Zoning Board of Appeals Grants Three Variances, Denies Two Others

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Published on June 26 2024 2:19 pm
Last Updated on June 26 2024 2:19 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham City Zoning Board of Appeals Tuesday granted three setback variances, but denied two other variance requests.

One of the setback variances approved was requested by John and Elizabeth Barger for their property at 11265 Thornbird Drive, northwest of Effingham. The variance grants reductions in the setbacks at the residence.

Another variance granted was for Timothy Buenker at 2504 Cumberland Court, the corner of Cumberland Court and Rickelman Avenue. The variance reduces the rearyard setback from 25 feet down to 10 feet. 

The third variance granted was for the Myers Irrevocable Trust, located at 1103 East Fayette Avenue. The property is on the south side of Route 40, south across from Oakridge Cemetery and north along the CSX Railroad. The testimony was that the home is more than 100 years old. When Route 40 was built in 1921, the home was moved up the hill, out of the planned route of the highway. Both the house and the garage are non-conforming, but the proposed project to connect the two structures will not create any hardship.

One variance denied was for a sign setback for Law Group Properties at 307 North 3rd Street. The law firm was asking for a reduction in the setback from 20 feet from the curbline to 17 feet from the curbline. The request was denied as the sign would be too close to the sidewalk and would affect the sightline for passing traffic.

The other variance denied was for a billboard sign at 1001 North Keller Drive requested by Lamar Companies. The firm is losing a sign due to the Fayette Avenue reconstruction project, so the request was to retain the same number of signs. However, the proposed site of the sign is not permitted to house a sign.

Also Tuesday, Zoning Board of Appeals members were advised that the development of a new comprehensive plan for Effingham will be on the City Council agenda Tuesday night. The goal is to have members of the Board to serve during the process of developing the Comprehensive Plan.