SIDNEY — The Sidney Zoning Board of Appeals approved an expansion of Graceland Cemetery Monday afternoon.
The board granted a request by the city for an existing conditional-use permit for an expansion of the cemetery on South Main Avenue after some brief controversy involving a citizen’s concern regarding his property line just south of the cemetery. When discussing the city’s property, in regard to the cemetery expansion, a map was shown that includes an area to the south which appears to question the property line of 1357 S. Main Ave, which is owned James Bray.
This area was revealed to be located in the county — not in city limits, and not under the city’s authority, said Barbara Dulworth, community service director. Bray was advised to contact the Shelby County commissioners, or the Shelby County engineer responsible for the redefined map which appears to put a discretion line through the middle of his property.
Tabled were the requests by John and Beverly Bricker, on behalf of Tim and Mary Pat Echemann, to allow an accessory building to be located in the front yard of 1515 Bon Air Circle in the suburban residence district. The request was for a conditional use permit to allow an accessory structure square footage totalling 1,636-square-foot at this location. Regulations say an accessary structure can not exceed 1,500 square feet.
Boardmember Thomas Ehler is a neighbor of the property and because of his conflict of interest and the fact that Board Chairman David Fleming was absent because he was on vacation, there could not be a vote. This may be heard at a special meeting in the near future or tabled until the July meeting.
Joshua Branscum was granted his request for an expansion of an existing non-conforming use of a single family residence in the general industrial district to build an 8-foot by 14-foot accessory building at 2155 St. Marys Ave.
Allen Prather II was also granted a request for a conditional use permit for motor vehicle repairs at 1030 Wapakoneta Ave. in the community business district with the following conditions:
• Motor vehicle repair garages are conditionally permitted in the B-2 district.
• All repairs must occur within a completely enclosed building.
• Plans for exterior on-premises signs and outdoor artificial lighting must be approved by Board of Appeals; off-premises signs are prohibited. All other exterior signs must conform to provisions of chapter 1149.
• No outdoor storage or display is allowed except for vehicles for sale.
• No storage of inoperable vehicles for more than seven days.
• No body or fender work or painting is permitted.
• The business must obtain all necessary permits and inspections to comply with all applicable local and state codes.
• A site parking plan, including the drive aisle design must be submitted and approved by the city.
