board the shed has a wood frame, no electrical or plumbing, and contains material that makes it difficult to move. Board members repeatedly raised concerns about setting a precedent by allowing structures in a front yard. A motion to close the hearing and approve the variances (moved by Mrs. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Baker) failed by a vote of 6 in opposition to 3 in favor. The board recorded the three votes in favor as Anna Coker, Stacy White and Anthony Langston; those opposed included Chairwoman Kimberly Akimrodoye, several other members and Mr. CJ Ramirez. Staff advised the applicant that if the board were to deny the variances the property owner would be subject to enforcement steps and that applicants commonly seek reapplication or extensions while resolving code cases.

The shed will remain noncompliant unless and until the applicant either receives variances at a future hearing or removes/relocates the structure per code enforcement direction.