The Board of Zoning Appeals on May 15 approved three separate variance petitions (25‑15, 25‑16 and 25‑17) filed by Crown Point Community School Corporation to permit large covered canopies for school buses at 1151 East Summit Street.

Chris Moore of Nissan Engineering presented the project on behalf of the school corporation and said the work would add three large canopies over existing bus parking so drivers and maintenance staff can prepare buses out of inclement weather and connect block heaters in winter. Moore described the plan as not adding impervious area and said rooftop downspouts will route water to existing detention basins.

Planning staff summarized the requested variances: allow accessory structures larger than the 900‑square‑foot maximum; allow accessory structures taller than the 16‑foot ordinance limit (proposed 19 feet); and allow an accessory structure to approach the east side‑yard setback, leaving a 5‑foot setback where 20 feet is normally required. The staff report gave the proposed sizes: 9,280 sq ft, 11,968 sq ft and 6,198 sq ft for the three canopies, and said no calls of remonstration or support were received; the Planning Department recommended approval of all three petitions.

Board members discussed operations and benefits. One member observed staff typically arrive early on cold mornings to start and warm buses, and that the canopies could reduce long idling before drivers arrive. A board member said the project ‘‘fits the area’’ and expressed no opposition. The board voted to approve each petition separately, on motions recorded as approved with staff comments.