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BZA approves 2-foot side-yard setback variance for Trine University's Pellegrino Student Design Center
Summary
The Board approved a two-foot reduction in the minimum side-yard setback for a 30,255-square-foot addition to Trine University's Best Hall, accepting a written non-objection from the Indiana Railroad for encroachment into the railroad right-of-way.
The City of Angola Board of Zoning Appeals on March 24 granted Trine University a two-foot variance from the minimum side-yard setback to permit a 30,255-square-foot addition to Best Hall for the Pellegrino Student Design Center.
Staff said the project at 210 University Avenue is zoned university, and the UDO requires a 10-foot side-yard setback for primary structures; the university requested an 8-foot side-yard setback where the addition would encroach toward the adjacent railroad right-of-way. Planning staff reported Trine provided a written letter of nonobjection from the Indiana Railroad Company, which staff included in the meeting file.
Why it matters: The university said the addition will provide new labs and student space for design programs; staff recommended approval because the railroad had no objection and the variance was a modest encroachment that would not injure public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
No members of the public attended to speak on the item. Staff noted Trine will present the detailed development plan to the planning commission on April 14, and that variance approval does not replace development-plan review or outstanding departmental comments.
Outcome: The board read the required findings and approved the variance by unanimous voice vote of members present. The written non-objection from the railroad will be attached to the official minutes and development file. Planning staff will continue development-plan review in coordination with the university.
