BZA approves variance for Sheridan Beach homeowners to rebuild 110-year-old cottage

The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals voted March 10 to grant a development-standard variance for John and Elizabeth Trob to reconstruct their 110-year-old Sheridan Beach cottage at 107 Nevada Avenue.

Attorney Barry McDonald told the board the property is a nonconforming small lot typical of Sheridan Beach. The Trobs seek permission to rebuild essentially on the existing footprint and to add a single-car garage with a three-season room above it. McDonald said strict application of current R1E setbacks and lot-coverage rules would prevent construction of a home of reasonable size on that parcel.

Planning permit specialist Everett Eing presented the department report recommending approval. Staff noted the neighborhood contains many nonconforming lots and cited prior similar approvals; the department concluded the rebuilt residence would be safer, eliminate existing encroachments and increase surrounding property values. Departments (water, fire, police) registered no substantive objections in their comments.

Public commenters — including nearby residents who follow Sheridan Beach rebuilds closely — spoke in favor of allowing the owners to modernize the structure rather than leaving a deteriorating 110-year-old building. After discussion the board voted 4–1 to approve the variance, adopting the planning department’s proposed findings and any attendant conditions included in the report.

The decision allows the Trobs to proceed with plans submitted to the record, subject to compliance with typical permitting and construction requirements, such as building-code inspections and the city’s development-review process.

The planning department’s materials and the motion adopted by the board are part of the official record.