Commission approves lot‑combination variance to allow garage for homeowner at 3708 Venice Road

The Sandusky Boards & Commissions approved a variance June 16 that will allow the owner of 3708 Venice Road to combine two adjacent parcels and build a garage, despite the properties lying within a general manufacturing zoning district and the existing residential use being nonconforming.

Planning staff explained the principal parcel is a residential multifamily dwelling built around 1920 and that the owner purchased the parcel behind the house. Combining the lots would create a through lot with rear access (staff referenced Wirt Street as the rear line) and would technically expand a nonconforming residential use in a manufacturing district; therefore a variance is required. Staff recommended approval on the condition that all applicable building and engineering permits be obtained and that the old box trailer on the southern parcel and the tent structure on the northern parcel be removed as part of the project.

Vicki (Vicki Taylor) spoke in favor, giving her address as 3708 Venice Road and saying she and her husband would like to build a metal garage approximately 24 by 30 to as large as 24 by 40 if allowed. "We would really like to have a garage," she told the commission, and staff explained the planning department will work with the applicants to confirm setback requirements and allowable garage dimensions once a design is provided.

The motion to approve included the permit condition and the removal of the trailer and tent; roll call recorded John Fike — yes; William Siemens — yes; Dan Delahunt — yes; Greg Pujot — yes. The commission declared the variance approved. Staff noted the variance attaches to the property, and once a building permit is issued the one‑year timeframe in the permit will set the construction schedule.