A special use variance, allowing a surveyor’s office, was granted Monday evening for the property at 127 S. Lincoln St., Warsaw, at the intersection with Market Street.

Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance for 127 S. Lincoln., Warsaw, at the corner of Lincoln and Market streets, to be used as a professional office in a residential area. The approval was granted at Monday evening’s meeting.

The request was made by Christopher McCrea. According to Tim Dombrosky, assistant city planner, a land surveyor’s office is planning to move into that location. The existing land use is that of a church with a special exception granted for a day care.

The board’s approval came with conditions for the new owner. The conditions include the property be used as a professional office only, conform to the Center Street Overlay plan and if the sign is replaced it must conform to the ordinance and be no larger than 16 square feet.

Dombrosky reported the use request is beneficial to the neighborhood and the community and would be a preferred buffer between the more intense commercial use to the west and the homes to the east. There will be minimal traffic, the residential architecture will be maintained and there will be day time operating hours.

In Dombrosky’s report he stated the parking lot on the property is not conducive to a single family home and adjacent uses are detrimental to a pure residential use.

The inclusion of the Center Street Overlay plan would prohibit any change of architecture of the building. This plan calls for businesses to have a residential character.

During other business, Todd Slabaugh, city building inspector, will be asked to inspect the accessory structures placed at 415 E. Winona Ave., by Manchester Rental to see if the buildings need further anchoring or need to be placed on a hard surface to conform to city ordinances. Manchester Rental had received approval by the board of zoning in May to place accessory structures on the property. However, several board members were concerned the structures were on the grass area, instead of a hard surface.

Dombrosky stated he would review the recording of the meeting to see if there had been any stipulations. Dombrosky and several others were uncertain if it was stated the structures would not be placed in the grass area but on the hard surface. There was an agreement that stated the structures would not be in the right of way.

Dombrosky was also asked to check on the large mobile sign at that location. It is believed no permit has been issued. “It just popped up, was gone, and then back again,” stated Rick Keeven, board member. The findings will be added to the July agenda.

Board members were asked to give any suggestions, changes or corrections to the rules of procedure for the board, back to the planning office. These will then be given to the city attorney to make the necessary changes.

The next meeting of the board of zoning appeals will be 7 p.m. Monday, July 27.