Dispute over carport to come before planners again Monday

Talk about it

A dispute between neighbors over a proposed carport will be heard by the Mitchell Planning and Zoning Commission again today.

Larry and Kathy Gebel are seeking a variance to construct a carport at 1118 S. Kimball St. The front yard setback will not be met, since 30 feet are required under the city code and the Gebels want to provide 22.

Michael Miiller, who lives just north of the Gebels, spoke against the proposed variance at the Feb. 8 planners’ meeting.

Miiller said constructing the carport at the proposed site would obstruct his view from his front window and would also impede the view for traffic.

After a heated discussion between the neighbors, the commission recommended rejecting the request.

When it came before the City Council last week, Miiller was not present. The council urged the Gebels to speak with him and try to work out a solution that would work for both sides, and they said they would try to do so.

The commission will also:

• Review the proposed new zoning codes that were drafted by City Attorney Randy Stiles and City Planner Neil Putnam.

The planners agreed to go through half the 90-page book before this meeting and then will review the remainder before their first meeting in March. The proposed new codes will then be subject to a public hearing and review by the City Council before they are enacted.

• Hear a request for a conditional use permit from Stephanie Everson, who wants to operate a day care facility at 509 E. Sixth Ave.

• Hear a request for a conditional use permit from Stephanie Swanson, who wants to operate a dog grooming business at 1513 E. Ash Ave.

• Hear a request for a conditional use permit from Verizon Wireless, which wants to construct a tower at 1525 W. Havens Ave.

Tags: news, updates, local, zoning