Board of Adjustment Meeting Summary – June 9, 2026

The Columbia Board of Adjustment met on June 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM to hear two agenda items: a variance request for an accessory structure placement and a request for approval of optional cottage development standards. The board approved both items, with one member dissenting on the second.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved by unanimous vote.
• The minutes from April 14, 2026, were approved with one abstention.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Forward (310 East Old Plank Road) expressed concerns about the proposed Old Plank Cottages development, citing traffic safety, inadequate road width (28 feet) for fire truck access, and high speeds on Old Plank Road. He noted previous promises of off-street parking that were not kept in a nearby duplex development.
• Pat Forward (310 East Old Plank Road) echoed her husband's concerns, highlighting the danger of children boarding school buses without sidewalks, the frequency of accidents, and the poor sight lines at the proposed entrance. She urged the board to consider the cumulative impact of adding more traffic.

Discussion Items

• Case 154-2026: Variance Request for 2710 Bluff Creek Boulevard – Applicant Caleb Colbert (attorney) and Tim Crockett (engineer) sought a variance to allow a pool, pool house, and detached garage forward of the principal dwelling on a 2.62-acre MN-zoned lot. The property, built in 2015 before the Unified Development Code (UDC) steep slope regulations, has limited buildable area due to grades exceeding 25%. The proposed structures would be placed on flatter terrain forward of the house, screened by heavy vegetation. Staff noted the parcel is unique—isolated, with no residential neighbors within 750 feet—and that the variance would not harm public health, safety, or welfare. The board deliberated on the terrain hardship and the lack of alternative locations.
• Case 155-2026: Optional Cottage Development Standards for 301 East Old Plank Road – Applicant Caleb Colbert and Tim Crockett requested approval to use cottage development standards on a 3.68-acre R2-zoned property to build 17 single-family homes (the “Old Plank Cottages”). The project would reduce lot sizes from standard R2 dimensions (60-foot width) to 38-foot width, with a minimum lot area of 4,000 square feet. Staff confirmed the development meets all applicable city standards, parking requirements (two spaces per unit), and that a traffic study was not warranted. The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously approved the preliminary plat. The board discussed traffic impacts, fire access, and parking, with staff noting that the 28-foot street width is standard and that the city can restrict on-street parking if needed. The applicant argued that the cottage option produces less density than duplexes (which are allowed by right) and is consistent with the comprehensive plan’s goal of diverse housing.

Key Outcomes

• Case 154-2026: Motion to approve the variance for 2710 Bluff Creek Boulevard, allowing accessory structures forward of the principal dwelling, passed unanimously (5-0).
• Case 155-2026: Motion to approve the optional cottage development standards for 301 East Old Plank Road, subject to dimensional standards (minimum lot size 4,000 sq ft, lot width 38 ft, front yard 20 ft, side yard 6 ft, rear yard 20 ft, max building height 35 ft), passed 4-1 (Ms. Gaines opposed).
• The board noted that the July 14, 2026, meeting is tentative due to renovations, with a possible reschedule to August 8, 2026.