The primary focus of the meeting was the request by Brandt Blake of KJB Construction Group to address and approve two significant deviations for the property on Clark Street. The deviations involve reducing the rear and side setbacks for an existing detached garage, which currently does not comply with the local development code. The rear setback deviation was approved at 81%, permitting the garage to remain 2.8 feet from the rear property line. The side setback deviation was approved at 48%, allowing the structure to remain 2.6 feet from the west side property line.

The applicant explained that maintaining the existing garage is crucial as it supports a tenant with a special needs daughter residing in the main house. The plan includes splitting the lot into three parts, beginning with the construction of a new house before potentially demolishing the existing structure. Staff recommended approval of the deviations, citing the structure’s compatibility with surrounding land use and the absence of any negative impact on environmentally sensitive areas.

The approved conditions require the applicant to plant two medium trees to mitigate the visual impact of the garage and confirm the removal of a non-conforming metal shed. Upon the demolition of the garage, the deviations will expire, and any new structures will need to comply with current zoning standards.