The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals met September 23 at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, where members approved a cluster townhome project, revised parking plans for a new Dollar General, and granted a fence height variance.
Vice Chair Bob Voltz called the meeting to order. Also present were members Pete Bahner, Derek Lundy, and Liz Phillips, along with Mayor Jim Forthofer, Service Director Tony Valerius, and Clerk of Council Melanie Wood. Minutes from the August 26 meeting were approved unanimously.
Eagleview Townhomes Approved
Eagleview Townhomes, LLC sought approval for a cluster subdivision behind 3701 Liberty Avenue. The plan, already rezoned to R-5 Apartment Residence District by City Council, outlines 36 residential units, below the district’s maximum density of 39.
Representatives said the plan is still conceptual and will require additional engineering, traffic, and wetland studies. The cluster designation allows reduced yard setbacks under city code. The board approved the request unanimously.
Dollar General Parking Adjusted
The Zaremba Group, LLC presented plans for a new Dollar General store on Liberty Avenue across from German’s Villa.
The developer asked to reduce parking from 56 to 35 spaces and to narrow stalls from 10 feet to 9 feet. Residents raised concerns about smaller spaces making it harder for seniors, families, and truck owners to park. Board members noted that while 9-foot stalls are common elsewhere, Vermilion’s zoning code sets a higher standard.
The board denied the request for narrower stalls in a 2–2 vote. However, members unanimously agreed to lower the parking count, approving 30 spaces instead of 56, with the developer to revise the site plan.
Fence Height Variance Granted
Resident Megan Elwell of 5951 Cape Hatteras received approval to build a 6-foot fence around her corner lot, above the city’s 3.5-foot front yard limit. Elwell said the fence is needed to contain her large dogs and would not block traffic visibility. The board approved the request unanimously.
Next Meeting
The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet again on October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex. Meetings are open to the public.
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