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BZA approves variance for replacement garage at 1923 East Jackson Boulevard with orientation condition
Summary
The board approved a developmental variance to allow a larger replacement garage at 1923 East Jackson Boulevard, subject to a condition that the garage doors face south so parked cars do not block the sidewalk.
The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 14 granted a developmental variance allowing a new, larger attached garage at 1923 East Jackson Boulevard, with a condition that the garage opening be oriented to the south so parked cars do not block the public sidewalk.
Petitioner Jeff Long said the renovation will add a bathroom and increase garage depth to provide adequate storage and parking, aiming to prepare the house for sale rather than rental. Because the lot is long and narrow, staff said reasonable placement options are limited and recommended approval with the orientation condition.
The staff report described the requested variances: a corner side yard variance (St. Clair Avenue frontage) to allow a proposed garage 7.2 feet from the property line where the average front-yard setback is 38 feet, and a total side-yard setback variance resulting in 12.2 feet instead of the required 20 feet. Staff recommended the garage doors be oriented south to avoid creating an ADA violation from cars parked in front of garage doors blocking the sidewalk; the proposed layout would create an L-shaped driveway to the south access point.
Staff mailed 32 letters, receiving five in favor and two with comments praising property improvements. The board approved staff recommendations and conditions on a roll call vote.
Board and staff comments emphasized inspection to ensure the structure meets building codes and that the orientation condition is intended to preserve unobstructed public sidewalks.
