From left, board member Charlotte Siegfried and newly appointed board member Kevin McSherry. (Photo by Maggie Kenworthy)

By Maggie Kenworthy
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request for cabins on Kuhn Lake, currently known as Muskie Hollow Resort, during the meeting held Tuesday,, Aug. 11.

The request was for a variance which would permit allowing a tract to be subdivided with a 35-foot wide easement as opposed to a 50-foot platted road, allow new lots to have reduced setbacks of 10 feet from the water setback, a 25-foot access setback and allow less than 10 feet separation between the existing cabins and the new property lines. The property is located at 45 EMS B10 Lane, Pierceton.

Attorney Steve Snyder represented the request. The ultimate goal is to transform the property from holding 14 cabins into four separate plats, each with a single-family residence. The existing cabins will be removed from the property, he said.

“We’re suggesting that this is probably the best use you could have of this parcel,” explained Snyder. “Massive improvement to what has historically been there … this is an enhancement to the neighborhood.”

One neighbor was present at the meeting to oppose the request, stating that if homes were built on the property she may lose her view of the lake. Snyder responded that the only way to preserve a lake view is for her to purchase the property in question.

Area Plan Director Dan Richard argued for the placement of three plats as opposed to four in order to receive better setbacks.

The board suggested in order to better comply with setbacks, a variance would be given that reduces the 35-foot wide easement to 25 feet, which allows for a setback of 20 feet from the water’s edge.

This amended request was approved.

During the meeting, it was noted that Kevin McSherry is the new board member replacing the seat left vacant by Charles Haffner.

In other news, the board:

• Approved a continued variance request made by Orville Haney, 4708 S. Caldwell Lake Drive, Claypool, for the construction of a 10-foot covered entryway with a 26-foot setback from the right-of-way.
• Approved a continued variance request made by Jeff and Sirena Morgan, 8136 E. Cherokee Road, Syracuse. The request is to construct a detached garage 5 feet from the sideline, 8 feet from the south right-of-way and 15 feet from the north water’s edge.
• Approved a variance request made by John and Rebecca Pittenger, 95 EMS W15 Lane, North Webster. This allows for the reconstruction of a new residence 2.5 feet from the southeast sideline. The previous residence was destroyed in a fire with these same setbacks. The board put conditions on the approval that the residence is to have double drywall on the ceiling and southside wall, as well as a skylight in hopes of improving fire resistance of the property. The residence also may not be constructed with a metal roof.
• Approved a variance request made by Kule Kurtz, 37 EMS T32C Lane, Leesburg. This allows a second-story to be reconstructed 7.8 feet from the right-of-way and 3.6 feet from the west property line.
• Approved an exception request made by Russell Bauer, 11349 South CR 100E, Claypool. This allows commercial recreational activities, with around three planned events and four sporadic events throughout the year. These events are for non-profit purposes, with no money being exchanged. Live music may occur on Fridays and Saturdays between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. This request also allows for additions to a barn.
• Approved an exception request made by Judd Mason, 89 EMS B43 Lane, Leesburg. This request allows an existing addition to remain on an approved oversized accessory building as long as no outside storage occurs.
• Continued a request made by Jonathan and Clarice Nist, 51 EMS B15 Lane, Pierceton. The request is to enclose an attached carport to act as an addition to the home’s living space. The board had concerns with removing the carport as this would not allow for two off-street parking spaces as required by ordinance.
• Denied a request made by Chad Dunwide, 9360 S. Verna St., Claypool. This request would permit allowing two residences to remain on one tract of land without an improvement location permit. The Kosciusko County Health Board cited serious concerns with regards to septic on the property, multiple remonstrance letters were provided and two neighbors came to the meeting to object to the case.
• Approved a variance request made by David and Kathleen Hazen, 8236 E. Debra Drive, Syracuse. This request permits the construction of an open deck within 13 feet, 10 inches from the water’s edge.