Plan commission approves conditional-use amendment to allow garage at 1709 Barton Avenue

The West Bend Plan Commission voted to approve conditional-use amendment CU 26-0007 for 1709 Barton Avenue, a property currently zoned B-2 that retains a grandfathered residential use. John and Jim (staff) told the commission the applicant, Christopher and Karen Callan, seek to construct a new garage and make other site improvements; because the lot is commercially zoned, a conditional use permit is required to continue residential use and allow the proposed structures.

Jim explained the code limit for accessory structures: "Our code allows 720 square feet of accessory structures," and staff said the combined size of the proposed garage plus an existing shed exceeds that limit. To address the conflict, staff recommended approval of the amendment provided that, prior to building permits, either the proposed garage or the existing shed be reduced or removed so the combined accessory area complies with the 720-square-foot maximum.

One neighbor, Jeff Slice, spoke in support of allowing the garage, noting the age of local properties and need for storage. After brief clarification questions about measurements and the options available to meet the accessory-structure limit, the commission closed the public hearing, took action and approved the amendment on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The decision allows the homeowner to make planned residential upgrades while enforcing zoning code limits on accessory structures; the condition to reduce/remove one structure is meant to preserve code standards without requiring a full rezoning of the lot.

The applicant must satisfy the staff condition about accessory structure square footage before building permits will be issued.