SANDUSKY — A plan to operate a seasonal jet ski rental business at 343–349 Anderson Annex won approval from the Sandusky Planning Commission last week.
The commission voted to approve the Firelands Jet Ski Rentals site plan with conditions requiring the owner to secure all necessary permits and return to the commission if traffic problems arise.
City planner Adam Panas said the property is zoned as a marina and boat sales and rentals are a permitted use, but converting the site from private to commercial triggered the need for site plan approval.
Parking and restroom facilities drew the most scrutiny. Although zoning requires three parking spaces, commission members and staff acknowledged there is no physical way to accommodate that number on the property.
“The land area is technically there, but the way the Annex is configured, parking is not practically feasible,” Panas told the commission. Staff recommended waiving the parking requirement.
The applicant, Tom Thomas, whose family also uses the jet skis and boats, told commissioners that all rentals are handled by reservation and customers are directed where to park.
“We do everything round-robin style. People show up, they check in, and we tell them where to park,” Thomas said, adding that some customers are directed to Battery Park lots.
One neighbors objected to a portable restroom at the site. The owner said it is seasonal, located in a spot where cars cannot drive, and was relocated this year to reduce visibility. “I understand the concerns, but we’ve made adjustments,” he said.
Commission members debated whether a portable toilet was appropriate for long-term use. “We don’t want to set a precedent that commercial marinas can operate indefinitely without permanent restrooms,” Planning Commission member Mike Zuilhof said.
Since the business does not have a building it is not required to have a restroom.
Thomas said rentals are reserved and paid for online.
Despite those concerns, the commission agreed the seasonal business could continue with oversight. If any problems arise, the commission can revisit the plan.
The members of the Planning Commission are: Sandusky City Commissioner Steve Poggiali, commission chair Jade Castile, city residents Jim Jackson, Peter McGory, David Miller, Conor Whelan, and Mike Zuilhof.
City planning staff includes Arin Blair, chief planner, Adam Panas, assistant planner and Quinn Rambo, clerk.