BZA approves gravel driveway variance for 425 Beverly Court with department‑comment condition

The Angola City Board of Zoning Appeals on April 28 approved a variance permitting a gravel driveway approximately 500 feet long and 12 feet wide at 425 Beverly Court for property owner Jeffrey Klink, provided all comments and conditions from city department heads are addressed.

Staff told the board the property is zoned R‑1 (low‑density single‑family) under Title 18 of the Unified Development Ordinance and cited the BZA appeal procedures in the IC 36‑7‑4 series. The planner said the city generally disfavors gravel driveways within city limits but recommended approval in this case because of the site’s topography and the absence of storm drains on Beverly Court. The staff presentation noted recorded access easements across two parcels owned by Don Wise and that Wise is aware of and supports the request.

Planner Rita Riefel (staff) said the Board of Public Works and Safety previously determined that any portion of the driveway inside the city right of way must be hard surfaced and that “the stone for a temporary driveway inside the right of way will only be allowed up to 5 days.” Riefel reported she had spoken with the city engineer, who cautioned that, given the topography, a hard surface could cause more drainage issues than leaving the area unpaved.

Property owner Jeffrey Klink spoke in support of the variance. “We moved into Glendaring, and that accessory structure was behind us, kind of in a sad state, and we’ve improved it over the years,” Klink said. He added, “I just like to have my own driveway,” and described maintaining the gravel access. Neighbor Angelo Hendrickson told the board the improvements had not affected his sewer or property and said he had no objection.

Board members reviewed the standard variance findings — public health and safety, effect on adjacent property, and practical difficulties — and found that the strict application of the ordinance would create practical difficulties because the site’s topography allows natural stormwater drainage that increased impervious surface could interfere with. After discussion, a member moved to approve the variance with the condition that all comments and concerns from department heads be addressed; another member seconded. The motion passed. The board reiterated that the Board of Public Works and Safety requires the portion of the driveway inside the city right of way to be hard surfaced and that temporary stone in the right of way is limited to up to five days.

The board recorded no additional conditions beyond the requirement to address department head comments and the existing Board of Public Works and Safety requirement for hard surfacing inside the right of way. The applicant was instructed to obtain required permits before construction.