Area board tables two petitions to May meeting after petitioner absence and scheduling requests

The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals tabled two petitions for lack of petitioner presence and to allow additional information: petition number 7 (a variance request for a 120-square-foot shed at 56049 Waynwood Drive) was moved to the end of the agenda and ultimately tabled to the May meeting; petition number 12 (a reasonable-accommodation petition) was tabled to the May meeting because the petitioner, who had been granted a Zoom accommodation, was not present online to answer questions.

For petition 7, staff described a homeowner request for a 5.5-foot side setback where 8 feet is required for a small shed. Staff recommended denial because other locations on the property could meet setbacks; the petitioner was not present to answer questions about whether the shed is portable or stationary and whether alternatives had been considered. The board agreed to move the item to the end of the agenda and later voted to table it to the May meeting to allow the petitioner to appear.

For petition 12, staff noted the petitioner had requested a reasonable accommodation to present written materials and answer board questions via Zoom chat. That petitioner did not appear on Zoom as planned, and staff recommended tabling the matter to the May meeting so the petitioner could be available via the granted accommodation. Joe Vellman moved and Lance Rausch seconded the motion to table petition 12; the motion carried on roll call. A separate motion to table petition 7 to May also passed on roll call.

No final decisions were made on either petition; both items will be placed on the May agenda and require the petitioner’s presence (in person or via the previously granted accommodation) for further consideration and any vote.