BOARD OF APPEALS THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015 – 7PM BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Meeting was called to order by Chair Jerilyn Baures. Meeting held as noticed.

Board present: Ron Schutz, Donald Blank, Dan Jacquardt and Jane Walczak. Citizens present: Michael Brenden and Ted Mack.

Meeting to consider variance request from Michael Brenden, 48 1st Street, requesting a 17’ height variance to build a two-story detached garage. Bauers asked if all board members had viewed the property. They had.

Brenden presented an outline of his plans to build the garage with multiple storage areas for his boats including one that he says would not fit in a garage that meets the City’s zoning ordinance maximum detached garage height of 15 feet. He said he plans to tear down the old sheds currently on the property, and according to his plans he could eventually build a new home on the property to replace the current old home. The board of appeals asked Brenden why he wouldn’t build a new home first and then be able to build an attached garage to the home up to 35’ high. He said that wasn’t what he wanted, and that he needs somewhere to store his boats and other equipment now.

Walczak explained to Brenden that the Board of Appeals is state mandated to make variance decisions based on hardship first. The owner must face a hardship, meaning not enough space to build without the variance. Walczak told Brenden just because he wanted, or needed, a bigger garage wasn’t basis for a hardship. Brenden said he has a limited number of lots to work with only having seven lots on the First Street side of the alley with some of the lots having the old home on, some with old sheds and a current, but unused septic system.

Baures noted that no neighbors were present at the meeting and no communication was received from any. She asked Brenden why he wouldn’t just build the building as a residence since it already includes a second floor with loft and a sauna and utility room on the first floor. Baures told Brenden with the amount of lots he has and the way they are split into different tax parcels he would have enough room to create a residential property on a separate parcel from the current home and it would meet all city requirements without needing any variance. She noted Brenden’s other option would be to build a detached garage that is no more than 15 feet tall.

Motion Walczak, second Jacquardt to deny the 17’ height variance request due to a lack of hardship. Roll call vote. All yes, motion carried.

Motion Walczak, second Blank to adjourn. All yes, meeting adjourned.

Submitted for the Board of Appeals:

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Jenny Ehlenfeldt

Clerk/Treasurer