The variance was necessary as Soderberg’s property exceeded the city code limit of two detached structures on lots of one acre or less. Although the total square footage of the structures, 892 square feet, is within the permissible limit, the number of structures surpasses the maximum allowed. The commission required that any approval be contingent upon neighbor agreement due to a structure’s proximity to the property line, which is less than the required five feet. Soderberg assured the commission that he had spoken with his neighbors, who expressed no objections.

During the meeting, Soderberg explained the necessity of the structures, citing storage for vehicles, tools, and other equipment. He emphasized that the structures were erected without understanding the permit requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he has since attempted to align with city regulations. The structures, he explained, were also designed to aesthetically match his home and did not pose an obtrusion to the neighborhood.