The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals met Oct. 28 at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, approving a series of residential variance requests ranging from setback adjustments to driveway materials and fence heights.
Vice Chair Bob Voltz called the meeting to order, with members Derek Lundy, Pete Bahner and Liz Phillips present. Also attending were Mayor Jim Forthofer, Service Director Tony Valerius and Clerk of Council Melanie Wood. The board unanimously approved minutes from the Sept. 23 meeting before moving into new business.
After the oath of truthfulness was administered to those speaking, Voltz reminded attendees that official action requires three affirmative votes to pass.
Trinity Contracting Group
The board approved a pair of setback variances for Trinity Contracting Group, which plans an addition on Ash Street in the Linwood neighborhood.
Applicant Richard Machock clarified that the side yard variance request should reflect a 3-foot, 2½-inch reduction rather than the initially listed 2 feet, 8½ inches. Neighbors raised no objections, and the company confirmed it would meet fire-resistance requirements. The board approved the side and rear yard variances unanimously.
John Woodruff
On Ferndale Avenue, John Woodruff and Mary Lilak sought to replace a long-standing shed and fence on their corner lot.
Because city code requires utility buildings to be located in a rear yard and limits front yard fence height to 3½ feet, the couple requested variances to place the shed in the front yard and maintain a six-foot fence. They said both structures had existed before their ownership and would remain on the same footprint. The board granted both variances unanimously.
Gary Cecil
Gary Cecil, represented by Keith Martin of MBD Homes, requested variances for a new home on Brownhelm Station Road.
The property sits about 262 feet from the road on five acres. Cecil asked to waive the requirement for a paved driveway and for sidewalks, noting that none exist nearby and that gravel better suits the rural setting. Neighbor Alec Bonawit supported the request, citing problems with premature paving on his own property.
The board voted separately on the two issues, approving the sidewalk waiver unanimously and the gravel driveway variance 3–1, with Bahner opposed.
Ronald and Rose Greene
On Claus Road, Ronald and Rose Greene requested permission to build a detached garage slightly larger than zoning allows.
They said the additional space was needed for vehicles and lawn equipment. Valerius confirmed no setback issues, and the board approved the 96-square-foot variance unanimously.
Kent Swepston
On Ewa Yea, Kent Swepston requested rear yard and sidewalk variances to allow for an ADA-accessible one-story home. Both he and his wife have undergone spinal surgeries and plan to make the property their permanent residence.
Swepston said the design would move the garage farther from the property line and keep the home within neighborhood character. A neighbor expressed minor concerns about visibility, which Swepston addressed. The board approved both variances unanimously, with the sidewalk waiver to expire if sidewalks are ever required in the area.
The meeting adjourned after completion of new business. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex.
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