Attorney Steve Snyder, left, listens as Lee Harman, back center, asks a question during the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting which took place earlier today. In the middle is Matt Sandy, planning director. In the back are from left Kevin McSherry, Harman, Randy Cox and Ron Robinson. Photo by Lauren Zeugner

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals made quick work of its agenda during its regular meeting Tuesday morning, Feb. 13. The BZA was set to hear 14 cases, but six of those were dropped or withdrawn.

The board approved a request from Stephen and Diann Johandes who requested a variance to permit raising a second floor of a rear residence to permit an 8 foot interior ceiling, install a deck over a flat roof and permit two residences on a single parcel.
Attorney Steve Snyder, representing the Johandes, provided a letter from his clients explaining their plans. The couple intend to make Lake Wawasee their permanent home. The lot they purchased as a main house and a small cottage that is over a century old. They would like to make it useable.
Snyder explained the foundation is poured concrete and able to handle an additional 3 feet on the second floor. The footprint of the cottage will not be changed and the structure will not be used as a garage as there is a garage across the street. The cottage will be used for out of town family and friends when they visit.
BZA member Kevin McSherry, noting the very close distance to the neighboring property requested 3/4 inch drywall be used on the back wall of the structure. The contractor spoke in favor of the project, noting the condition of the foundation. He reassured McSherry that siding and trim that is more fire resistant is also being used.
The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

The BZA approved the following petitions.

A request from Gloria Chupp for an exception to build a 5,084 square feet accessory building where 1200 square feet is the maximum in a residential district. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

• A request from Michale Ousley for an exception for the change and alteration of a granted exception to allow a camper to remain for overflow family in a commercial district. The board made the approval pending Ousley removes the wooden decks from the camper and on what the county health department says about the matter. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township

• A request from Dena and Richard Kramer for a variance to rebuild and extend an existing deck 24 feet from the water’s edge and 2.2 feet from the northern property line. The Kramers want to replace a deck that is unsafe and not conducive for sitting on or walking up or down its steps. The approval is pending a letter of support from the Kramers neighbor to the north and their agreement not to put a cover over the deck. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

• A request from Todd Eby for a variance to permit the construction of a new residence 20 feet from the right-of-way from the road, 30 feet from the water’s edge and 5 feet from each sideline and a variance to permit the construction of a new boathouse 0 feet from the water’s edge, 1 foot from the west sideline and 1 foot from the right-of-way of the road. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

The BZA denied a request from Joel Scharpenberg for an exception to have agricultural uses in a residential area. Scharpenberg and his family were seeking permission to have six chickens, no roosters and three ducks. The property is located within a mile of a Maple Leaf Poultry facility. Maple Leaf Farms sent a cautionary letter expressing concern about “hobby farms” and the spread of avian flu. The property is located in Van Buren Township.

The BZA continued the case of Timothy Sylvester who requested a variance to allow an existing 8 foot by 12 foot lean-to to remain 3.6 feet from the east property line where 15 feet is required. The case was continued so Sylvester could clean up a burn pit. A survey is also being done and the board wishes to review the results before deciding whether to approve or deny the request. The property is located in Washington Township.