Zionsville BZA continues variance requests from Willie's Wagyu after hours of public comment

The Board of Zoning Appeals in the Town of Zionsville voted to continue three variance requests from Willie's Wagyu to the board's September meeting, after staff raised objections to some aspects of the petition and neighbors offered a mix of support and concern.

Staff planner Jonathan Smith told the board that staff does not support two requested use variances — one to allow an outdoor recreation facility for events and one to allow general retail on property zoned R-2 — because the proposal, as currently described, could increase noise and traffic and would not, in staff's view, meet several criteria required for a use variance under the town's zoning ordinance. Smith said staff is, however, willing to support a development standards variance to allow wall-mounted, non-illuminated signs if the board approves either use variance.

The petitioner, Tim Wilson, introduced himself as owner of Willie's Wagyu at 9015 East 200 South and described the farm as a 20-acre working Wagyu operation that hosts limited educational fundraisers for Purdue University, sells freezer beef and offers value-added farm products. "We are not seeking permission to host commercial entertainment," Wilson said. "The events we host are rooted in education, animal science and community outreach." He said…