The Town of Zionsville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a development-standards variance to reduce the 20-foot side-yard setback to 9 feet 10 inches for a south-side canopy at 10701 Deandre Drive.

The applicant sought the variance to add a 10-foot canopy over the south façade of an existing commercial building undergoing renovation. Mr. Smith, planning staff, told the board that staff does not support the request because the applicant had not demonstrated an unnecessary hardship; staff said the site already yields a reasonable return and recent Plan Commission approvals showed the property could be used as designed without further encroachment.

The building owner, Steve Imo, and contractor Jason Greesen described an extensive exterior renovation and said the canopy would protect south-side doors and windows from sun and weather. Imo said the building “was built 27 years ago” and described the improvement as primarily aesthetic and protective of the building envelope. Greesen and Imo presented photos and a physical stake showing the canopy fascia and where it would extend; the canopy would leave roughly 9 feet, 10 inches between the canopy edge and the south property line.

Several board members noted the area immediately south of the building is a common retention pond and not a buildable lot, and that the canopy would not reduce light, air or maintenance access to an occupied neighboring structure. After discussion, the board approved the variance with the explicit limitation that the variance applies only to the south canopy/canopy fascia, not to future building additions closer to the south property line.

The motion approved the variance based on staff findings, submitted plans, and evidence presented at the hearing. The board recorded affirmative votes from the five sitting members present.

Ending: The applicant will record the variance limitation and proceed with building permits and required plan-review steps, including TAC and building/fire-code reviews.