Homeowner battles zoning codes to build dream garage

In a recent government meeting, a local resident presented plans to construct a garage, referred to as a \"hobby barn,\" on his property located at 2450 Nagawicka Road East. The resident, who currently operates a 2,700 square foot garage in Waukesha for restoring antique tractors and classic automobiles, expressed a desire to relocate his hobby closer to home in Adelafield.

The proposed structure has undergone several modifications to comply with updated building codes. Initially designed to be larger, the resident was informed that the plans would need to be downsized. The current proposal is for a 1,790 square foot building, which represents approximately 2% of the 2+ acre lot. This is a reduction from the original design of 1,980 square feet, which included a loft and stairs.

During the meeting, the resident emphasized the importance of having adequate space for his vehicles, noting that the current code limits garage sizes to 1,200 square feet, which he argued would not accommodate modern vehicles. He proposed that the new garage feature four overhead doors, each approximately nine feet wide, along with a bathroom, necessitating a minimum width of 52 feet.

The resident assured the committee that the proposed garage would be aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the surrounding area, referencing similar structures on Weber Court. He also mentioned previous efforts to improve the property, including the removal of outdated buildings.

The meeting highlighted the challenges residents face in navigating local building regulations while pursuing personal projects, as well as the ongoing dialogue between community members and local government regarding property development. The proposal is now under consideration, with further discussions anticipated to address the specifics of the building size and design.