Burns Harbor residents seek variance, town schedules public hearing for home-based business at 396 Melton Road

Josephine Webb told the Burns Harbor board at a preliminary hearing that she and her husband, Larry Webb, operate a business from their home at 396 Melton Road and are seeking a development-standard and use variance so the town will issue a business license.

The Webbs said they moved their business from Gary to their property in Burns Harbor and asked the board to schedule a public hearing on their variance request. "My address is 396 Melton Road. This is my husband, Larry Webb," Josephine Webb said when the board opened the preliminary hearing.

Board members and staff told the Webbs that the town must notify nearby property owners and that the applicants must provide mailed-notice documentation. A board member instructed the Webbs to give signed notice cards to staff member Jill to show that notices were sent; staff also said the board would check past minutes to confirm the property's zoning history before the public hearing.

Board members asked when the Webbs moved vehicles or equipment from Gary to the Burns Harbor property; Josephine Webb said the move occurred "about 2012," and the record includes later comments referencing 2020 in relation to pandemic-related timing, which the board noted as inconsistent and said it would review past minutes and records. The Webbs said they purchased the land in 2004 and built their house in 2007.

The board voted to set a public hearing for the variance and business-license application at the next monthly meeting. Board members present voted in favor by roll call; two members were recorded as absent. Staff said the Webbs must provide the required notice documentation before the hearing and encouraged them to contact Jill with questions.

The matter will return to the board next month for a public hearing and any formal decision on the variance and business-license issuance.