Sodus Point Zoning Board approves 5-foot carport setback for Linzulos, rejects 3-foot proposal

The Sodus Point Zoning Board on Aug. 26 approved a variance allowing Pricilla and Mike Linzulo to install a 22.89-foot by 16.8-foot carport with a 5-foot setback from the south property line at 7590 Fourth Street. The board rejected a motion to allow a 3-foot setback.

Chair Tom Johns described the application and plans submitted under CODE 190-49, saying the project includes a 3-by-6-foot bump-out proposed to house a gas fireplace. The board discussed site constraints and photos provided by the applicants. "Tom Johns said this was a pre-existing nonconforming property. He said the ZB had to listen to such cases and determine if the proposed changes will not seriously impact the Sodus Point community." The transcript shows the fireplace bump-out was discussed but not decided during the meeting.

Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Druschel told the board he had suggested removing the concrete porch to allow the carport to be closer to the house, and the applicants said their existing shed cannot hold a car and they want the carport to shelter vehicles from snow. Board member Steve Nesspor said he was comfortable with the compromise: "Steve Nesspor said he is comfortable with 5 ft clearance and he would approve their request at 5 ft." The motion to approve a 5-foot setback passed unanimously (Tom Johns-aye, Mark Ketcham-aye, Steve Nesspor-aye). A separate motion to accept a 3-foot clearance failed (Tom Johns-nay, Mark Ketcham-nay, Steve Nesspor-nay).

The board added a condition during the vote that the carport not have sides installed. No formal decision was recorded on the requested fireplace bump-out; the record shows discussion and applicant justification but no motion or vote on that element.

The action is recorded under two formal votes: a failed motion to allow a 3-foot carport setback and an approved motion setting a 5-foot setback with the open-sided condition.