Planning board recommends variance for 209 North Mohawk garage despite small code overages

The Village of Chatham and Zuni Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously on June 25 to recommend approval of a variance allowing a new post-frame garage at 209 North Mohawk to exceed local size and height limits by small margins.

Applicant Rachel Terrett, who said she bought the house in 2020 and has renovated the property, told the board the new structure would replace a deteriorated garage and "beautify not only our property, but, you know, the neighborhood as a whole." Terrett detailed the requested dimensions as 26 feet wide, 32 feet deep and 16 feet high and noted the project would exceed the village's limits "by a whopping 6 inches" and by 32 square feet.

Board members read findings of fact and concluded the variance would not be detrimental to public health, would not impair neighborhood property values and would not impede normal development of surrounding properties. After the findings were read, the chair moved "to recommend granting the variance for the subject property without condition." The motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote: Barb Benning, David Meyer, Dan Nolan, Bill Tripp and Jeff Rood recorded "Yes." "Motion carried," the board recorded.

Terrett and her partner, introduced to the board as Joe Enoch, told commissioners the larger garage footprint and interior height are practical: Enoch, a master automotive technician, said the extra space would allow work on large vehicles and, potentially, a lift; Terrett said the space would also serve her sculpting work. Terrett confirmed the project meets setback requirements and that an existing storage unit in the front yard will be removed during construction.

The zoning board's action is a recommendation; the village board holds final authority. Staff told Terrett the item will appear on a special village board meeting agenda June 30 for final consideration.