Board approves variance for side-yard storage shed at 852 Old Highway

The Loudon City Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant Application 257, a variance allowing a side-yard wooden storage shed at the property listed on the application (address on record: 852 Old Highway).

The applicant (the purchaser of the property) testified about the lot layout, described where the structure would sit relative to the house and fence, and said the shed would be a non-habitable utility structure with no electricity or concrete footings. The applicant told the board they have limited mobility, saying, “I have a metal plate in my foot, so it's a little hard to get up and down the backyard,” and that side-yard placement would address long-term access concerns.

Staff summarized the application materials, satellite exhibit orientation, and noted the mayor had no objection so long as the structure remained non-habitable. Board members confirmed an approximately 20-foot distance from the fence and roughly 40 feet between neighboring homes, encouraged the applicant to inform immediate neighbors, and noted existing fences and nonconforming conditions on older properties.

A motion to approve the variance was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The approval allows construction of the wooden storage shed in the proposed side-yard location subject to the conditions that it remain an accessory, non-habitable structure without utilities.

The board closed the matter and continued with remaining agenda items.