Board approves setbacks and open‑space variances but rejects front‑loaded carport at 909 Wright Street

The Indianapolis Board of Zoning Appeals split its decision on a petition for a new single‑family dwelling at 909 Wright Street, approving reductions to side and rear setbacks and a reduced open‑space requirement but rejecting a request to allow a front‑loaded carport or garage.

On ballot A — the reduced setbacks and open‑space variances — the board voted unanimously in favor: Brian Hannon, Percy Bland, Joanna Taft and Roderick Bohannon voted yes. On ballot B — the requested front‑loaded carport/garage — the board denied the variance by a 3–1 vote: Brian Hannon, Percy Bland and Joanna Taft voted no; Roderick Bohannon voted yes.

The petition, filed on behalf of 8424 Bravestone LLC and discussed by petitioner Josh Hopkins and representatives Mark and Kim Crouch, sought variances to build a house with a 3‑foot south side yard setback (5 feet required), a 3‑foot rear yard setback (20 feet required), and 30% open space (40% required). The petitioner also proposed a front‑loaded carport/garage facing Right Street and said the garage was needed to house the electrical panel adjacent to the AES meter for safety and affordability reasons and to allow future installation of an EV charger.

Petitioner Hopkins urged the board to recognize practical difficulties created by the lot’s odd shape and proximity to the interstate and argued the carport/garage would improve safety and allow internal routing of the electrical panel. He said installing an exterior disconnect would expose the electrical panel to theft or tampering and impose additional cost.

Neighbors who spoke — including Heidi Studebaker (924 Wright Street) and Joseph Timothy Clinch (915 Noble Street, member of the Holy Rosary Danish Church historic district) — objected to a front‑loaded garage citing the neighborhood’s character, constrained on‑street parking, and pedestrian safety on the narrow, largely two‑way dead‑end street. Remonstrators asked that any new construction conform to infill guidelines (two‑story limit, no side‑street balconies, no rooftop decks) and requested a sidewalk in the turnaround area. Letters from nearby residents were presented opposing the front‑loaded configuration but supporting infill design that fits the block.

Planning staff supported the variances for reduced setbacks and open space but strongly opposed any front‑loaded garage or carport under the terrace frontage rules for walkable frontages. Staff cited the ordinance language that generally prohibits front‑loaded garages in the terrace frontage and noted the ordinance’s intent to preserve walkability; staff also recommended administrative conditions if the board chose to approve the carport, including submission of final elevations for administrative review and a contribution to a sidewalk fund or provision of sidewalk where appropriate.

After deliberation, the board approved the setback and open‑space variances (ballot A) and denied the front‑loaded carport/garage (ballot B). The transcript records the votes: “On petition 2025DV3‑010, Second amended ballot A… Brian Hannon votes yes, Percy Bland votes yes, Joanna Taft votes yes, and Roderick Bohannon votes yes. That variance is granted.” For ballot B the transcript records: “Brian Hannon votes no, Percy Bland votes no, Joanna Taft votes no, and Rob Bohannon votes yes. That variance is not granted.”

Staff advised next steps would include submittal of required final elevations and, if the petitioner seeks later revisions, coordination around sidewalk and elevation commitments to ensure conformity with neighborhood design guidelines.