MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MAY 13, 2020
Attendee
Bill Riat
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 Ziegler, Tim McKenna, Alternate Brian Caldwell and Alternate Flint Heidlebaugh. Matt Montowski, Trustee was also in attendance. Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector participated via phone. Chairman Baugh read through the meeting process. He asked if there were any questions concerning the procedure to be used. There were no questions.
New Business
Case #254825 Riat Family, LLC
Tim McKenna read the facts of the case. The applicant is proposing to construct a garage and is requesting an area variance to exceed the maximum accessory building height requirement of fifteen feet (15’) to twenty feet (20’). The property is located in Section 3, Lot 8 of Catawba Island Township at 4035 NE Catawba Road. The property is zoned “R-5” Residential District.
No Board member had a conflict of interest.
Bill Riat was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Riat indicated that he was from Columbus, Ohio and that he was with the company that developed Catawba Shores North Condominiums. Mr. Riat commented that he has decided to return to Catawba Island, joined the CIC and purchase the property at 4035 NE Catawba Road. The property is zoned “R-5”, which permits multi-family condominiums. Instead of a multi-family development, Mr. Riat has obtained approval from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission for a four lot single family subdivision. Mr. Riat showed the Board the overall plans and the homes will be similar in style and the lot owners will have access to the beach. Mr. Riat identified the garage on the adjacent property that exceeded the fifteen (15) foot height requirement. Mr. Riat reviewed the home and garage locations and noted that the Catawba Shores North views will not be negatively impacted. The Catawba Shores North Association reviewed and had no problems with the garage location and proposed height. The house design will have a cottage look and will be a story and a half. The garage and house drawings were presented to the Board for review.
Chairman Baugh questioned why not attached the garage to the house. Mr. Riat noted that if attached, the views may be impacted and the home’s character will be changed.
Chairman Baugh questioned if spec homes will be built on the other lots and whether three (3) additional variance requests will be submitted. Mr. Riat stated that the homes and garages will be similar and as a result, additional variances will be requested.
Chairman Baugh questioned if subdivision approval has been obtained. Mr. Riat indicated that the subdivision obtained final plat approval from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission.
Tim McKenna questioned if the second floor will be improved. Mr. Riat noted that there are no plans to improve the second floor; however, a guest house is a possibility.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 3 – 0 vote on all seven (7) items.
Jack Ziegler made a motion to approve Case #254825. The motion was seconded by Flint Heidlebaugh. Motion passed with all Board members voting in the affirmative.
Approval of Minutes – April 8, 2020
The meeting minutes from the April 8, 2020 meeting was mailed to each member. Tim McKenna moved to approve the April 8, 2020 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. Motion passed.
Adjournment
Tim McKenna moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Jack Ziegler. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________ _________________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Sandra Erwin, Secretary