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BZA approves backyard driveway crossing riparian area for Rogers family after redesign lowers slope
Summary
The board approved VAR‑25‑2 allowing a driveway and single-family residence/accessory dwelling arrangement that crosses a riparian area and areas of 25% slope after the petitioner revised plans to an S‑curve alignment and staff identified that required stormwater permits and culvert sizing would be reviewed during permit process.
The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5–0 to approve VAR‑25‑2, allowing a driveway crossing a riparian area and a 25% slope to serve a proposed residence and detached accessory dwelling unit on a 15‑acre (approx.) parcel on May Road.
Staff continued to recommend denial, citing available buildable area closer to the road and concerns about crossing riparian area and steep slope. Planning staff presented site photos and a revised S‑curve driveway that reduced the steepness of the crossing but still required variances because parts of the driveway would be on slopes of 14% and would cross a delineated riparian area.
Petitioner Daniel Rogers told the board the family intends to build homes for his son and daughter on the property and revised the driveway to an “S” curve to reduce the effective slope. Rogers said the accessory dwelling unit will be nearer the road and the single‑family dwelling farther back because of site layout, septic placement and privacy. He said the revised plan includes a culvert for the stream crossing and that he has been in contact with county stormwater staff for permit requirements.
Planning staff noted the drainage area feeding the proposed stream crossing is approximately 0.2 square miles and therefore did not meet Indiana DNR thresholds for state flood regulation; stormwater grading permit review and culvert sizing would be required at the permit stage. Staff said the proposed S‑curve reduces running slope from the earlier plan to about 14% in places.
Multiple board members acknowledged the petitioner’s efforts to reduce slope impact and preserve privacy for family members. Board members also emphasized that final culvert sizing and erosion controls will be set at the stormwater grading permit review.
The board approved the variance unanimously. The petitioner must obtain required stormwater grading permits and implement the culvert/stream‑crossing design as reviewed by county stormwater staff.
