Holland City Board of Appeals approves garage extension at 42 East 14th Street

The Holland City Board of Appeals voted unanimously to approve a special exception allowing a homeowner to extend a detached garage at 42 East 14th Street closer to the east side property line than current setback rules require.

Applicant Kurt Copes told the board he plans to extend his garage north along the existing building line to enclose a boat and provide secure, weather-protected storage. “I’d like to get my boat inside,” Copes said, saying the addition largely follows the existing garage footprint.

The board discussed measurements and setback rules before deliberating. Staff member Trisha explained the local rule used by the board: prior to 2021 detached accessory buildings had a 2-foot setback and were allowed a 1-foot eave; under current regulations a 1-foot eave is permitted only if the eave itself maintains a two-foot setback from the property line. The applicant and board members referenced plan pages showing roughly five feet between the front corner of the garage and the house, while the side setback along the existing line would remain approximately two feet.

Board members found the proposed extension conforms to the single-family zoning and said the encroachment is consistent with the neighborhood, noting other nearby garages with close setbacks. The board recorded that the immediate east neighbor had submitted a written letter supporting the application and that no other public comments were offered.

Board member Falstead moved to approve the special exception; board member Lockery seconded. The clerk called the roll: Falstead, Lockery, Lambert, Peaks, Vanorp and Vice Chair Bonitez all voted yes. The motion passed unanimously.

With the approval recorded, the board adjourned.

What the board decided: approval of a special exception for 42 East 14th Street to allow a garage addition that follows the existing side building line and results in an approximately two-foot side setback where the current standard is three feet. Details recorded in the hearing: neighbor support in writing, an applicant estimate that the corner-to-corner distance to the house is about five feet, and staff clarification about how eaves are measured against setback rules.