Agenda - Council - 08/27/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

two parts to the request, which would be the variance and then bringing the structure up to Code with the fire barrier. He stated that he chose the steel roof for the reasons of weight and fire protection, as steel does not burn. He stated that nothing flammable is kept under the structure as he does not use this as a shed. He stated that last fall he was working with the City to put a garage on the east side of his property but was told that he could not because of the curve, the corner of the garage would be within the easement. He stated that he needed something to protect his trailer. He stated that the grass between the two properties always dies because it gets so hot and when he placed his camper in that location, the aluminum on the camper warped as well. He stated that the lean-to provides the protection that is needed. He stated that he spoke with his direct neighbor before constructing the structure, as well as the other neighbors on their dead-end street. He stated that the structure is actually six inches from the property line, not one inch. Commissioner Peters asked why a permit was not pulled. Mr. Forster stated that he did not have the time and therefore constructed it up to Code and realized that he would be before the City at some time. Commissioner Peters commented that the permitting process would have told the resident that this was not an option. Mr. Forster replied that he would have applied for a variance the same as he is now. Commissioner Peters commented that this is an after the fact variance. He stated that those setbacks prevent people from being homeless because their neighbor's house burns down. He stated that he is troubled by how close this is to the neighbor's house. He stated that he watched a fire spread and drywall does not prevent a fire from spreading. He stated that he is troubled by the steps that were skipped in this process, especially when the resident is in construction and should be aware of the process required. Mr. Forster stated that he is willing to work with the Building Official to make the structure up to Code. He stated that he can take down the cedar as well and just have the posts and roof. Commissioner VanScoy referenced the statement that drywall could be used as a fire barrier and recognized that this is open to the weather. He asked how that would hold up over time. Mr. Forster stated that was a concern that he had as well. He stated that if drywall is used there is waterproof barrier that could be added, as he also did not believe that drywall alone would hold up. Chairperson Gengler asked if the wall sits directly on the concrete slab or whether there would be space between. Mr. Forster replied that there is a space. He confirmed that the slab is six inches from the property line and the cedar is at the edge of the slab and therefore the same distance from the property line. Planning Commission/July 25, 2024 Page 3 of 7