Grand Island Zoning Board approves variances and extensions for seven properties, sets conditions

The Grand Island Zoning Board of Appeals on June 5, 2025, approved variances and permit extensions for seven properties, granting a 3‑foot front‑yard fence variance at 1046 Ransom Road, a 6‑foot shoreline variance at 3671 East River Road and multiple rear/side yard and accessory‑structure variances and extensions for other properties after public comment and staff review.

The decisions affect shoreline setback and front‑yard rules, accessory‑structure size and timing for building permits. Board members said the approvals balanced neighborhood impacts with property‑improvement goals; several approvals included conditions (for example, location limits for an existing fence) or six‑month extensions to obtain permits.

Chair Robert Messmer, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, opened each item, asked applicants to state their names and addresses, and directed public comment to the podium. The board heard from applicants and nearby neighbors on multiple items, including concerns about sight lines and potential view obstruction for adjacent properties at East River Road. Applicants described planned uses ranging from a tree house and greenhouse behind a fence to kitchen additions and detached garages.

On 1046 Ransom Road, applicant Abdul Alizada asked to keep an existing 6‑foot fence and to locate it on the property line so he could make room for a tree house and a greenhouse. The board noted the fence was already installed without approval; board member Michael moved to grant a 3‑foot variance for the front‑yard height and added a condition that the fence remain in its present location and not be moved closer to the road. The motion was seconded by Betty Harris and approved by the board. Chair Messmer and board members discussed and recorded the…