Mesquite Board of Adjustment approves homeowner's request for slightly larger detached garage

At a meeting of the Mesquite Board of Adjustment, the board unanimously approved a special exception permitting a detached garage slightly larger than the city's 500-square-foot limit at 2039 Rhonda Drive.

Garrett Langford of the City of Mesquite Planning Department told the board staff had reviewed case BOA0525-0468 and determined the proposed detached garage would occupy roughly 7 percent of the 7,848.89-square-foot lot and would not exceed the 10 percent threshold that usually signals incompatibility with neighboring properties. The applicant is requesting an increase of 50 square feet above the 500-square-foot maximum, to roughly 550 square feet, and a maximum height of about 14 feet. "Staff has recommended approval," Langford said.

The applicant, Peggy Nix, addressed the board and said she has lived in the house for nearly 40 years and described the garage as "my dream," saying the structure is for personal use and will house a restored 1948 Ford coupe. "I've had this'I've lived in this house for almost 40 years, and I've got it paid off, and I want some space," Nix said.

With no speakers registering opposition during the public-hearing portion and after board members asked a few clarifying questions about driveway access and submittal of photos, Board member Williams moved to approve the special exception and Board member Aiken seconded. The board voted 5-0 in favor.

Under the Mesquite Zoning Ordinance, special exceptions that are granted generally expire 180 days after the board's decision unless the applicant secures a building permit, approved site plan or certificate of occupancy; applicants may request an extension but the board may not grant an extension greater than 365 days. The chair noted appeal routes and administrative procedures following the vote.

The board moved on to contested cases after the approval.