Jefferson County board grants Brown family side-yard variance for attached garage addition

Philip and Diane Brown received approval July 28 from the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment to build an attached garage addition three feet from the side property line instead of the nine feet required in R-2 zoning. Staff presented the request, noting the property is 0.36 acres in a conventional residential subdivision and that the lot configuration and house placement limit vehicle maneuvering on the site.

The board heard staff explain that the county's minimum yard requirements (Section 607102 in the zoning regulations) require a nine-foot setback in R-2 zoning and that the new addition would sit about 3.76 feet from the lot line. Staff said there was "no true hardship" but cited lot size and house configuration as practical constraints and recommended approval.

No members of the public spoke for or against the request during the public hearing. A board member moved to approve the variance and another seconded; the board voted in favor and the chair announced, "Then, your variance has been granted." This action was recorded as an approval of case A250016.

The board told the Browns they would receive written confirmation of the decision within 10 days and reminded them that any required permits (for septic or sanitary sewer connections) must be obtained from the appropriate county departments before permits can be issued. The board also noted that the approved addition will require appropriate fire-rating on the outside wall if the detached garage is removed as proposed.