MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
Attendees
Jean Aldrich
Joann Welch
Linda Hartman
Chuck Hoy
Karen Wise
Michelle Kokinda
Eileen Jarc
Rick Smetzer
Chairman Bryan Baugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Sandy Erwin, Jack Zeigler, Doug Blackburn, Tim McKenna and alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Diane Belden. Chairman Baugh read through the meeting process. He asked if there were any questions concerning the procedure to be used. There were none.
New Business
Case # 068044 – Michelle Kokinda & Karen Wise
Secretary Erwin read the facts of the case. The applicants propose the construction of an accessory building to be located at 2768 E. Sand Road. The property is located in the “R-6” Residential District and the applicant is requesting a variance to increase the height from fifteen feet (15’) to twenty-two feet (22’) and exceed the maximum size requirement of 500 square feet to 1,680 square feet.
Chairman Baugh questioned if any Board member had a conflict. No conflict existed for the Board members.
Todd Bickley, zoning inspector, received no correspondence.
Karen Wise was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Wise indicated that a pole building would be constructed if the variance is approved. She noted that both Ms. Kokinda and she are retired, they bought a camper which needs to be stored along with a vintage mustang. They would like to have a pole building placed on the property to be used for storage versus acquiring a storage condominium.
Chairman Baugh questioned the height. Ms. Wise indicated twenty-two feet (22’). Chairman Baugh questioned if the pole building will have living space or a bathroom. Ms. Wise indicated that the pole building would not have living space or a bathroom. Chairman Baugh questioned if an awning would be attached to the structure. Ms. Wise indicated that they were not planning on attaching an awning.
Tim McKenna questioned if electricity and water would be provided. Ms. Wise commented not water, but electricity would be provided.
Jack Ziegler questioned if the pole building would have two (2) garage doors. Ms. Wise indicated that the building would have two (2) garage doors.
Chairman Baugh questioned if the property would be subdivided in the future. Ms. Wise indicated that they do not have any intentions of subdividing the property. Mr. Bickley noted that platting a road to access lots may be difficult because of the lack of appropriate frontage.
Mr. Ziegler questioned whether drainage was considered and would the water drain to the south. Ms. Wise indicated that drainage has not yet been considered. Mr. Ziegler suggested that the drainage could be handled similar to how the house drains.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor. Doug Blackburn noted that he did not have an issue with the variance request and Chairman Baugh commented that although somewhat substantial, the pole building would fit on the five (5) acre parcel.
The Board reviewed the finding of fact. Concerning item #1, the Board agreed with the applicant by a 5-0 vote, the Board disagreed with the applicant concerning item #2 by a 5-0 vote, agreed with the applicant by a 5-0 vote on items #3, #4, #5 and #7, and disagreed with the applicant on item #6 by a 3-2 vote.
Tim McKenna made a motion to approve application #068044. The motion was seconded by Jack Ziegler. By voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Case # 068046 – Charles Hoy
Secretary Erwin read the facts of the case. The applicant is requesting a variance for property located at 5863 E. Cedar Lane, also known as Lot 37, Plat 4 of Gem Beach Subdivision. The property is located in the “C-4” recreational commercial district and the applicant is requesting a variance to reduce the side yard setback from five feet (5’) to four feet (4’) for an existing accessory building.
The zoning inspector received several letters which were provided to the Board for review.
When asked by Chairman Baugh, no member had a conflict of interest.
Charles Hoy was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Hoy indicated that he bought the cottage last December and interior work was completed. An old shed was on the property line near the Wagner’s property. Mr. Hoy noted that he was unaware that the contractor did not take a permit out nor did he know that one was needed. Mr. Hoy informed the Board that a tree was taken out and the person taking out the tree indicated that settling would occur. Mr. Hoy also indicated that the shed was sided.
Chairman Baugh questioned if the shed is on a permanent foundation. Mr. Hoy indicated that the shed is on a bed of stones tampered down. When asked by Chairman Baugh where the old shed was, Mr. Hoy noted that it was on the north side of the property and now it is located on the west side.
Jean Aldrich was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Aldrich commented that she wrote the long letter and that Mr. Hoy has made nice improvements to his property and many sheds in the Gem Beach area are close to the property line. Chairman Baugh questioned her location to the property. Ms. Aldrich indicated that she was across the street.
Mr. Hoy noted that moving the shed would be a big job and that it would be placed where the tree was removed and the soil is likely to settle.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor and he noted that similar variances have been granted by the Board, although he noted that the Board does not take kindly for after the fact variance requests. He noted that the option is to either approve the structure’s location as is or require it to be moved one (1) foot. Mr. Blackburn commented that the applicant was relying on his contractor and that one (1) foot was minimal. Ms. Erwin noted that relocating the shed may place it over a sink hole. Mr. Blackburn also commented that the zoning resolution does need to be followed.
The Board reviewed the finding of fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote for items #1 through #5, disagreed with the applicant on item #6 by a 5 – 0 vote and agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on item #7.
Sandy Erwin made a motion to approve application #068046. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. By voice vote, the motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes – August 9, 2017
The meeting minutes from the August 9, 2017 meeting was mailed to each member. Jack Ziegler moved to approve the August 9, 2017 meeting minutes. Doug Blackburn seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Other Business
No other business to conduct.
Adjournment
Doug Blackburn moved to adjourn the meeting. Tim McKenna seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________ ____________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Sandra Erwin, Secretary