Board denies variance for existing shed after neighbor raises safety and property-line concerns

The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals declined Feb. 25 to grant setback variances for an existing shed built without a permit, after neighbors raised safety concerns and questioned whether the structure sits on an adjoining property.

Owner Steven Bobbin told the board he built an 8-by-12 wooden shed about three years ago without obtaining a permit because his lot lacks a backyard. Neighbor Dee Dee Forest said the shed, newly placed fences and vehicles have blocked the egress from her home, obstructed exit doors and raised fire-safety concerns. Forest said she has scheduled a property survey for March 7 at a cost she estimated would be about $1,000 and asked the board to protect her property rights and values.

The board discussed procedural options, including tabling the matter until after the survey, and clarified that if a survey shows the shed is on the neighbor’s property the variance would be moot and the dispute would be a civil matter rather than a zoning variance. The chair then moved on motions for rear-yard and side-yard variances (RS1272.12 b and c); the roll call produced mixed votes and the motion failed.

The board’s rejection means the requested variances for existing setbacks were not approved; the owner may reapply with a modified request or pursue other remedies. The board noted building-department records would be checked as part of any follow-up.