Warrick County planning staff conditionally close Lynnville storage complaint, asks owner to remove boat

Warrick County planning staff moved to conditionally close Complaint 2508, filed by the town of Lynnville, after inspecting outside storage at 315 Cherry Street and finding that most items were either enclosed or otherwise compliant with the storage ordinance, with one boat remaining visible.

Molly, planning staff, told the commission the inspection found the property’s chain-link fence predated a lot-line change and that when the current owner repaired the fence he stopped at his property line. She said an aerial image was included in the commission packet. Molly recommended closing the file provided the owner removes the single visible boat and does not use that side of the building for continuous outside storage.

The ordinance language cited by staff requires outside storage areas to be “enclosed by a solid wall or opaque fence not less than 6 feet in height.” Commissioners discussed enforcement practicality, noting the cost of installing a continuous opaque fence across lot lines and that the owner had otherwise improved the site. One commissioner said he would “like to see the boat disappear,” and another observed the camper on the rear side could remain if it is not visible from the road.

Decision: The commission voted to close Complaint 2508 conditionally, with the condition that the boat be removed and that the area not be used for continuous outside storage. A vote to record the conditional closure passed after a motion and second; one member recorded an abstention during the roll call.

Why it matters: The action resolves an enforcement inquiry from Lynnville while documenting conditions the owner must meet to avoid future complaints. Staff advised that if the owner later seeks to use the area for outside storage, he would need to install an opaque fence on his property and connect it to adjacent fencing so it complies with the ordinance.