Planning board approves amendment to variance for Eaton Road accessory building

The Planning & Zoning Board on Aug. 13 approved an amendment to variance VA2507 allowing a 3-foot front-yard setback and an accessory structure described in the staff report as 16 feet by 40 feet. The motion to approve passed with all members voting yes.

Applicant Fred Peters of 2030 Eaton Road explained why he sought the amendment: “When I went to order the building, they said you gotta order an 18 foot wide building, and we cut it down to 16,” he said, adding that ordering and cutting the unit was “a waste of money” and that the extra width would reduce that loss. Staff noted the original variance, the five conditions attached to it, and that the application did not meet all six criteria under article 9, section 21 100.04(g) in staff’s review.

Board members asked about the siting of the structure and how the applicant intended to reposition it on the lot. The applicant said the building had been pushed back on the corner lot to preserve sight triangles at Eden and Edgewater and that the revised siting would move the structure slightly closer to the house on one side and further east on the other to maintain the required clearances. The chair closed the public hearing and the board approved the amendment; staff noted there is a 15-day waiting period before final administrative action is completed.

The variance amendment was approved after a unanimous board vote. The action does not alter other conditions attached to the original variance; staff will follow up on implementation and notify the applicant about the waiting period and any applicable next steps.