Board takes no action on variance for accessory structure at 307 North Gunther Avenue

The Board of Adjustment did not approve a variance request to allow an accessory storage building to encroach into the 25-foot corner side setback at 307 North Gunther Avenue after no motion was made. Mary Lovell of Neighborhood and Community Planning described the lot as a historic-era (circa 1920) two-story home situated roughly 8 feet from the corner side property line; the applicant narrowed the request from a previously proposed garage to a storage building to reduce traffic and safety concerns.

Applicant Greg Williams said the structure would be used for lawn equipment and personal tools and that all doors would face inward toward the property rather than the street; he said he could shift the building a few feet if necessary. Neighbors supplying written responses were mostly supportive (staff said seven in favor, one opposed), and Damon Spears spoke in support at the hearing.

Board members repeatedly said they were uncomfortable approving a permanent structure right on the property line and suggested a 3–5-foot shift inward or a smaller footprint. One member proposed conditioning approval so the variance would not "ride" with the lot if the main house were later demolished, but the board did not make a motion. The chair stated that without a motion and second the variance could not be approved that evening.