The Frankfort Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a developmental standard variance allowing a McKenna West Street homeowner to build a backyard storage shed, even though the property already exceeds the city’s impervious surface limit. Petitioner Jeff Quick sought permission to cover 49% of his lot with impervious surface — well above the 30% cap set by the city’s 2023 unified development ordinance — so he could add a 12-by-6-foot shed behind his duplex. The property already carried 46% coverage before the ordinance took effect in 2023, making it “legal non-conforming,” according to city planning staff.
Staff, Board Weigh Drainage and Setback Concerns
City planner Liz Stitzel told the board the impervious surface rule was adopted specifically to prevent the kind of eastside drainage problems the city has dealt with in the past. “We’re just paying attention when we look at these variances to make sure that we’re not creating runoff,” Stitzel said. She also added that county surveyor Dan Sheets reviewed the request and found no drainage concerns tied to the shed’s placement, which sits three feet from the rear property line and 21 feet from the house. Board members questioned the shed’s distance from the home before closing discussion, and no members of the public spoke for or against the request. Stitzel told the board that because the lot is already over the limit, any addition — a shed, a sidewalk or even stepping stones — would require a variance. “Consequently, staff would recommend to approve the variance from UDO 304 to allow up to 49% of the lot to be covered with impervious surface so that the applicant can place the 12×6 shed,” she said. The board voted 5-0 to approve the request as presented.
Minutes Format Debated
Before hearing the case, board members also revisited the format of past meeting minutes, which shifted from a narrative style to one with bolded section breaks earlier this summer. Some members said they preferred the older format, while others favored the new headings for making it easier to locate specific cases in historical records. Board member Isaac Chavez said he supported keeping bolded section labels rather than reverting entirely. “I like it myself, because it could bold new business, that makes it come out — bold old business,” Chavez said. Stitzel said staff would try a middle-ground approach on the next set of minutes and asked board members to weigh in once they see the draft. The board also formally approved minutes from its May 13, June 22 and July 8 meetings, with several members abstaining on votes for meetings they had not attended.
City Launching New Comprehensive Plan
Stitzel briefed the board on a new city comprehensive plan process now underway, noting the current plan dates to 2014 and doesn’t account for recent annexations, including areas near Interstate 65. A steering committee, including two plan commission representatives, has already been formed, though the Board of Zoning Appeals itself has no seat on it because of its quasi-judicial role. “It kind of talks about where you want your next 10 to 25 years to take you in a perfect ideal world based upon what you know about your current situation,” Stitzel said, adding that a completed plan is often required for the city to qualify for state grant funding.
Vacant Downtown Buildings Could Come Before Board in September
It was noted by a city official that the board should expect a busier September meeting, potentially involving special exception requests tied to two long-vacant buildings in Frankfort’s central business district. The board adjourned without further business.