During a recent government meeting, the board addressed two significant cases involving property variances in Hebron and Valparaiso, Indiana.

The first case involved Janet Beach, who requested a continuation of a variance to keep a temporary mobile home on her property to care for her elderly mother, who will turn 100 in May. Beach reported no complaints regarding her mother’s living situation and received unanimous approval from the board for a one-year extension of the variance under the same stipulations as before.

The second case, presented by Aaron Anima, sought multiple variances for an existing pole barn at his property on South Timber Drive. Anima requested permission to exceed the maximum height limit from 20 feet to 25 feet 2 inches, allow the barn to remain in the front yard, decrease the minimum front yard setback, and modify the exterior finish to match his primary residence. Anima explained that the height was necessary to accommodate a car lift and future plans for a mobile home. He also noted that the back of his property is prone to flooding, making the front yard the only viable location for the barn.

Support for Anima's request came from neighbors, including John Snyder, who highlighted the barn's positive impact on traffic safety in the area, and Madeline Weade, who expressed her appreciation for the barn's aesthetic contribution to the landscape. However, concerns were raised by board members regarding the barn's location and the absence of a permit prior to construction. The board decided to continue the case for further review, emphasizing the need to explore alternative locations on Anima's property.

The meeting underscored the complexities of property regulations and the importance of community input in variance requests, as the board navigated between individual needs and adherence to zoning laws.