Board approves setback variance tied to proposed rezoning at 136 Krebs Drive

A zoning board voted to approve a setback variance for a storage building at 136 Krebs Drive after staff told commissioners the requested reductions were the minimum needed to retain an existing structure under a proposed rezoning.

Planner (S3) said the owner has applied to rezone the parcel from General Commercial District to General Agricultural District and that the variance is needed to comply with the more restrictive agricultural setbacks. "The request is to reduce the north side yard setback from 35 feet to 9.7 feet and the front yard set back to the west from 35 feet to 32.3 feet," the planner said. Staff recommended approval, noting the building has existed on the site for many years and currently serves agricultural storage uses.

Commissioner Alicia asked how the rezoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and whether placing a General Agricultural designation adjacent to residential areas makes sense long term. Staff and another presenter explained the owner, Jim Bailey, is using General Agricultural as a holding designation while preserving the land in open space; the property is subject to a plan-development overlay that limits some agricultural activity (staff said Bailey currently runs 41 head of cattle under that plan).

Commissioner Mike moved to approve the variance, citing the special circumstance created by the proposed rezoning, and Jeff seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote. The motion approved reducing the north side yard setback to 9.7 feet and the west front yard setback to 32.3 feet to allow the existing building to remain.