MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MAY 8, 2024
Attendees
Al Novak Maira Horvatich II
John Horvatich II Carolyn Nitz
Jeff Johns MD Johns
Gary Gearhart Dennis Nelson
Joyce Nelson Kim Meisler
Dan Meisler Judi Gearhart
Mike Linscott D.J.Litz
D. Kresge
Chairman Bryan Baugh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Brian Caldwell, Rebecca Dubber, Bill Baker, Doug Blackburn and Alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Michael Schenk. 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 #158890 Alan Novak
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants propose to install a raised wood deck, sixteen inches (16”) off the ground, and are requesting an area variance to reduce the rear yard setback from forty feet (40’) to thirteen feet (13’) and exceed the lot coverage requirement from thirty-eight percent (38%) to 43.4%. The property is located at 5854 E. Gordon Shore Drive, also known as Lot 2 of Gem Beach Subdivision #4. The property is zoned “A” Residential Low Density District. Mr. Bickley explained that the lot coverage requirement is 30%; however, the applicant received a variance for a house addition to increase the coverage to thirty-eight percent (38%).
No board member had a conflict.
Al Novak was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Novak explained that he would like to install a 10’ x 18’ raised deck, which would require one (1) or two (2) steps. The deck would be attached to the house and it would face Gem Beach Marina.
Rebecca Dubber questioned if the deck will be open with no roof. Mr. Novak indicated that was correct.
Brian Caldwell questioned the step(s) location. Mr. Novak indicated that they would be less than eight inches (8”) above final grade and probably located on the three (3) sides. Mr. Bickley commented that if off the south side, the steps would be required to meet the setback if eight inches (8”) or higher.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 4 – 0 vote on all seven (7) Items.
Rebecca Dubber moved to approve Case #158890 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. The motion passed with all members voting in the affirmative. William Baker abstained and Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #1588897 Resurrection Lutheran Church
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicant is requesting a use variance to replace the existing identification sign with a new sign which includes a LED cabinet. The replacement sign is twenty-five feet from the edge of the road pavement and adjacent to the road right-of-way. The property is located in Section 3, Lot 12 at 2370 NE Catawba Road. The property is zoned “A” Residential Low Density District.
No Board member had a conflict.
Jeff Johns, President of Church Council was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Johns noted that the sign to be replaced will remain in the same location and the purpose of the new sign is to grow the congregation and reach out to the public. With the increase traffic, messages would be able to be placed on the proposed sign. The sign would not contain red and green lights, and will not flash, rotate, or have intermittent, rotating, or moving lights. Mr. Johns noted that at one time there were three (3) churches on the island, now there is only one (1). The proposed sign will be less than nine feet (9’) in height. The LED cabinet will be changed remotely. Mr. Johns noted that Dr. Kresge has worked on the specs. Mr. Johns commented that the proposed sign is important to the church.
Chairman Baugh questioned if the current sign is lit. Mr. Johns indicated that the current sign is lit.
Carolyn Nitz was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Nitz noted that the packet of information included information and a picture of a sign from the sign company. However, the sign to be installed is similar to an existing church sign that was included with the application.
Doug Blackburn questioned if the sign could be turned to green and red. Mr. Johns indicated that it could be turned to green and red, but that the Church would not make the change. A change would occur when the change in messaging is necessary. Mr. Blackburn questioned the number of proposed changes. Mr. Johns noted that a message change could be made daily or several times a week. Mr. Blackburn questioned if it will be operational all night. Mr. Johns indicated that it would be on all night.
Ms. Dubber commented that while in Sandusky, she has noticed that the signs are very bright and she questioned if the Church would be open to having the sign not on all night. Mr. Johns commented that the sign could be turned off. Mr. Johns reviewed the brightness of the LED signs and that the brightness of the proposed sign is rated as medium.
Ms. Dubber requested signs of similar resolution located within twenty-five (25) miles so that she could research it and drive by a sign with a similar brightness. Ms. Nitz noted that the Midway gas station has LED for gas prices.
Chairman Baugh noted that similar signs could be requested by the area marina’s and HOA’s.
Ms. Dubber indicated that she reviewed the current sign and questioned if the Church would consider a sign that is not LED. Mr. Johns commented that the Church would like to proceed with the proposed sign, which has a LED cabinet.
Mr. Baker commented that a LED sign is distractive and pulls your attention away from driving. Mr. Caldwell stated that LED signs are not a good look for Catawba.
Brian Caldwell made a motion to table the application to allow board members to research similar existing signs. The motion was seconded by William Baker. Motion passed.
Old Business
Case #158861 John & Maira Hrovatich II
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to remove Case #158861 from the table. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn and motion passed.
No Board member had a conflict.
John Hrovatich II was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Hrovatich reviewed the revision dated 4/19/2024 and noted that addition is to the very front of the house which eliminates the front yard setback variance. The rear yard setback is listed at twenty-four feet (24’) to allow for the readjustment of the master bedroom and master bathroom and the side yard setback is five feet (5’). Lee Short provided drawings for the front and side of the proposed building.
Mr. Caldwell questioned if HOA has approved the request. Mr. Hrovatich indicated that the HOA has not approved the addition.
Mr. Hrovatich noted that with the addition, the home would be approximately 50’ x 58’ square. Mr. Hrovatich commented that the home of the neighbor to the east is fifty feet (50’) long with a twenty-four (24) foot long garage. Mr. Hrovatich also noted that the neighbor in the back has a sixty (60) foot long home.
Mr. Baker commented that Mr. Hrovatich has the smallest lot in the subdivision.
Mr. Hrovatich indicated that the HOA requires a five (5) foot rear yard setback; however, there are several accessory structures that are less than five feet (5’) off of Gardner Road.
Mr. Blackburn commented that addition is in lined with the front of the house and the structure lines up in the rear.
Ms. Dubber questioned the garage floor plan. Mr. Hrovatich noted that a washer and dryer will be in the garage addition and the rear will not have a door. The rear will have fly out windows, which was recommended by the architect.
Dennis Nelson was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Nelson noted the nonconforming property limitation and he indicated that he was against having the addition five feet (5’) off his property line. Mr. Nelson indicated that the sketch was nice, but the addition is out of character with the other homes in the neighborhood. The homes in the neighborhood are 1,200 – 1,500 square feet in size with detached garages near Gardner Road. Mr. Nelson believed that twelve (12) foot high doors are rather high for a garage door. If approved, this would be the smallest lot with a lot of square feet. Mr. Nelson also noted that the front lines up only because of the road direction.
Joyce Nelson was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Nelson commented that she does not see a need for a fifty (50) foot garage and she expressed concern that they would operate a business out of the garage.
Mr. Blackburn noted that all views cannot be protected. Mrs. Nelson commented why the garage has to be fifty feet (50) long. Mr. Blackburn questioned what was between the Nelson’s home and the garage. Mr. Nelson indicated that there is a distance of approximately ten (10) to fifteen (15) feet with nothing between the house and garage.
Ms. Dubber noted that the applicants indicated that the use of the garage would be personal storage; such as a boat and vehicles. She also noted that significant changes (three windows along the side) have been made and the applicants indicated that there would no business.
Maira Hrovatich was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Hrovatich noted that they drive a Dodge Ram truck and that they are ex farmers who now are living on Catawba Island. The truck is staying and no business will be conducted out of the garage.
Chairman Baugh questioned the height and the buildings height was reviewed. Mr. Hrovatich noted the drawings submitted by Mr. Short. Chairman Baugh commented that there are a couple of big garages on the north side of Charles.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on Items1, 4, and 5; agreed with the applicant by a 4 – 1 vote on Item 7; disagreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on Item 2; and disagreed with the applicant by a 3 – 2 vote on Items 3 and 6.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #158861based on the revision submitted for the 5/8/2024 BZA meeting and with the amendment that the twenty percent (20%) nonconforming addition limitation be included as part of the variance application. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. The motion passed 3 – 1 with Doug Blackburn, Rebecca Dubber, and Brian Caldwell voting in the affirmative. Bill Baker voted against the motion. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Other Business
Case #158877 Paul & Christine Gruttadauria
Mr. Bickley commented that the Mr. Gruttaduaria has submitted a survey and HOA approval has been obtained as required by the BZA.
Approval of Minutes – April 10, 2024
The meeting minutes from the April 10, 2024 meeting was mailed to each member. Rebecca Dubber moved to approve the April 10, 2024 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. Motion passed.
Adjournment
Rebecca Dubber moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________ _________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Todd Bickley, Secretary