Board grants side‑yard setback for Clevenger pergola at Cape Coral Drive

At its Sept. 17 meeting, the Cicero Jackson Township Board of Zoning Appeals approved a development‑standards variance (BZA‑0926‑33‑R3) allowing reduced side‑yard setbacks at 1120 Cape Coral Drive. Petitioner Todd Clevenger said the reduced setback will allow a pergola and a gas fireplace and that the homeowners association supports the request.

Clevenger said he was "actually asking for a setback of six feet" to accommodate the planned structure; the board noted neighborhood covenants and asked staff to record the HOA support. No members of the public spoke on this item. Steve Zel moved the motion, Mark Thomas seconded, and the board approved the variance on a 3–0 roll‑call vote.

Board discussion focused on visibility from the street and safety near the fireplace; members said there were no neighbor objections on file and that aesthetic review would follow any building permit process. The petitioner may proceed with building‑permit submittal consistent with the town’s review process.