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Kokomo zoning board approves front-porch variance for 2220 South Wabash Avenue
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 10-by-21-foot porch enclosure to extend into the front-yard setback at 2220 South Wabash Avenue after the petitioner and staff argued the change would not harm surrounding properties and cited a practical difficulty created by the lot's corner status.
The Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Kokomo on a voice vote approved a variance allowing a 10-by-21-foot porch enclosure to extend into the front-yard setback at 2220 South Wabash Avenue. The petitioner, Robert Branson, asked for relief from the R-4 zone front-yard setback standards to add the covered porch.
Branson told the board he lives at 2220 South Wabash Avenue and described the proposed porch as "an offset A-frame 21 foot by 10 foot front porch" and said the project would shelter the front steps from rain and snow. He also said, "Extending the roof line will help shade and cool our home," noting recent removal of two mature maple trees that previously shaded the front of the house.
City staff read findings supporting approval, saying the porch would remain far enough from the street for vision clearance, would not encroach on recorded easements, and would not be injurious to the public health, safety or general welfare. The staff finding also said neighboring properties "will not be affected by the requested variance" and noted that similar roof-line features exist in the Maple Crest neighborhood.
Both petitioner and staff emphasized a practical difficulty. The petitioner said evidence of former porch support beams suggested a historical porch feature, and staff noted that because the lot is a corner lot it is required to meet two front-yard setbacks, which makes conforming construction impractical under current ordinance standards. The petitioner's measurements showed about 28 feet from the blacktop of South Wabash to the concrete at the porch steps.
No audience opposition was recorded and the board chair called for a voice vote: "All those in favor, signify by saying aye." The chair then said, "Motion passed." No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.
The board approved the petitioner's written findings and made them part of the record. The board did not direct additional staff study or conditions beyond the usual building-code and permit requirements, as reflected in the staff presentation.
The petitioner may now proceed with required permitting to build the enclosed porch under the approved variance.
