BRADY TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MAY 16, 2006

A meeting of the Brady Township Zoning Board of Appeals was held on May 16, 2006 commencing at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Chairman James Dyke

Vice-Chairperson Aileen Greanya

Ed Haberle

Kevin Allgaier

James Laure

Absent: none.

Also attending were Zoning Administrator Bob Logan and 2 concerned citizens.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Aileen Greanya made a motion to approve the minutes of April 18, 2006 as published. Ed Haberle supported the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE BY RON CHAPMAN

Chairman James Dyke opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Ron Chapman, 7912 Hickory Street in Brady Township, is requesting variance relief from the setbacks to replace an existing carport on a residence he owns at the above address. Mr. Chapman made this same request at the November 15, 2005 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, but the matter was tabled until Mr. Chapman gathered and submitted more complete measurements. It was noted that the side-yard setback was the main concern at the November 16 meeting.

The proposed new carport is located 48’’ from the side yard lot line. The ordinances require 10’. Mr. Chapman stated that the original carport, which was “grandfathered in”, was only 2’ from the side-yard property line. Kevin Allgaier responded that if the old carport were destroyed, the replacement carport would have to be a conforming structure. Aileen Greanya stated that this Zoning Board is concerned about the potential fire hazard within the Nazarene Camp where everything is built so close together. Both the fence at the property line and the new proposed carport are constructed with wood.

Ed Haberle asked if the carport could be narrower, maybe 9’ wide, which would allow for a side-yard setback of 8’. Mr. Chapman stated that he could not get his vehicle in a 9’ wide carport.

Kevin Allgaier stated that if Mr. Chapman had contacted Brady Township’s Zoning Officer for a building permit, this side-yard setback non-compliance would have been dealt with before the carport was built. (The carport is currently 90% completed.)

Chairman Dyke asked Mr. Chapman to describe the hardship that brings him to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Chapman responded that he needs a place to park his car.

Chairman Dyke stated that this hardship is a self-created one: that Mr. Chapman had an existing carport that was grandfathered in, and he took it down.

Chairman Dyke asked Mr. Chapman if he would like some time to come up with a new proposal for a carport. Mr. Chapman responded no, that he wants a ruling tonight. He stated that he is trying to sell the property and he just wants to be finished with it.

Mr. Chapman stated that there is a gas meter in the carport. Mr. Bob Logan, SCMCCI, stated that this is an infraction of the mechanical code as well as a very dangerous situation. He stated that action should be taken immediately to protect the gas meter from damage from any vehicle.

There was a motion by Kevin Allgaier to deny Mr. Chapman’s variance request based on item 3, page 183 of the Brady Township Ordinances (hardships that are self-created are not grounds for approval of a variance). Aileen Greanya supported the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

There was a motion by Ed Haberle to adjourn the meeting a 7 :30 p.m., supported by Aileen Greanya and passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________

James Dyke, Chairman

Brenda Brock,

Recording Secretary