BZA legalizes contractor storage and approves taller pole barn for pump installer on State Road 52

The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals on June 24 approved two related items for Christian Smith: a special exception allowing a contractor's business (use 9.36) to store equipment on his residential property and a variance permitting an accessory pole barn taller than the primary dwelling to accommodate large items such as a pontoon boat.

Staff described the site as approximately three-quarters of an acre at the intersection of State Road 52 and County Road 330 West, in Perry Township. The petitioner currently operates a small, family-run well-pump and plumbing service and said the business is a van and a pickup with trailer. "It's just a small family owned... myself and my son do it," Christian Smith told the board.

Staff said the special exception is appropriate because the proposed storage would be compatible with the rural residential appearance if materials and equipment are kept inside the building or screened from public view. Staff recommended standard conditions: no exterior accumulation of junk or debris, equipment and materials stored inside or behind screening, use to share the existing residential driveway (no new curb cuts unless INDOT permits are obtained), and that any future expansion to include employees or public access must meet applicable state and building-code approvals. Staff also recommended limiting the special-exception approval to this petitioner at this location so future owners would need to return to the BZA for review.

The variance request sought a 12-foot sidewall pole barn (30 feet wide with a 4.5:12 roof pitch), which staff estimated would result in an overall peak height of roughly 16–17 feet — taller than the existing single-story ranch home. Staff found a practical difficulty because the petitioner’s house is unusually low-profile; requiring the accessory building to match the home’s height would force impractical alternatives. Staff recommended approval of the variance for storage of personal items and contractor equipment and materials, with the same caveats about any future business expansion.

Earlier in the meeting the board granted a 19-day filing-deadline waiver so the two applications could proceed. The board then voted to approve the special exception and the variance; motions incorporated the staff report by reference. Both votes were 4-0 (Grant Mueller: yes; Stacy Pedigo: yes; Scott Hudsensberger: yes; Chester Banks: yes). Staff told the petitioner to proceed with permitting; noted permitting would include coordination with INDOT if additional access or signage is proposed; and said building permits and code review are required before construction.

Christian Smith described the proposed building layout and doors: he is planning two 10-by-10 garage doors in front and an 8-by-7 roll-up at the rear to move equipment in and out. The 12-foot wall height would allow the 10-foot doors and internal storage for the boat and equipment. The board recorded the approvals and directed staff to follow up on permitting and any state-level approvals if the business changes.