Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals approved three cases Thursday and welcomed a new board member.

Phillip Mock’s petition for a variance to allow the construction of a residence addition 16.2 feet from the right of way was approved. Mock’s property is located at 211 N. Front St.

His home was damaged by a storm this year. The garage and kitchen area were heavily damaged when a tree hit the 1903, single-family home. Due to a natural disaster, Mock is allowed to rebuild but only as it was previously. With no remonstrators, his request was approved as presented.

Darin Burke’s petition for an exception to allow motorcycle sales, service and repair in a commercial district was approved. The property is located at 912 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Burke’s business, Burke’s Repo Outlet, has been located in North Webster for the last eight years. He is moving his business to Syracuse into the former Higgins property. He is also doubling the size of his business.

The request was approved with eight conditions. The conditions include, but are not limited to: storage is not to be outside, only inside; vehicles must be stored inside, not outside; parking must be kept at a minimum; no parking on the right of way is allowed; and all inventory must be clean. With no objections from remonstrators, his request was approved.

Diane Carlson’s petition was approved. Carlson wants to allow an existing deck, roof and gazebo to remain as constructed at 26 feet from the water’s edge when ordinance requires 35 feet. The property is located at 812 S. Lakeside Drive.

Carlson brought the matter to the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission’s attention when she noticed a permit had not been taken out for the roof. The deck was built in 1994 and the roof was built this summer; the gazebo was added 19 years ago. “It adds aesthetic value to the house,” she said, “and that’s why I am asking it (gazebo) to remain.” It also adds “quality of life” for her elderly mother, she stressed. The property has been in the family for six generations.

She said neighbors did not object to the additions showing proof with letters written by several nearby property owners. Carlson will need to pay a $125 permit fee including all three additions: deck, gazebo and roof. She also must get a town permit.

The new Syracuse BZA board member is Joe Leatherman, who replaces the late Dan List.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 16, Syracuse Town Hall.