Planning Commission approves variance for over-height accessory building at 1517 South Globe

The Planning Commission voted to approve a variance allowing an accessory building with 14-foot sidewalls at 1517 South Globe, two feet taller than the ordinance maximum. The motion, moved by Commissioner James and seconded by Commissioner Cole, passed by majority after staff summarized objections from nearby residents and recommended five conditions before construction.

Kelly, a city staff member who presented the item, told the commission: "An accessory building can be 12 feet max. The applicant is asking for 14 feet, which is 2 feet over, and the applicant is asking to put the building right against the side property line." Staff reported 16 certified mailings with 14 returns and said there were one support and four protest letters (three households represented). Applicants and neighbors raised concerns about traffic, well water use, and proximity to an undeveloped city right-of-way. Applicant Nathan Dodge told the commission, "I'm not trying to put a business in there," and said the structure is intended for personal storage, equipment and family recreation.

Commissioners approved the variance with conditions requiring all governmental permits (including flood permits, where applicable), acknowledgement that the structure will abut a platted but undeveloped city roadway, responsibility for runoff to remain with the applicant, and that future additions would require separate approval. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with four yes votes (Good, James, Christenson, Cole) and two no votes (Crandall, Baca). The approval will be forwarded to City Council for final action.