A recent government meeting addressed a petition for a special exception to build a single-family home on a property located at 7885 Royal Avenue. The property, which has a lot size of less than 5,000 square feet, has been classified under agricultural zoning for many years. Due to this classification, the petitioner, represented by attorney Matt Price, is required to seek approval for the construction.

During the meeting, Mr. Price explained that the property has access to public sewer and will utilize an existing well for water. The petition seeks to reduce the front yard setback from the standard 70 feet to 57 feet, and the side yard setbacks from the standard 40 feet to just 1 foot on one side and 2 feet on the other. The staff report indicated that these adjustments are necessary due to the small size of the lot, which is significantly smaller than what is typically required for the zoning district.

The staff recommended approval of the requested variances, noting that requiring a two-story home to meet the standards would be unreasonable. The committee members discussed the safety of the proposed setbacks and concluded that the 57-foot front setback would be sufficient.

After deliberation, the committee unanimously approved the special exception for the single-family residence. The next item on the agenda involved further discussion on the development standards variance, particularly regarding the connection to public water. The petitioner is still researching the possibility of connecting to municipal water provided by the nearby town of Whitestown.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the challenges faced by property owners in navigating zoning regulations, especially when dealing with smaller lots. The approval of the special exception marks a significant step for the petitioner in moving forward with their plans for the property.