Variance approved for 4-foot deck at property on Old Madison to access side door

At a meeting to consider variances, officials approved a request permitting a 4-foot deck at a residence on Old Madison where the house sits about 6 feet from the side property line. The owner said the house is undergoing rehabilitation and needs the deck to allow safe access to an existing side door.

Planning staff described the site as a dead-end section of street that terminates at a drainage area; the house was originally built about 6 feet from the side property line, and the requested 4-foot deck would let the owner enter through the side door. Staff characterized that placement as a practical hardship because the house was sited close to the lot line and lacks an existing porch.

A meeting participant moved to approve the variance; another seconded, and members answered “Aye.” The motion to grant the variance carried on that recorded vote. No conditions or appeals were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The record shows the applicant intends the deck to be a modest porch to provide safe entry from the side; the owner was present at the hearing and no opposing public comment was recorded.