MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
AUGUST 9, 2023
Attendees
Deanne Kramer
Janet Day
John Ross
Chairman Bryan Baugh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Jack Zeigler, Doug Blackburn, Brian Caldwell and Alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Rebecca Jessen. Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector and Trustee Matt Montowski were also in attendance. 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 #157975 John & Valerie Ross
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants propose a house addition and a garage addition with connection to the house and they are requesting an area variance to reduce the front yard setback for the garage addition from forty feet (40’) to five feet (5’). The property is located at 3610 N. Surfside Drive in Section 11, North Part of Lot 5, Moore’s Partition. The property is located in the “R-1” Residential District.
No Board member had a conflict.
John Ross and Janet Day were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Ross explained that the house was built in the 1930’s and repairs are needed. Mr. Ross intends to bring the house up to the neighborhood standards. It is an old house that needs updated. Mr. Ross considers the house blighted. Mr. Ross intends to keep the house and garage in the existing area and a small bump out will be located to the rear of the house. The improvements should not affect the flow of traffic and Mr. Ross noted that the parking area for the State Park is located to the east, a single family home to the north and a wooded, vacant lot to the south.
Mr. Ross noted that when completed, the house will be around 1,900 square feet in floor area, and the house will be two (2) stories with three (3) bedrooms. The septic system has been approved and the lot has been surveyed. Mr. Ross believed that the project will be an improvement for the neighborhood.
Chairman Baugh questioned if the existing garage will stay. Mr. Ross indicated that initially, the garage was intended to stay; however, the existing garage has some issues.
Mr. Bickley questioned the setback of the garage off Surfside Drive. The zoning application drawing indicates the distance from Surfside Drive is five feet (5’) while the architect’s site plan identifies the distance as three feet (3’). Mr. Ross stated that the architect’s site plan is correct and the application should be amended from five feet (5’) to three feet (3’).
Chairman Baugh questioned if the breezeway is enclosed or will be open. Mr. Ross indicated that because of the winds, the breezeway will probably remain open.
Doug Blackburn expressed a concern with construction and making sure the road remains open. Mr. Ross commented that the road will remain open and that the construction materials, equipment, and vehicles will be able to use his backyard. Mr. Ross noted that he has helped to maintain the road.
Janet Day noted that Mr. Ross does help with maintaining the road and that she has no problem with the additions. Ms. Day commented that during previous construction projects, the street has been blocked and the construction workers are not happy when asked to move vehicles. Ms. Day also questioned if Mr. Ross will add more driveway. Ms. Day again noted that she is concerned with getting back to her property.
Ms. Day questioned if the garage addition will go out. Mr. Ross indicated that it will not go out. Ms. Day questioned if a fence will be installed and Mr. Ross indicated that a fence will not be installed.
Mr. Blackburn noted that there is area for parking on his property and that Mr. Ross will need to make sure the road is not blocked.
Mr. Ross noted that he will keep an eye on the road during construction and that the contract will be written to penalize the contractor if the road is blocked. Mr. Ross commented that the road is an emergency road. Chairman Baugh recommended that Mr. Ross work with his neighbors and give his phone number to the neighbors so that they can contact him if issues arise.
Mr. Blackburn commented that issues may arise when a concrete truck is on-site. Mr. Ross commented that he would have the truck use his back yard so that the road is not blocked. Mr. Caldwell noted that construction vehicles are not to go beyond the garage.
Ms. Day questioned if the garage will be torn down. Mr. Ross indicated that he was not sure and that it would depend on its current status. Ms. Day questioned if torn down, would it be built on the same footprint. Mr. Ross indicated that other than the proposed expansion, it would be rebuilt on its current footprint.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant on Items 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 by a 5 – 0 vote; agreed with the applicant by a 4 – 1 vote on Item 6; and disagreed with the applicant on Item 1 by a 5 – 0 vote.
Doug Blackburn made a motion to amend Case #157975 by reducing the front yard setback from five feet (5’) to three feet (3’) and approving the amended application. The motion was seconded by Flint Heidlebaugh. Motion passed with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Old Business
No old business to conduct.
Other Business
Chairman Baugh recognized Deanne Kramer. Ms. Kramer distributed old newspaper articles when the township made changes to its manufactured home requirements. Ms. Kramer noted that she and several members of Harbor Park Association will be working with Todd and the Zoning Commission concerning propose changes to the zoning resolution. The Board was provided with a proposed list of changes.
Mr. Bickley indicated that the stay issued for the Byrneal Beach property was removed by the court and the owner is allowed to continue with the home construction. The appeal is still filed.
Chairman Baugh noted that Sandy Erwin has resigned. Trustee Montowski read a letter signed by the Trustees thanking Sandy for her many years of service.
Approval of Minutes – July 12, 2023
The meeting minutes from the July 12, 2023 meeting was mailed to each member. Jack Zeigler moved to approve the July 12, 2023 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. Motion passed.
Adjournment
Brian Caldwell moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Jack Zeigler. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector