Davenport Zoning Board approves parking-lot and auto-dealership special uses; denies oversized garage request

Davenport — The Davenport Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 12 approved two special-use requests and split a homeowner’s hardship variance, approving a setback allowance but denying the homeowner’s request to exceed the city’s maximum detached-garage area.

Staff recommended approval of SU26-01, a nine-space standalone parking-lot expansion for Radiology Group LC at 1970 East 53rd Street, noting the site will still exceed required parking even after the loss of six spaces to new radiology units. "Staff recommends approval subject to those three conditions," Neighborhood Services staff Scott Coates told the board; the conditions limit use of the new lot to Lots 2 and 3 of Waterford Place, require integration if Lot 2 is later developed, and reserve the city’s right to reschedule a hearing if concerns arise. The board approved SU26-01 on the staff motion (roll-call approval recorded as affirmative).

The board also approved SU26-02, a special-use permit that regularizes and expands McGrath Auto’s outdoor vehicle display at 4640 Brady Street and 4618 Bridal in the C-3 General Commercial District. Coates said the site is currently a nonconforming auto-sales use that would be brought into compliance if the special use is granted. Staff recommended approval with four conditions, including a binding site-plan extent, final site-plan approval before construction, a prohibition on flags and pennants, and a rehearing process if complaints arise. The board voted to approve the special use with those conditions.

On a separate agenda item, the board considered HV26-01, a two-part hardship variance requested by Dwayne Iose for a detached garage at 4820 North Division Street. Staff told the board the hearing must be handled in two steps: a location/setback variance and a separate vote on exceeding the allowed garage area. Coates concluded that unique physical and topographic conditions supported the setback variance but that the applicant had not demonstrated a need beyond convenience to justify exceeding the maximum allowed garage area.

Applicant Dwayne Iose, identified himself as a retired carpenter and said he needed space to store tools and equipment he retained while settling his late father’s estate. "I want to save them and keep my own property for my own use," he said, explaining why he sought a larger structure than the 50%-of-living-area rule allows. A neighbor, Wayne Moldenhauer, spoke in favor, saying the lot is large and the proposed garage would not be visually prominent.

The board approved the location/setback variance with the condition that new vehicular-use areas be paved, citing the existing garage footprint and site constraints. On the separate motion to allow the larger garage area, the board voted unanimously to deny the request — a roll-call result of five "No" votes — aligning with staff’s recommendation that the applicant had provided convenience, not a compelling necessity, as the primary justification. Coates and members noted that a 32-by-35-foot garage would be allowed without a variance.

After the final vote the board adjourned. Members present during the meeting included Vice Chair Mike Gellert, Bridget Boyd Carlson, John Clefmann, Kristen Crawford (who abstained on one item), and Dan Darlin; staff included Matt Werderich and Scott Coates.