Board approves rear‑setback variance for Martino Realty addition at 228 West Butler Street

The Kokomo Board of Zoning Appeals approved case P19B25, granting a 10‑foot rear‑setback variance to allow an addition to an existing building at 228 West Butler Street in the C‑2 zone.

Joe Martino, owner of Martino Realty and Auctioneers, described the project and identified the property as 228 West Butler Street. Martino said the expansion complies with codes for lighting and parking and "we will be investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in this expansion, all in the North End of Kokomo." He told the board the addition will provide roughly 3,000 square feet of interior space and allow removal of the conex (storage) containers currently used for overflow storage.

City staff findings, read by Miss Sheena, said the reduced rear yard setback "will not create any safety hazards" and that the building addition will remain 10 feet from the property line and not encroach on recorded easements. Staff said the addition would not adversely affect neighboring properties and that parking and access would meet development standards.

Audience members raised questions about parking and storage. Mike Burcham of Burcham Home Improvements asked what parking‑space dimensions were used to calculate the number of spaces; Martino and his contractor said spaces will be sized to meet ordinance requirements and that the surface will be asphalt. A resident, Jeff (listed at 2910 North Law), expressed concern that the new building "is not going to be big enough for what you're anticipating" and warned that continued use of multiple conex units could become "a blight on the neighborhood." Martino responded that the new building should eliminate the need for the conex units and that during auctions he has permission to use nearby lots for overflow parking.

The board made and seconded a motion to approve the case and adopt the petitioner’s and staff’s findings. Members voted "aye" when called and the chair stated the motion passed.