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Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals discussed multiple petitions for two Syracuse residences on North Kings Drive during a board meeting Tuesday.
John Gerger, who owns the property at 12307 N. Kings Drive, requested two petitions for variances allowing a covered deck to remain 9.6 feet from the water's edge, and to allow a shed to remain 2.4 feet from the north property line.
At the meeting, Kosciusko County Area Plan Director Matt Sandy said two months prior, the BZA had received a request to allow a different shed near that area to stay as is, noting that petition was denied. Gerger told the board he didn't consider asking about permits prior to the construction occurring.
When asked if it would be possible for him to move his shed, Gerger said it would create parking issues for him.
Derek Rakoci, Gerger's neighbor, voiced his support for Gerger's petitions, stating Gerger replaced a boardwalk on the property that had been an eyesore.
The board approved Gerger's petition for allowing the covered deck to remain as is but requested the shed be moved.
Rakoci also came before the board for his own petitions for property at 12313 N. Kings Drive. He requested an exception for the purpose of the change and alteration of a non-conforming tract of ground with two residences, by allowing residence additions on the lakeside home and a canopy at the water's edge to remain in a residential district. He also presented two petitions for variances to permit allowing the canopy to remain as constructed zero feet from the water's edge, and to allow the residence additions to remain as constructed 23 feet from the water's edge.
Rakoci said he and his sister inherited the home from their father after he passed away. With the canopy, he told the board it's been there since 1983 and that his father did all of the work.
Gerger also voiced his support for Rakoci's petitions. A nearby property owner, Daniel Webster, sent an email to Sandy in opposition, citing consistency for properties needed to be upheld.
The board approved Rakoci's petitions for the exception and the variance for allowing the residential additions. For the canopy, the board requested Rakoci change it from a metal to canvas roof and work with the Department of Natural Resources, with BZA Vice President John Beer and Kevin McSherry voting in opposition of that motion.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a petition for a variance permitting the construction of an accessory building 6 feet from the water's edge at 1001 E. Northshore Drive, Syracuse. The property is owned by Matthew and Lisa Shaw.
• Continued a petition from Daryl Eberly for allowing a 6-foot screening fence instead of the required live screening in a commercial district. This is for property at 8705 E. US 30, Pierceton.
• Welcomed Dan Richard to the board. Richard was appointed by the Kosciusko County Commissioners to take over Ron Robinson's seat. Robinson passed away in December 2025.
"Nobody can replace Ron Robinson on this board," said Richard. "He was an excellent member, his background and temperament ... I'd like to thank his family to loaning him to us for this board, and for all of his forms of service."
Approved having Lee Harman, Randy Cox and McSherry continue serving as board chairman, hearing officer and secretary, respectively, for 2026. Beer will serve as the board's vice president.
