The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals met on April 22, 2025, at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex to review a full agenda of variance requests impacting residents across several city neighborhoods. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Lori Barauskas, the board worked through residential construction projects, home business operations, and signage concerns in a meeting that highlighted both the challenges and collaboration involved in local zoning decisions. Board members Pete Bahner, Bob Voltz, Liz Vasil, and John Gabriel were present, alongside Mayor Jim Forthofer, ZService Director Tony Valerius, Council Representative Greg Drew, Clerk Gwen Fisher, and Assistant Clerk Melanie Wood. The meeting opened with a unanimous approval of the March 25, 2025 meeting minutes.
Graham Henderson of 4324 Edgewater Drive requested variances to construct a detached garage that would not meet the required front and side yard setbacks. Henderson explained that the irregular placement of his existing home, built in 1923, left little choice for garage placement. The board approved variances reducing the front setback by nine feet and the side setback by seven feet. However, Henderson’s request to waive a fire-rated wall requirement was denied unanimously. Trustees and city staff explained that under the Residential Code of Ohio, any structure built within five feet of a property line must include a one-hour fire-rated wall to protect neighboring properties. Henderson accepted the ruling, stating his priority was getting the garage approved even if the fire wall requirement remained.
Molly Polo, who is constructing a new home at 3740 Jerusalem Road, requested a variance to waive the city’s requirement for sidewalk installation. Polo cited concerns about the cost, aesthetics, and safety, noting that there were no continuous sidewalks on her side of the street. After discussion, the board approved the variance by a 4-1 vote. Board members reminded Polo that if the city initiates a mandatory sidewalk program in the future, her property could still be required to install one despite the variance.
A major discussion of the evening centered on Gary Smith, a longtime resident of Nautical Drive, who sought approval to operate his part-time fishing charter business as a home occupation and to allow a freestanding sign. Neighbors Lorie and Damian Riedel opposed the request, arguing that the charter operation created noise before permitted hours and undermined the residential character of the neighborhood. Other residents, including Richard Hartman and Gerald Uebbing, spoke in support of Smith, noting that boating and fishing were integral to the marina lifestyle. After careful debate, the board approved Smith’s request to continue operating his business, but reclassified it as a major home occupation rather than a minor one. As part of the approval, Smith agreed to limit operations to two charters per day. Smith’s request to maintain a 3’x5’ freestanding sign was denied unanimously, with board members noting that home occupation signs must be much smaller and affixed directly to the home under the city’s zoning code.
David and Kammera Rice of 5178 Concord Drive requested a variance to replace an existing shed with a larger structure, citing the need for safer, flood-resistant storage for their family. The new structure would exceed maximum square footage and height limits. The board approved the variance unanimously after a site visit and review of the plans. Members noted the proposed building would be consistent with neighboring structures and that the homeowners had demonstrated a practical need tied to site conditions.
During the meeting, Bob Voltz was nominated and unanimously approved to serve as Vice Chair for 2025 following the resignation of former Vice Chair Dan Phillips. The next meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex.
