Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Industrial Setback Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BZA approves industrial setback variances on Ireland Road to permit lot subdivision
Summary
The board approved variances that will allow an existing industrial building and adjacent parking on Market Street to remain despite front-yard setback deficiencies, enabling a minor subdivision that would create a small buildable lot.
The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances Sept. 10 to allow existing setback deficiencies for an industrial property south of Ireland Road to remain, clearing the way for a minor subdivision that will isolate the owner's operations on one lot and create a smaller vacant lot at the corner.
Fariel Sharif, Area Plan Commission staff, said the property is in an I (industrial) zoning district and that the existing main building and parking do not meet the ordinance's 50-foot building front setback and the 15-foot parking setback along Market Street. Staff recommended approval because the portion of Market Street in question is a dead-end serving only industrial properties, other nearby parcels appear to have similar front-yard encroachments, and strict enforcement would require demolition of existing structures.
Andy Helsall, representing the petitioner, said the building has existed since at least 1965 and that current parking and setbacks have long been in place; he added the small lot to be created in the southwest corner would meet industrial district standards and that no variances were being requested for the new lot.
Board member Doctor Lauck moved to approve the variances described by staff; the motion was seconded by Joe Bellman. The board voted 7-0 to grant the relief and directed staff to issue written findings of fact.
Action details: Variances for the building and parking setbacks were approved to permit the subdivision; staff will prepare written findings.
