Board approves several small variances for decks, porches, garages and a sidewalk waiver

The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 27 granted several routine variances for residential projects, voting to approve a rear-yard deck, a garage setback, a front-porch setback and a waiver of a sidewalk requirement.

Peyton Smith spoke for David and Mary Anne Smith and asked permission to build a 12-by-12 rear deck in Lighthouse Estates; the property backs up to a railroad and the lot’s rear-yard depth is constrained. A board member cited the zoning ordinance (12-70.05(e)(3)(b)) noting the code’s 40-foot rear-yard requirement, the proposal would leave 23 feet and the variance requested totaled 17 feet. The board approved the variance by voice/roll call.

Ronald Green requested a variance to place a 36-by-24 concrete garage pad where existing underground utilities and trees made shifting the building difficult. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the variance; the minutes record the approved setback as 13 feet 8 inches.

Thad Wensleff asked to add an 8-foot front porch where the front setback requirement is 30 feet; the board found no adverse correspondence from neighbors and approved the request.

Michael Lesko requested a waiver of the sidewalk requirement for his property, noting no sidewalks exist on the block and that neighbors were consulted. Staff reminded the applicant that a future citywide sidewalk ordinance could override any variance. The board approved the waiver.

All four items were described to the board as limited, site-specific relief; no broader policy changes were adopted. The board closed the agenda after these actions and announced the next meeting for Feb. 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.