Newberry County zoning board approves three variances for storage sheds and lakeside addition

The Newberry County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 7 approved three separate variances for private-property structures across the county, allowing two storage buildings and a lakeside addition to sit closer to property lines and the lake than county rules normally permit.

Miss Katie, the county zoning staff member who presented the items, told the board the cases had been reviewed for the ordinance’s variance criteria and that packets included permits and photographs where applicable. Case VA01-04-07-26 (411A Belfast Road) requested relief from a 25-foot road-right-of-way setback to 15 feet for an existing, permanently sited storage building; staff said the structure preceded the enforcement of the requirement. The board took each of the five findings in section 153.052(C1–C5), members orally concurred, a motion to grant the variance was made and seconded, and the board approved the request by voice vote.

Case VA22040726 (1197 Newberry Shores Drive) involved an 8-by-12 enclosed storage building for which the owner, Donald Bon, asked permission to set the building five feet from the side property line rather than the seven feet required. Bon told the board he previously received a five-foot variance for a neighboring building and sought to align the two structures. Neighbor Gary Gin opposed the variance, saying his home predates Bon’s and that the closer placement (and alleged storage of flammable materials) posed a fire risk to adjoining homes. After questioning about whether flammable liquids were stored, Bon said a lawnmower at one time contained gasoline but that the particular building in question did not contain gas at the moment and offered to relocate combustibles if necessary. The board found the statutory factors met and voted to grant the variance; staff advised the owner to coordinate permit details within 30 days.

The third case, BA33040726 (436 Plum Nelly Road), asked to reduce the Lake Murray high-water setback from 90.5 feet to 67 feet for an addition that will enclose a screened porch and add a 10-foot deck plus roof extension. Property owner Peter Michael Wanko Jr. described adding six feet of enclosed space and a 10-foot deck; no speakers opposed the request. The board reviewed the five required findings and approved the variance, instructing the owner to consult with county staff to finalize permit details.

All three approvals were made after the board read the applicable findings aloud and recorded concurrence. Each approved party was told to follow up with county staff within 30 days to complete any outstanding permitting steps.

Minutes and staff directions issued at the meeting show the approvals allow the structures to remain or be placed at the reduced setbacks; they do not change zoning district boundaries or allow uses not otherwise permitted under county code. The board’s votes were procedural and did not include additional conditions beyond standard permitting follow-up.

The board’s next monthly meeting was announced before adjournment.