MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MAY 14, 2025
Attendees
William Bishop Daniel Hofsas
Julie Hofsas Robert Frank
Mary Frank Gayle Richter
Judith Smithers
Chairman Bryan Baugh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Doug Blackburn, Brian Caldwell, Rebecca Dubber, Bill Baker, and Alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Michael Schenk. Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector/Secretary and Trustee Matt Montowski were also in attendance.
Chairman Baugh read through the meeting process.
New Business
Case #737686 William & Cassandra Bishop
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants are proposing to install an inground pool and are requesting an area variance to allow the pool in the front yard, sixteen feet (16’) off the front lot line and exceed the lot coverage requirement of 30.59% to 33.8%. The property is located at 5575 E. Mabel Drive, also known as Lots 15 & 16 of Eastview Subdivision. The property is zoned “A” Residential Low Density District. Mr. Bickley provided the Board members a drawing showing the fence and its location, along with security camera locations.
No Board member had a conflict.
William Bishop was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Bishop indicated that the proposal is to install a concrete in-ground pool, with a hydraulic pool cover. A fence with gates and security cameras will be installed. In addition, an entry/exit alert notification system will be installed on the house doors.
Mr. Blackburn questioned the pool equipment location and Mr. Bishop noted that it will be situated inside the fence at the southwest corner of the house.
Mr. Baker questioned the hydraulic cover and Mr. Bishop commented that it is a hard cover capable of holding a large amount of weight and there is a keypad that is used to open and close it.
Mr. Caldwell questioned the fence and Mr. Bishop indicated that the fence will extend to the seawall.
Mr. Baker noted the slope and Mr. Bishop stated the slope will be addressed and the fence installed per the plan.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion form the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant on Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 by a 5 – 0 vote and disagreed with the applicant on Item 6 by a 3 – 2 vote.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737686 with the requirement that the fence and security be installed as presented to the Board. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. The motion passed 4 – 0 with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #737692 Jeff & Karen Wilson
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants are proposing to install an accessory building (12’ x 20’ shed) and are requesting an area variance to exceed the cumulative square footage total of accessory buildings from 950 square feet to 960 square feet. The property is located at 4047 Barclay Drive in the Catawba Cliffs Subdivision. The property is zoned “R-1” Residential District.
No Board member had a conflict.
Secretary Bickley explained that the applicants propose to install a 12’ x 20’ shed; however, based on an existing garage with an overhang, the total cumulative square footage will exceed 950 square feet by ten (10) square feet. All other requirements will be met. The applicants have talked with Doug Young, representative of the Cliffs Association.
Chairman Baugh noted that he had received an email from an adjoining property owner indicating that they had no objection to the issuance of the variance.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant on all seven items by a 5 – 0.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737692 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. The motion passed 4 – 0 with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #737699 Robert and Marcy Frank
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants are proposing to relocate an accessory building (shed) and attach a roof overhang to the shed and are requesting an area variance to reduce the rear yard setback from five feet (5’) to two feet (2’) and exceed the lot coverage requirement of 42.6% to forty-five percent (45%). The property is located at 5157 E. Dane Avenue, and also known as Lot 16 of Danevang Subdivision. The property is zoned “C-2” General Commercial District.
No Board member had a conflict.
Robert Frank was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Frank indicated that the intent is to line the shed up with the corner of the house and then do a roof extension, which would provide shade and assist with drainage.
Ms. Dubber questioned the drawings and Mr. Frank noted that the first page shows the shed relocation and the second drawing illustrates the shed with the roof extension.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant on Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 by a 5 – 0 vote and disagreed with the applicant on Items 6 and 7 by a 5 – 0 vote.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737699. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. The motion passed 4 – 0 with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #737700 Julie & Daniel Hofsas
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants propose to remove the existing home and replace with a new home and are requesting an area variance to reduce the front yard setback from thirty-five feet (35’) to ten feet (10’). The property is located at 4710 E. Johnson Avenue, also known as Lot 5 of Bibi’s Subdivision. The property is zoned “C-4” Recreational Commercial District.
Julie & Daniel Hofsas were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Ms. Hofsas indicated that the existing home would be torn down and a new home would be built. Based on its location, a variance would be needed for the front yard.
Ms. Dubber questioned the garage doors and the house drawings were reviewed with Mr. Hofsas. Ms. Dubber questioned the house location with the fire hydrant and Mr. Hofsas commented that the house would be about sixteen feet away from the hydrant and Ms. Hofsas noted that the neighbor is closer than the new house.
Mr. Blackburn questioned the white lines in the rear yard. Mr. Hofsas indicated those represent the location of the overhang and deck.
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 all seven items.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737700 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. The motion passed 4 – 0 with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Old Business
Case #158959 Catawba Moorings, Inc.
No additional information was submitted.
After Board discussion, a letter will be sent to the applicant requesting a status update on the application and the information that was requested by the Board.
Other Business
No other business to conduct.
Approval of Minutes – April 9, 2025
The minutes for the April 9, 2025 meeting was mailed to each member. Doug Blackburn moved to approve the April 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. Motion passed.
Adjournment
Rebecca Dubber moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________ __________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Todd Bickley, Secretary