Board approves height variance for accessory building at 31 Guatacoma Drive

The City of New Braunfels Board of Adjustment approved a height variance that allows a detached two-story accessory structure 22 feet 1 inch tall at 31 Guatacoma Drive, exceeding the existing 12-foot home height by 10 feet 1 inch. Neighborhood and Community Planning staff explained the lot has restrictive setbacks and the applicant proposes a combined garage and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) because separate structures would exceed rear-yard coverage limits.

Owner Jana Proff described family needs for additional storage and living flexibility, saying the cost to raise the existing roof line was quoted at roughly $80,000 and the proposed combined structure is a more affordable option. "We've been paying for a storage unit," Proff said, explaining why the detached building is necessary for the household. Staff noted notices were mailed to 22 surrounding owners and nine responses favored the request while one opposed.

Board members discussed alternatives (raising the roof line, privacy concerns, tree removal) and an initial motion that included a condition to keep the main dwelling at its current height did not receive a second. A subsequent motion to approve the variance as presented was made, seconded and passed by roll call.