The commission’s decision to approve the variance application V 2413, submitted by Stewart and Paula Pik for their lakefront property on Weavers Point Road, emerged as the focal point of the meeting. The couple sought to extend their kitchen wall by 5 feet to align it with the rest of their house. This required deviations from the prescribed 75-foot ordinary high water level setback, a 10-foot property line setback, and an increase in maximum impervious surface coverage from 25%. The property in question already stood as a non-conforming structure, with a 71-foot setback from the waterline and 9.9 feet from the property line, while its impervious surface coverage was at 26.4%.

The city staff’s report noted that although the proposed addition was minimal and situated on already impervious areas, no hardship or practical difficulty was demonstrated to justify an increase in impervious surface coverage. The staff recommended that the commission consider approval of the addition based on the submitted plans but advised against granting the variance for impervious surface allowance without a compliance plan. According to staff calculations, approximately 310 square feet of pervious surface would need to be removed to meet the ordinance requirements, potentially involving the removal of a section of the existing deck.

During deliberations, the commission thoroughly examined the implications of the variance. Discussions focused on whether strict adherence to the ordinance was impractical due to the property’s characteristics. Members noted the possibility of removing hardscape areas to meet the 25% coverage requirement and emphasized that the addition would not alter the essential character of the locality. It was articulated that the existing minimal encroachments were not significant enough to warrant denial. Ultimately, the commission reached a consensus that reasonable use of the property still existed without the variance but recognized the addition as a preference of the landowners.

Despite the staff’s caution against granting the variance, a motion to approve the request was made and passed without opposition. However, the approval was contingent on the submission of a revised plan to ensure compliance with impervious surface regulations before a building permit could be issued.

Beyond the variance discussion, the commission touched on organizational matters. The 2025 meeting schedule was presented, proposing meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. A potential conflict with the Fourth of July holiday was noted, and a suggestion was made to adjust the meeting start time from 7:00 PM to 6:30 PM to better accommodate members and residents. The new schedule and earlier start time were unanimously approved.

Additionally, the commission took a moment to honor Joe Ayers, a long-serving member, acknowledging his contributions to the city. Ayers expressed gratitude for the collaborative environment and the opportunity to serve. He highlighted the city’s initiative to hire a consultant, HG Ki, to rewrite the zoning ordinance.

Looking forward, the commission was informed about a joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for February 11, which would address contractor and resort stakeholder meetings earlier that day. A rezoning application concerning a triangular piece of property at the intersection of County Road and Nickel Road was anticipated for the January agenda. This rezoning was driven by current regulations that required larger lot sizes than the owner wished to maintain. Future discussions were expected to be heavily influenced by the harbor project, which was projected to attract attention.