Boone County’s Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 22 approved a variance allowing a property owner to build a larger-than-typical accessory structure closer to a side lot line and taller than the existing house.

The board approved Variance 25JE-14-200 for petitioners Steven C. and Alicia K. Wade at 461 South 1175 West in Jefferson Township to reduce a side-yard setback from 40 feet to 7 feet and to permit the accessory structure to exceed the primary residence’s height. Staff reported the proposed accessory structure would be about 1,200 square feet and just over 18 feet tall; the existing single-story ranch home is roughly 2,212 square feet and about 15 feet in height.

Deborah Lazier summarized technical-advisory comments: the health department had no objection because the pole barn would not impact the existing septic or well unless plumbing (sinks or toilets) were added, at which point a septic permit would be required. The county surveyor noted a drainage permit had been issued; the planning department’s pre-application concerns were addressed. If plumbing is later included, Lazier said a septic permit would be required before connections.

Petitioner Steven Wade confirmed the accessory structure would be sited in the northeast corner of the property and said the building would be used to store personal property, maintain personal vehicles and store an RV. The application included a letter from an adjacent farmland owner indicating support for the proposed location.

No members of the public spoke in opposition. A board member moved to approve the variance as written; a second was recorded and the motion passed on a voice vote with all members answering aye. The board conditioned approval on addressing the technical-advisory comments before issuance of a building permit.

The board record notes the site is already nonconforming with regard to lot-depth-to-width ratio; the driveway runs along the north side of the parcel. The action does not authorize additional plumbing without a separate septic permit.