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The Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals will meet tonight to vote on five requests by four businesses and one resident, all of which are asking for variances from developmental standards or overall property use.
Dan Bordner will represent D&D Motor Sports in its request for a variance of use to allow for a motorcycle dealer, repair and service shop at 415 E. Winona Ave., currently zoned C-4. The property currently consists of a building with adjacent hard-surface parking.
According to a report for city planner Jeremy Skinner, the requested use "will not be detrimental or out of character with the surrounding area because of existing commercial use in the area." Skinner recommended Bordner's request with conditions that no outside storage or repair services be established.
Don Doan, of 202 S. Union St., will request a variance from developmental standards to erect a 6-foot privacy fence, which would run along Market Street and an alley.
Doan, who operates Sheradon Enterprises, a non-automotive repair shop, is currently under order by the city's Code Hearing Authority to remove all inventory from public rights of way surrounding his property.
Tonight's request could allow Doan to comply with the city's standards. Had Doan neglected action, the city would have removed all inventory in violation areas.
Skinner recommended approving Doan's request, stating it will not adversely affect adjacent properties. Skinner also recommended Doan keep all inventory inside the fence once constructed.
Another request will come from Kirk Zuber, of Quality Properties LLC, for a variance of use to allow retail sales at 2275 N. Detroit St. The property currently is used as a service business in I-2 zoning.
Skinner recommended the request, stating the change would "be consistent with the commercial trend of this northern corridor."
Pat Lucas and Steve Savage will request a variance of use to allow for a parking lot at 519 E. Center St. It is Lucas' intention to demolish a dwelling currently on the property and construct a hard-surface parking lot for the employees and customers of Lucas Inc. Realtors, 525 E. Center St.
Additional requirements for the area, identified in the Center Street Corridor Design Standards, enforce 5-foot buffers between streets and parking areas, as well as a minimum of 10 percent of the site to be used for landscaping.
Skinner recommended the request, with the condition that a site plan be provided to the planning department, which will address drainage, lighting, landscaping and outline parking.
Resident Doris Thomas will come before the board to ask for a 12-foot front-yard setback for the construction of a manufactured home at 214 N. Tamarack St. The current setback on Tamarack is 15 feet.
Skinner recommended this request as well, saying Thomas's intention would be a "good use for the property."
BZA members are Daniel Hampton, Bruce Woodward, Alan Clingan, Tom Heuer and Rick Keevan. Bill Rhoades is the council representative.
