MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
July 8, 2026
Attendees
William Halm Thomas Reinhart
Gary Griffin Don Rodwancy
Terry Rodwancy
Chairman Brian Caldwell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Brian Caldwell, Bill Baker, Mike Schenk, and alternates Rick Smetzer and Flint Heidlebaugh both filled in for absent members Doug Blackburn and Rebecca Dubber. Jean Hartline, Zoning Inspector/Secretary was also in attendance.
Chairman Caldwell read through the meeting process.
New Business
Case #233082: Gary and Sandy Griffin – 5639 East Eagle Drive
This case was removed from the agenda due to an incomplete application and will be moved to the agenda for August 12, 2026. Ms. Hartline will coordinate with the owners on additional plans needed.
Case #233086: William and Laurie Halm – 5844 E. Twin Beach Road
Ms. Hartline read the case facts: Applicants propose a pergola. The applicants are requesting an area variance for right yard setback from 25 feet to 10 feet. The property is located at 5844 East Twin Beach Road and is known as Lot 4 of Gem Beach 4. The Property is Zoned C-4/R-4. Additional information: This is a revised plan from the May 13, 2026 BZA meeting. The left side set is now 5 feet and meets code. The right yard setback is proposed to be 10 feet. Existing house is at 8 feet. Section 7 A1c corner lot, second street side (Utility Drive) is 25’ setback. Lot is 38’ wide. If not corner lot, setback would be 5’. To remove the left yard previous variance, the pergola size was reduced by 2 feet. Thus, retaining the 5’ setback per Section 7 for narrow lots.
No conflicts of interest by any Board Member.
Mr. Halm, the owner and presenter of the Case, requested the case be tabled as he is now thinking of attaching the gazebo to the house as was suggested by Ms. Dubber at the May BZA meeting. Chairman Caldwell asked Ms. Hartline what are the requirements of “attaching” the gazebo. Ms. Hartline indicated that the code is not highly specific but the intent of attaching a structure (whether gazebo, garage, etc. ) is that the addition is structurally incorporated into the residential structure. This might mean a shared or incorporated roof. Mr. Halm indicated the existing roof would be extended thus satisfying the intent of attaching to the home.
Chairman Caldwell requested a motion for a vote be made. Mr. Baker made a motion to table the case the until the August meeting as requested by the owner, Mr. Halm so he can rethink the design and potentially conduct an attached patio/pergola. This was seconded by Mr. Schenk. The case was tabled by a 4-0 vote. Chairman Caldwell did not vote as there was not a tied vote.
Case #233090: Don Rodwancy – 2792 East Sand Road
Ms. Hartline read the case facts: Applicant proposes a pool and deck. The applicant is requesting a rear yard setback of 16.33 feet and side yard setback of 0.93 feet. The Deck and Pool are together 2,887 SF. The property is located at 2792 East Sand Road of the Rock Ledge Subdivision. The property is zoned R-3. Additional Information: The house is under construction and was permitted previously. For the property involved the land that the house and deck/pool will reside on is 18,100 SF and includes 1,494 SF that resides across Sand Road (along the lake) for a total of 19,595 SF. The side yard setback variance varies with only about 10 feet involving an encroachment.
There were no conflicts of interest.
Mr. Rodwancy was sworn in and presented the case. He indicated the site has some challenges due to the cliff drop off. He indicated that his neighbor is in agreement with the project. Mr. Baker asked for understanding of pool protection. Mr. Rodwancy said there will be a pool cover plus a 48” cable or glass fence with a gate.
No one from the audience offered comments or questions.
The Finding of Facts was reviewed with the following results:
| Finding Of Facts: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| Owner’s Responses: | Yes* | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Board’s Responses: | Yes/Agree | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| No/Disagree | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
* Initially left blank on application. Owner replied orally at the meeting as a hesitant Yes as the answer could go either way.
Chairman Caldwell requested a motion for a vote be made. Mr. Heidlebaugh made a motion to approve the case. This was seconded by Mr. Schenk. The case was approved with a 4 – 0 vote. Chairman Caldwell did not vote as there was not a tied vote.
Old Business
None
Other Business
No other business to conduct.
Approval of Minutes – June 8, 2026
The minutes for the June 8, 2026 meeting was provided to each member. Mr. Schenk moved to approve the June 8, 2026 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smetzer. Motion passed.
Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, was seconded and passed and the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________ ___________________
Brian Caldwell, Chairman Jean Hartline, Secretary