Minutes: February 8th, 2023

MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Attendees

Leslie Dundore Paul Dundore
Tim Jenkins Vicki Jenkins
Cindy Peltier Dave Peltier
Scott Miller

Chairman Bryan Baugh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Sandra Erwin, Doug Blackburn, Brian Caldwell and Alternate 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 #157922 Timothy Jenkins

Secretary Sandra Erwin read the case facts. The applicant proposes to remove the existing home and build a new home and is requesting an area variance to reduce the front yard setback from 27.5’ to 14.6’, reduce the side yard setback (Pine Road side) from twenty-five feet (25’) to 7.3’, reduce the other side yard setback from five feet (5’) to three feet (3’), reduce the rear yard setback from twenty-five feet (25’) to five feet (5’), and exceed the lot coverage requirement of thirty-six percent (36%) to 40.1%. The property is located at 1061 Byrneal Drive, also known as Lot 21 of Byrneal Beach Subdivision. The property is located in the “R-3” Residential Low Density District.

No Board member had a conflict.

Ms. Erwin read notarized letters from the following: Ron & Diane Heminger, Mary Ellen Zahn, Mark & Carol Blakeslee, Mary Skoch, Peg Bunch, Scott Kisabeth, and Paul & Alison Perlaky. Correspondence was received from Tom & Nancy Hafer, Mike & Julie Rosiar, and Roger Akins.

Timothy Jenkins and Vicki Jenkins were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Jenkins explained that the existing home will be removed and the new home will be ten feet (10’) longer and the location will give the two (2) neighbors additional property between buildings. The new home will be a little further off the property lines. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the house would be moved about five feet (5) closer to the water with a ten (10) foot porch.

In response to the letters read into the record, Mr. Jenkins commented that he agrees safety must be assured; however, a right turn will not be negatively affected. The home will be of sufficient distance from the fire hydrant. Mr. Jenkins noted that other existing homes sit closer to the road than his proposed footprint and that his home would be similar to the home south of the property, which received a variance a couple of years ago. Mr. Jenkins also noted that he could stay on the back property line, but would like to move off the rear lot line.

Chairman Baugh questioned if the application is a tear down and rebuild. Mr. Jenkins indicated that it was a tear down and rebuild. Mr. Jenkins stated that the existing home is not worth remodeling, there is no benefit to remodeling.

Chairman Baugh questioned if the lot has been surveyed. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the lot has not been surveyed and that the footprint is based on the location of the existing home. Brian Caldwell questioned if pins were found. Mr. Jenkins commented that he went on the Ottawa County Auditor’s Office website to establish the distances off the property lines. Mr. Jenkins noted that the house will be moved five feet (5’) towards the water and two feet (2’) towards Pine Road. Doug Blackburn stated that the house will go off the rear an additional four feet (4’) and moving it two feet (2’) off the side.

Chairman Baugh questioned if steps were to be installed. Mr. Jenkins indicated that there would be no steps.

Rebecca Jessen questioned the footprint and the porch. Mr. Jenkins commented that the porch would be enclosed and be part of the house. Ms. Jessen questioned the porch on the house to the south. Chairman Baugh noted that the variance for the house to the south was approved with the condition that the porch was to remain open. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the porch would be enclosed, either a three (3) or four (4) season room.

Ms. Jensen questioned the carport. Mr. Jenkins stated that there will be not be a carport or a garage, and that parking will be on the driveway, the same as it is currently.

Ms. Jensen questioned if the home is a one (1) story home. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the home will be one (1) story.

Ms. Erwin questioned the distance from the fire hydrant. Mr. Jenkins estimated that the distance would be between 15-18 feet.

Mr. Blackburn questioned the importance of enclosing the front porch. Mr. Jenkins commented that they would like the front porch to be enclosed and that as a compromise, the porch could be reduced by two feet (2’). Mr. Jenkins noted that he understood if it was a safety (turning) issue, but Mr. Jenkins does not believe it is a site line issue.

Scott Miller was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Miller noted that he is in favor of making improvements to the neighborhood. Mr. Miller commented that two feet (2’) to the south takes two feet (2’) of his view. Chairman Baugh noted that site lines are one of several items considered when reviewing a variance application.

Dave Peltier was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Peltier made two (2) suggestions: not move out an additional four feet (4’) off the rear lot line and do not enclose the porch. Mr. Jenkins commented that the proposed footprint would not have a negative effect on a right turn.

Leslie Dundor was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Dunbar commented that her house was the last new built in the neighborhood. She noted that they obtained a survey and the applicant does not have a survey. Ms. Dunbar suggested that a survey has not been completed for decades. She indicated that the intersection is bad. Mr. Jenkins commented that the property could be surveyed; however, it is irrelevant to compare the existing foundation with the new foundation.

Chairman Baugh questioned the construction time line. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the architect has the plans prepared and the project is ready to go.

Chairman Baugh noted that he would like to have a survey.

Rebecca Jessen made a motion to table the application until more information is submitted, including a survey. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. Motion passed with Rebecca Jessen, Sandra Erwin and Brian Caldwell voting in the affirmative. Doug Blackburn voted against the motion. Chairman Baugh did not vote. Motion passed.

Old Business

Case #157914 Jerilyn Royle Trustee, etal

No additional information was submitted.

Other Business

No other business to conduct.

Approval of Minutes – January 11, 2023

The meeting minutes from the January 11, 2023 meeting was mailed to each member. Doug Blackburn moved to approve the January 11, 2023 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Rebecca Jessen. Motion passed.

Adjournment

Brian Caldwell moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Rebecca Jessen. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


_____________________________ _________________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Sandra Erwin, Secretary