Board approves conditional variances for Barr's detached garage/ADU

The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals voted March 25 to grant three variances that will allow Jason Barr to build a detached garage or accessory dwelling unit at his property, subject to two conditions: the two parcels must be combined within 120 days or the applicant must return to the board, and the driveway access must be upgraded and maintained.

Barr told the board he needs the larger building for vehicle and boat storage and to expand workshop space. "I have a boat for my own personal use that I'm gonna store in the building," he said, and added he and his family have three vehicles and a golf cart with no existing garage space. Barr said his neighbors reviewed the plans and "had no concerns." He also said he is willing to add gravel or otherwise improve the driveway if that is a condition of approval.

Board members flagged two issues they wanted addressed before final approval. One member pressed Barr on driveway maintenance, saying the shared access looks like a driven-over grass area and asking whether the surface will be stabilized; Barr agreed he could add gravel or regrade the existing aggregate. Members also discussed combining the pair of legal parcels that underlie the site; Barr said combining the lots is possible but that the county process requires time and paperwork. At one point members debated 60, 90 and 120-day windows for resolving the parcel issue before settling on the motion's 120 days.

Chair read the motion with the code citations on the record: an exception to RS1270.09C2 allowing an accessory structure where a principal residence is otherwise required; a height variance under RS1272.11C (code max 15 ft, proposed 19 ft); and an area variance under RS1272.11E (code max 768 sq ft, proposed 2,160 sq ft). The motion added the two contingencies (parcel combination within 120 days or return to the board, and driveway maintenance) and was seconded. The board recorded its approval; the transcript records roll-call prompts but does not provide a clear, consistent count of individual yes/no votes.

Barr asked whether he could begin on-site work while pursuing parcel combination; a board member said the question was unclear and noted the building department would be involved. The board directed that the building department be made aware of the approval and that Barr return if the lot-combination condition cannot be met.

The board's action allows Barr to proceed only after meeting the stated conditions or returning for further review.