Joshua Morrison/News
The Mount Vernon Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance for a 26-foot by 40-foot garage to be constructed at the site of this 18-foot by 21-foot garage at 934 W. High St. The property owner had originally requested a 26-foot by 50 foot structure.
MOUNT VERNON — The Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday approved the construction of an oversized garage at 934 W. High St., but with modification from what was sought by owner Bob Everson.
Andy John of Ten Point Construction told the board the application was to tear down an existing 18-foot by 21-foot garage and replace it with a 26-foot by 50-foot garage using the same setbacks as the current structure. However, he indicated they were willing to adjust the size and setbacks.
After some discussion, the board unanimously agreed to permit construction of a garage 40 feet deep and 26 feet wide. The garage will be set back 10 feet from the Cherry Street property line (twice the distance of the exiting structure, but still a variance from the normally required 20 feet), and five feet from the property line of the vacant lot next door. No variance is needed for that position. The existing building is set on the property line next to the alley at the back of the property and the board asked for a three-foot setback at least.
As a result, the board granted variances for the overall size of the garage as a percentage of the total size of the property, and the size in relation to the residence and for the Cherry Street and alley setbacks.
A case originally to be heard by the board was withdrawn Wednesday afternoon. Riverside Recovery Services had applied to make the property at 213 E. Chestnut St. into a residential rental property after they move their office to a new location. Developmental Services Manager Lacie Blankenhorn said she was told the office move had been delayed.
The board also elected new officers for the coming year. Michael Percy was re-elected chairman and Don Carr was elected vice-chair.
