By JONATHAN SNYDER
Solid Rock Rentals received a variance for a reduced overhead door setback from the Wells County Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday.
The Owner of Solid Rock Rentals, Drew Gerber, wants to put a garage on the corner of West South Street and South Union Street in Bluffton to attract tenants. The Board of Zoning Appeals’ only concern was potential tenants parking just outside of the garage and interfering with the sidewalk.
Gerber and BZA Secretary Mike Lautzenheiser estimated that there would be 24 ft. of space between the door of the future garage and the sidewalk. Additionally, Gerber would need to discuss with the Street Department on how close the driveway for the garage can be to the stop sign. The initial belief from Lautzenheiser is that the driveway has to be 20 ft. away.
The BZA approved the variance with a condition that the sidewalk is marked with paint to designate the area where tenants cannot park.
“Won’t be a problem one bit,” Gerber said.
The board also approved a variance petition from Dustin and Melissa Kelly for an increase in size allowance for an accessory structure.
The Kellys, who reside at 538 West Washington St. in Bluffton, plan to house an indoor basketball and pickleball court, as well as a game room, kitchenette area and a residential storage space. The variance allows the Kellys to build a 2400 square foot, two-story structure. Lautzenheiser noted that there are other structures of a similar height, and other two-story homes near the area.
All members of the BZA were present at Tuesday’s meeting.
jonathan@news-banner.com
