Council grants variance for attached garage at 6174 Inwood Court

The Grant City Council voted to grant a variance that will allow a two‑story attached garage addition at 6174 Inwood Court North to encroach to approximately 6.5 feet from the north property line, where the city code requires a 20‑foot side yard setback.

Jennifer, the city planner, recommended denial during the public hearing after staff analysis concluded the applicant had not demonstrated that no other reasonable location on the property exists. Jennifer told the council staff believes "there might be area on the site that would meet all of the relevant and required setbacks" and that staff could not find criteria one was met. The applicant, Brett Schicki, said he and his family withdrew an earlier application, studied suggested alternatives, reduced the addition size and increased the setback before returning with a revised proposal; he told the council the chosen design "preserves the septic area, minimizes grading, preserves mature trees, [and] maintains our existing outdoor living space." Several immediate neighbors spoke in favor and said the addition would not harm their views or use of property.

Councilmembers discussed neighborhood context, tree impacts and the practical difficulty of relocating the addition without significant grading or loss of mature trees. After discussion Councilmember 3 moved to grant the variance; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote with the majority voting aye. Staff said formal written findings and the resolution will appear on the next consent agenda for documentation.

The permit will require standard building permits, engineering review and any watershed or other agency approvals cited by staff prior to issuance of a building permit.