BZA approves side‑yard setback for Rockey garage, continues riparian setback to October

Monroe County staff presented two variance requests for a proposed 30x40 detached garage: a side‑yard setback variance (from 15 ft to 3 ft) and a 7‑foot encroachment into a 50‑foot riparian setback. During the Aug. 26 hearing, the petitioner said the lot shape and riparian delineation left "nowhere else to build" and agreed to several siting concessions.

The petitioner, Nick Rockey, told the board he could move the building 7 feet north to avoid the riparian setback or accept a smaller side setback: "We can move it up, and I agreed to move it up," he said. Staff told the board that if the petitioner shifts the structure 7 feet north, the riparian‑setback variance would no longer be necessary. After discussion, the board conditioned approval of the side‑yard variance on limiting encroachment to 10 feet on the eastern property line and approved that motion 4–0.

On the riparian variance, members chose to continue the item to Oct. 7, 2026, to allow the petitioner time to redesign and, if the structure is moved so the riparian setback is no longer needed, withdraw the request from that agenda. Staff emphasized that approval or denial of a riparian variance can be avoided if the petitioner elects the move and can obtain any required site plan approvals.

Next procedural step: VAR‑26‑29A (side yard) is approved subject to the 10‑foot encroachment limitation; VAR‑26‑29B (riparian) is continued to the Oct. 7 agenda if not withdrawn earlier.