Council committee remands controversial detached-garage variance back to staff

The Economic Development Committee remanded a petition for variances at 3078 South Benton Street back to staff after extended questioning from council members about fire separation, lot coverage, flood/stormwater impacts and the possibility detached garages could be covertly used as living space.

Staff outlined the four areas of relief requested: a proposed side-yard setback of 2.5 feet (code: 5 feet), a proposed structure separation near 6 feet (code requirement discussed as historically 10 feet for fire separation), lot coverage of roughly 48% (code maximum 45% in R2) and proposed accessory building height near 18–22 feet (code midpoint limit approx. 15 feet). The zoning board of appeals recommended approval 4–2, and staff noted an email of support from the adjacent north property owner. Committee members said the requests are interdependent and suggested treating them as a package; others worried about shading, neighbor access for equipment, and increased impervious surface in an area with flooding concerns.

After discussion staff recommended remanding the item to work with the petitioner on revised plans (including the possibility of an attached garage or different layout). A substitute motion to remand the petition to staff was moved, seconded and carried; the committee agreed to ask staff to bring revised options back for consideration.