Monroe zoning board approves rear-setback variance for 1124 17th Street

The City of Monroe Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant a variance to reduce the rear setback for 1124 17th Street to 16.72 feet.

Shannon, the zoning administrator, told the board that the property sits adjacent to a largely vacant parcel and railroad and that the site’s irregular shape limits buildable area. "I do find that they meet the criteria to grant a variance," she said, summarizing the five findings the zoning code requires.

A committee member who moved the motion said the site context — including the adjacent rail parcel and limited building envelope — made the request reasonable. An applicant representative described the owner’s plan for the property as expanding interior space to serve as a satellite location for an existing underground-digging business. "His intent is to increase the size of it so that it becomes a more usable facility for his business," the representative said.

Board members clarified that the approved building must match the submitted drawings and that any future changes that would affect the setback would require a new variance application. Shannon reiterated that variances are decided on a case-by-case basis and must not be contrary to the public interest.

The chair called for the vote; members vocally indicated assent and the chair announced the motion carries. The variance was granted.

The board then moved to other routine business and adjourned the meeting.