Prescott Board of Adjustments approves rear-setback reduction to convert garage into rental unit

Tom Davis called the Feb. 19 public hearing of the City of Prescott Board of Adjustments to order and the board approved a variance to reduce the required 20-foot rear setback to 3 feet so a detached garage can be converted into a second residence for rental use. The motion to approve the item identified on the record as V26Dash001 passed; the transcript records the outcome as "Carries 60."

Tammy DeWitt, community planner, told the board the request is for a variance under "land development code section 3 93 f" in a multifamily-medium zone to allow the reduction from the 20-foot required rear setback by 17 feet. DeWitt said the garage sits at the rear of the lot, is accessed from an alley off Merritt Street, and that the structure was shown on original plans as having a 5-foot rear setback when it was built in 1984. "So, we're asking to maintain that setback for the conversion of this to a second residence," DeWitt said, adding the property is a rental and that the owners seek to continue it as such rather than permit it as an accessory dwelling unit, which would bar rental use. She said notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet, the property was posted and staff received no public comments.

Board member Miriam Haberich asked whether parking would be provided; DeWitt said the proposal includes a wraparound driveway and that the two required parking spaces can be accommodated. After a board member noted the earlier site plan showed a 5-foot setback, DeWitt explained that as an accessory structure a garage could be sited five feet from the rear, but converting it to a second residence requires primary-residence setbacks of 20 feet; the recent survey measured the structure at 3 feet and staff treated it as an existing, non-self-induced condition. DeWitt also told the board staff had found other nearby setback variances and that the proposal met the other zoning criteria.

Board member Tom Hutchison raised safety concerns, asking about fire access and whether fire trucks could turn around in the alley; DeWitt said the structure has been reviewed during permitting and that "fire had no concerns." Hutchison said he nonetheless supported the project as an example of workforce housing in an appropriate location.

Board member Mark Hokness moved to "approve V26Dash001 as submitted by staff." Tom Hutchison seconded. The board voted in favor and the chair declared the motion approved; the transcript records the result as "Carries 60." Staff said the board will return next month for a meeting that will include a conditional use permit, another variance and an amendment to the bylaws, and the meeting was adjourned.

What happens next: The variance was approved at the hearing; any change to the structure that alters its size or footprint would require the owners to move it to meet the 20-foot setback or seek further approvals, per staff remarks.