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Commission approves lot-size and setback variances for barn at 19536 Justin Morgan Drive amid neighbor objections
Summary
The Advisory Plan Commission approved variances to modify minimum lot size and setback requirements to allow construction of a detached storage barn at 19536 Justin Morgan Drive. Neighbors raised concerns about lot size, buffering and neighborhood character during the public hearing.
The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission on Aug. 4 approved multiple variances to allow construction of a detached storage barn at 19536 Justin Morgan Drive, including modification of minimum lot-size standards and encroachments into side-yard setbacks.
Ryan Collingwood of the Community Development Department described the petition: the property is about 1 acre and zoned AGSF-1 (agricultural/single-family rural). The petition seeks to modify minimum lot-size standards for the district, waive US 31 overlay requirements applicable to the site and allow encroachments into the southeastern and southwestern side-yard setbacks for the proposed accessory structure. Staff reported no written public comments had been received before the hearing; the petitioner was present and available to answer questions.
Several neighbors spoke at the public hearing. Michelle Sig, a nearby resident, said the home has ample space and existing storage and objected to additional encroachment and the loss of wooded buffering: "We are hoping that this gets denied." She referenced lot dimensions and neighborhood character, and noted the area lacks an HOA.
The petitioner said the building would be on the owner’s property, that two metal storage units on the lot had been damaged by fallen trees, and that the proposed new structure would be stronger and located where drainage conditions and terrain make alternative placements difficult. The petitioner also said they planned to plant trees as additional screening, but staff cautioned that tree planting was not currently a quantifiable condition of approval.
Commissioners reviewed the standard variance criteria, including whether approval would injure public health, safety, morals or general welfare, whether adjacent property values would be substantially affected and whether strict application of the ordinance would cause practical difficulties. After discussion, a motion to approve the petition with the conditions noted in the staff report carried by roll call; the commission also approved the findings of fact.
The approved variances permit construction of a new detached building closer to the property line than current standards allow. The petitioner and neighbors were advised that building permits and any required site work still must go through standard plan review.
