Planning board approves variance for shed at 203 Eaton Road after applicant disputes staff sizing

The City of Edgewater Planning & Zoning Board approved a variance request related to an accessory structure at 203 Eaton Road after the applicant disputed staff findings about the shed’s height and setback.

City staff opened the public hearing by saying the application sought a non‑administrative variance to allow a shed four feet higher than the primary structure and a one‑foot setback from the Edgewater Drive property line; staff reported the application did not meet all six criteria in Article 9, Section 21.100.04(D) and recommended denial. The applicant, who identified himself at the podium, said the building permit was issued and that his measurements show a three‑foot setback from the chain‑link fence he uses as his property line. He said the shed measured 17 feet 3 inches and that he had followed the permitting process.

Board members questioned how the higher height was overlooked in permit review and whether the building permit application should require the existing residence’s elevation. One member noted that many accessory structure applications do not include an elevation for the primary residence and recommended the application form require that information going forward.

After hearing the applicant and staff, a board member moved to approve the variance as recorded in the meeting (the motion referenced the file number read during the hearing). The board recorded a roll call that showed unanimous support from members present.

The board did not adopt additional conditions in the meeting transcript. Staff will forward the board’s action and the record to the City Council as appropriate under the City’s process.

The Planning & Zoning Board recessed to the next agenda item following the vote.