MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
September 9, 2026
Attendees
William Halm
Laurie Halm
Kathy Nottke
Richard Hasper
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, Doug Blackburn, Mike Schenk, Rebecca Dubber and alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Rich Smetzer. Bill Baker was absent with Mr. Smetzer sitting in for Mr. Baker. Jean Hartline, Zoning Inspector/Secretary was also in attendance.
Chairman Caldwell read through the meeting process.
New Business
No New Business
Old Business
Case #233086 William and Laurie Halm E. Twin Beach Road
Applicants propose an attached pergola involving the extension of the existing house roof lines. Addition size is 27 ft x 20 feet (540 SF). The applicants are requesting an area variance for left yard setback of 3 feet, a right yard setback of 8 feet and rear yard setback of 5 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. It was clarified that the current plan is an attached cover porched and no longer a detached pergola.
Additional Information: This is a revised plan from both the May 13, 2026 BZA and July 9, 2026 meetings. The former cases are summarized as follows:
Case 233035 May 13, 2026: A detached pergola (25 ft x 15 ft) was proposed. This pergola had variances on both side yards (left was 3 feet and right was 10 feet). Rear yard setback was 5 feet which met code for an accessory structure.
Case 233086 July 9, 2026: A detached pergola (23 ft x 15 ft) was again proposed but with the left yard setback changed to 5’ to meet code. Pergola length was reduced by 2 feet (25 ft to 23 ft) to provide for the 5 ft left side yard. The right side setback still required a variance for 10 feet ( existing house side is 8 feet).
Mr. William Halm presented the case as the property owner and was sworn in. Chairman Caldwell clarified that he has concern that the image provided does not meet the requirements for elevation and floor plan views. Mr. Blackburn provided that tonight the Board can approve the building footprint but will not approve the project for a Zoning Certificate until elevation views and floor plan are provided.
Ms. Dubber asked on the size in which in May the structure was 25’ x 15’). In July the structure was presented as 23’ x 15’. The proposal is now 27’ x 20’ and is much larger than the previous two submittals. Mr. Halm indicated the foot print is the same all along. The extra length is a result of “filling in” what was previously a 5 foot required space between the formerly proposed pergola and existing house. The rear edge of current footprint is the same as previous two concepts which involved a rear yard 5 foot setback.
Chairman Caldwell opened the floor to the public. Mr. Richard Hasper, a neighbor (2 doors down), was sworn in and spoke in favor of the project. Mr. Hasper expressed the need for outside environments to enjoy outside living.
Mr. Blackburn asked if the addition will ever be enclosed. Mr. Halm indicated that he might some day want to add some sort of weather screening and knee walls similar to what is used at the Orchard. He indicated that he wants to keep the patio as a wide-open space. Mr. Halm indicated the addition is not proposed to be insulated. Mr. Blackburn indicated the footprint is approved conditionally tonight and then provide full approval when elevation and floor plans are provided at the following BZA meeting (with a submittal date of September 16).
Ms. Dubber indicated that they will need to see the plans for project to include any future adds such as screens/enclosures and there could be restrictions so that this does not be come a four season addition. Mr. Blackburn indicated an approval of the addition may have restriction so that it does not become a year round addition.
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 4 0 0 5 4 4
No/Disagree 0 1 5 5 0 1 1
The Chair closed the meeting and requested a motion approve, modify or deny the case. Mr. Blackburn made a motion to approve the case with the setback variance (Left Side 3’, Right Side 8’ and Rear Yard 5’) and with restrictions that it cannot be enclosed this case and was seconded by Mr. Smetzer. The case was conditionally approved with a vote of Yes by 3 and a single No. The condition for final approval is providing Board with the required elevations and floor plans.
Other Business
No other business to conduct.
Approval of Minutes – July 8, 2026
The minutes for the July 8, 2026 meeting was provided to each member and unanimously approved by the Board.
Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, was seconded and passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________ __________________
Brian Caldwell, Chairman Jean Hartline, Secretary