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Zoning board denies use variance for shipping containers at 4033 East Southport Road
Summary
The Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a request to allow two shipping containers for on-site storage at a motel property in Perry Township, finding the need for containers was self-imposed and alternatives exist.
The Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals, Division 3, voted unanimously to deny a request to allow two on-site shipping containers at 4033 East Southport Road.
Ron Gandhi, representing the petitioner Akshar Group by Indiana LLC, said the containers have been on the property for several years and that a neighbor had emailed support. “It's been there four years. It hasn't caused any issue to neighbors or anybody else,” Gandhi said.
City planning staff opposed the request, telling the board that portable shipping containers are not permitted in the C4 district as outdoor accessory storage and are regulated as commercial vehicles, not buildings. Staff noted the motel owner could seek additional enclosed storage by expanding the motel building or using off-site storage rather than requesting a use variance. “The strict application of the terms of the zoning ordinance does not constitute a practical difficulty for the property,” a city planning staff speaker said, and staff recommended denial.
After the five-minute petitioner presentation and no remonstrators, the board voted 0–3: Rod Bohannon — no; Joanna Taft — no; Rayanna Bender — no. The variance was not granted.
