The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals met on January 28, 2025, tackling a range of requests from residents and businesses seeking variances for their properties. From a home-based dog boarding business to a sidewalk exemption in Vermilion on the Lake, the meeting highlighted how zoning decisions shape the community’s future.
New Leadership for 2025
The board kicked off the evening by electing Lori Barauskas as Chairperson and Dan Phillips as Vice Chairperson for the year. After approving the minutes from the last meeting, the board moved into discussions on three key zoning variance requests.
1. “A Sidewalk to Nowhere” – Homeowner Granted Exemption
Edward and Lynda Danielczyk requested a variance to opt out of installing a sidewalk in front of their property in Vermilion on the Lake. Their reasoning? There are no other sidewalks in the area.
“This would be a sidewalk to nowhere,” the homeowners explained, arguing that forcing them to install one would create an awkward, disconnected strip with no functional purpose.
City officials weighed in:
- Mayor Jim Forthofer acknowledged that this is a common issue in certain neighborhoods where sidewalks were never fully implemented.
- Service Director Tony Valerius confirmed there are no current plans to install sidewalks in this part of Vermilion.
The board unanimously approved the variance, meaning the Danielczyks will not be required to install a sidewalk unless the city implements a future sidewalk initiative.
2. Dog Boarding Business Gets the Green Light – With Limits
Resident Raymond Cassidy sought approval to operate a small-scale dog boarding business at his home on Vermilion Road. Under his initial request, he planned to board up to four dogs at a time and eventually apply for a kennel license to expand.
Board members discussed key zoning concerns:
- Would this classify as a kennel? No, as long as no more than four dogs (including personal pets) are boarded at one time.
- What about neighbors? Cassidy assured the board that no one opposed the business.
- Could this expand? If Cassidy later applies for a kennel license, the process would require review by the Planning Commission, City Council, and a public hearing.
Ultimately, the board approved the permit for up to four dogs, including personal pets.
3. Oversized Garage Approved for Port Vermilion
Homeowner Mark Musial sought variances to construct a larger, taller detached garage at 809 Howard Street to store a boat and vehicles.
Requested variances:
- Height Limit: Increasing from 15 feet to 15 feet 9 inches (a 9-inch variance).
- Size Limit: Increasing from 768 sq. ft. to 1,120 sq. ft. (a 352 sq. ft. variance).
Key considerations:
- The extra height was necessary for a 12-foot door to accommodate a boat.
- The garage will match the home’s gray siding and metal roofing.
- Neighbors had no objections.
The board found the request reasonable and approved the variances unanimously.
Looking Ahead
The next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Vermilion Municipal Complex.
With these approvals, homeowners and businesses can move forward with their plans, shaping Vermilion’s residential and commercial landscape—one variance at a time.
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