The Hammond Board of Zoning Appeals on April 29 approved a developmental variance allowing an accessory storage building taller than the 15-foot limit at 844160 Ninth Street to accommodate a track‑mounted drill rig used for geotechnical investigations.

The variance, docketed D‑25‑O4 (also introduced as Z‑25‑O4), permits a peak height of about 23 feet, 6.5 inches for the pre‑engineered metal structure and was approved 4‑0 after staff recommended granting the request subject to final technical review and a design that is compatible with the neighborhood.

Why it matters: The petitioner said the higher door and peak height are needed so a drill rig mounted on a flatbed truck can be moved into and out of the building for secure storage and protection from weather. Board approval allows the owner to proceed to the technical design stage but does not waive the requirement for final construction approvals.

Chris Moore of NICE Engineering, representing property owner Akhtar Zaman and Grama Group Inc., told the board the firm performs soil borings and site investigations and must protect the equipment from weather and vandalism. "You don't wanna leave this equipment outside. It's very expensive," Moore said. He told the board the rig is transported on a flatbed truck and cannot be stored in a standard garage because of its height.

During discussion, Moore said the proposed building will sit inside an existing fenced area on the site and meet the project setbacks the petitioner recorded: a rear‑yard setback of about 15 feet, 6 inches, approximately 73 feet from the front property line and roughly 40 feet from the eastern property line. He told the board the structure will be placed so the truck can enter from the east and exit to the north; most site traffic would proceed to Calumet Avenue, he said.

Board members asked about occupancy and interior fixtures. Moore said the building would be conditioned for occasional worker use but not a residence, and that plumbing and a wash sink are not planned now but "we're gonna have water planned in the future." He confirmed the building will sit on a concrete slab.

A board member raised questions about the designated accessible parking and the adjacent ADA access lane; the petitioner said the required striped access area exists north of the accessible stall. The petitioner also said existing parking meets the city's numeric requirements and that the new structure will be surrounded by green space on the south side.

Staff advised the board that its recommendation to grant the variance included two conditions: 1) final technical review of construction drawings, civil drawings, and the site plan, and 2) a final approved accessory‑structure design that addresses city planning concerns so the infill is compatible with the neighborhood. The board first voted to adopt the staff report and proposed findings as official findings, then voted to grant the variance subject to those conditions.

The board also approved a procedural item to reschedule the May BZA meeting from May 28 to June 3 because two staff members will be out of town.

The decision allows the petitioner to proceed to final design and permitting steps; construction remains contingent on the required technical reviews and final approvals.