Plan commission backs variance to place garage in lakefront front yard

The Stephens County Plan Commission recommended approval of a variance permitting an accessory storage building/three-car garage within the front yard at 131 Steve Jordan Drive, a narrow lakefront parcel.

Staff said the property is zoned residential single and cited the county code (Chapter 59, Article 16, Sec. 59-1610) which typically limits accessory structures to side or rear yards; staff recommended approval given the lot’s narrow shape and steep driveway grade. The owner reported the lot is approximately 2.3 acres and only about 100 feet wide, with the usable flat area between the house and road limited.

Applicant Steven Louderder told the commission he recently moved from El Paso and needs covered storage for farm equipment he brought with him. "You can't see the building garage from the road either," Louderder said, explaining his preference to site the garage on the flat portion of the lot. The commission approved the recommendation by voice vote; the board noted prior similar lakefront cases and directed the applicant to the county commission for final action.