Morgan County BZA approves reduced front setback for Beech Grove Road garage

The Morgan County Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 22 approved a development-standard variance allowing an attached garage to be built 25 feet from the front property line at 7095 Beech Grove Road in Clay Township.

The variance, petition DDash25Dash16, was requested by David Young to permit a 24-by-40 attached garage on a property zoned agricultural (Ag). Under Morgan County standards the front-yard setback for Ag is 35 feet; Young asked the board to allow a 25-foot setback so the garage would attach to an existing house.

Staff and the Morgan County Health Department reported no objections. In its written findings included in the record, the applicant stated the house and utilities had been positioned to accommodate the garage when the house was built; the house location was chosen to avoid ravines and to comply with septic placement recommended by soil scientists during the original septic permitting process. Staff concluded that the petitioner had satisfied the board’s three required findings of fact and recommended approval.

Applicant David Young told the board, “Looking to add an attached garage to an existing house,” and said the addition would use identical siding, roof and pitch so it would match the house. During the hearing board members noted much of the surrounding area is residential in character despite the Ag zoning.

A motion to approve the petition with all findings of fact found true was moved and seconded; the presiding officer announced the motion carried and the petition was approved. The transcript records a unanimous voice vote; specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting minutes.

Because this was a development-standard variance (not a rezoning), the decision permits the reduced setback for this structure on this parcel only and does not amend the county’s zoning map or setback requirements for other properties.