MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
OCTOBER 13, 2021
Attendees
Tim Henn Ruth Vorst
Jon Pennese Mignon Perrin
Doug Young Geoff Mendenhall
Linda O’Brian Wade O’Brian
Phillip Bolte Marilyn Cromer
Bill Cromer
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, Sandra Erwin, Tim McKenna, and Alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Brian Caldwell. Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector and Matt Montowski, Trustee was 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 no questions.
Alternate Brian Caldwell replaced Doug Blackburn.
New Business
Case #155285 Dan & Cyndi Guveiyian
Sandra Erwin read the case facts. The applicants are proposing the construction of a single-family dwelling on property located at 4568 E. Cliff Road, also known as Lot 69 of Catawba Cliffs Subdivision. The applicants are requesting an area variance to reduce the front yard setback from forty feet (40’) to thirty-eight feet (38’). The property is zoned “R-1” Residential District.
No board member had a conflict.
Phillip Bolte, representing the applicants, was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Bolte explained that the Guveiyian’s propose to build a residence and the new home will be no closer to the road than the adjoining property owners homes.
Chairman Baugh noted that the variance was for two feet (2’) and questioned if the Association has approved the site location. Mr. Bolte indicated that the Association approved the application based on the submission of a final site plan.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Finding of Fact was reviewed by the Board. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on all seven (7) Items.
Jack Zeigler made a motion to approve Case #155285 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Tim McKenna. Motion passed with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #155292 Marblewood Homes, Inc.
Secretary Sandra Erwin read the case facts. The applicants are proposing a new home and are requesting an area variance to reduce the front yard setback from thirty-five feet (35’) to 22.5 feet and reduce the rear yard setback from twenty-five feet (25’) to fifteen feet (15’). The location is 4239 E. McKenna Lane and is also known as Lot 10 of Catawba Meadows Subdivision. The property is zoned “R-2” Residential District.
Tim McKenna noted a conflict and he was replaced by Alternate Flint Heidlebaugh.
Timothy Henn was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Henn noted that Lot 10 is similar to Lot 6 and a larger ranch house is proposed. Mr. Henn provided the Board and audience drawings illustrating Lots 6 and 10 and the location of the proposed home.
Chairman Baugh indicated that based on visiting the site, it appeared the house location was set back a little further than the house to the east and would it be possible to move the house closer to the road.
Tim McKenna commented how the lot compared with the other lots in the subdivision.
Marilyn Cromer and Bill Cromer were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mrs. Cromer noted that they are directly behind the lot and that she objects to the house being fifteen feet (15’) from the rear lot line. Mr. Cromer questioned if any other variances have been approved in the subdivision. Chairman Baugh stated that a variance has been issued for a home in the subdivision. Mr. Cromer indicated that fifteen feet (15’) is too close.
John Pennese was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Pennese, the adjacent lot owner to the west, would prefer not to have the home moved closer to the road since it would put the home closer to his deck. Mr. Cromer commented that the home location is bad for the rear neighbor.
Chairman Baugh questioned whether a fence or landscaping could address the rear setback issue. Mr. Henn commented that he would be in favor of landscaping, but expressed concern with a fence. Mr. McKenna indicated that landscaping, such as arborvitae, could be planted along the rear lot line. Both Mr. & Mrs. Cromer indicated that they would prefer a privacy fence.
Jack Zeigler questioned the Cromer’s setback from the rear property line. Mr. Cromer indicated that it was forty-five feet (45’).
Flint Heidlebaugh questioned Mr. Pennese as to whether he had any objection to a fence or landscaping along the neighbor’s rear lot line. Mr. Pennese indicated that he had no objection.
Mrs. Cromer questioned the size of the arborvitae. Mr. Penn indicated that the arborvitae would be five feet (5’) to six feet (6’) tall. Mrs. Cromer noted that she would prefer a fence.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Finding of Fact was reviewed by the Board. The Board agreed with the applicant on all seven (7) Items by a 5 – 0 vote.
Sandra Erwin made a motion to approve Case #155292 with the condition that six (6) foot arborvitaes be planted along the rear lot line. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell and all Board members voted in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Old Business
Case #155221 Chad & Mary Gunerra
Case #155221 remained on the table.
Approval of Minutes – September 8, 2021
The meeting minutes from the September 8, 2021 meeting was mailed to each member. Tim McKenna moved to approve the September 8, 2021 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded Jack Zeigler. Motion passed.
Other Business
Trustee Montowski reported that a twenty-eight (28) lot subdivision, known as The Grooves, will be reviewed by the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. The location is south of Konker Heights Subdivision. Mr. Montowski also reviewed the monthly zoning report.
Adjournment
Brian Caldwell moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Jack Zeigler. The meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ _________________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Sandra Erwin, Secretary