A request for a variance for property located at 1404 S. Hoyt Road relating to a detached garage was approved by the Snowflake Town Council Jan. 10 as it acted as the Floodplain Board.

Scott Willis proposed an accessory structure that would be larger than the minimum small accessory structure, and preferred not to elevate the lowest finished floor to or above the regulatory flood elevation.

The structure would be limited to vehicle parking, agricultural purposes and storage, and would incorporate an existing slab.

The velocity of the floodway adjacent to the structure was calculated and because it was not considered excessive, a solid foundation was appropriate versus piles or columns; however, it did require a variance.

Town Engineer and Floodplain Administrator Rob Emmett explained technical evaluations and relevant factors that would be required, then made recommendations for the Floodplain Board to consider.

It was noted that the property owner could be subjected to increased premium rates for flood insurance.

Emmett stated that as floodplain administrator he finds, “the town code provides for the wet floodproofing of detached garages and accessory structures with a variance as an alternative to elevating the lowest floor of the structure at or above the RFE (regulatory flood elevation), and that the unique characteristics of the situation would create an exceptional hardship to the owner if the structure was elevated. Therefore, the owner’s request for a variance is supported by the floodplain administrator, who recommends the Floodplain Board approve the variances with the above stated conditions.”

Vice Mayor Jason Whiting conducted the meeting due to a conflict of interest for Mayor Kelly Willis, and asked Scott Willis, “Are you OK with everything?”

He replied that he was.

“Do we have an assurance that the town’s not going to be sued,” asked Councilman Larry Matyas and Emmett explained that was part of the disclaimer.

In response to a question posed by the vice mayor, Emmett explained the process, which he said would require the applicant to submit building plans, then inspections would be performed during the construction of the structure.

A motion to approve the variance for the property passed unanimously, with the mayor recusing himself from the vote.