St. Joseph County zoning board approves four variances, denies front-yard fence request; staff director announces resignation

The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 12 granted variances for four property owners, denied a request to keep a 6-foot solid front-yard fence at a South Bend-area address, and tabled one petition until next month. The meeting also included administrative approvals of minutes and a public announcement that the county planning director, Abby (last name not specified in the record), resigned effective Feb. 21; Sean Klein will serve as interim if the Area Plan Commission approves that personnel resolution.

The board approved a variance for Derek A. Manley of 716 East Michigan Street in New Carlisle to build a 30-by-50 accessory garage before completion of the primary dwelling, subject to a staff condition that a building permit to finish the house be issued within two years. Area Plan Commission staff member Carl Brun Grama told the board the petitioner previously obtained a building permit and began construction, and staff recommended approval conditioned on timely issuance of a permit to complete the house. Manley told the board building the garage first would allow on-site storage of “construction, machinery, tools, and ... materials” and would improve site security while work resumes.

The board denied a variance request from Katie M. Lewis for 50859 (transcript lists 5 0 8 5 9) Michigan Road to retain a 6-foot solid fence with less than 70% open space in the minimum front yard where a 36-inch (3-foot) solid fence is permitted. Fariel Sharif, Area Plan Commission staff, recommended denial, citing county ordinance history and the ordinance’s intention to restrict tall solid fences in front yards. Lewis said the fence improves privacy and safety for her and her daughter; she told the board “the fence makes us feel safer,” and that neighbors supported it. The board voted to deny that petition; the record shows a split vote with a majority supporting denial.

The board approved a commercial fence variance for Great Lakes Auto Auction (GLAA Property LLC) at property along Peach Road and State Road 2 to extend an existing chain-link fence topped…