BZA approves accessory apartment in pole barn after health department confirms septic feasibility

The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special exception allowing a detached accessory apartment and new pole barn on a 2.92-acre property owned by Chip Douglas.

Planning staff presented that the parcel, in Owen Township, met the accessory-apartment standards in the Unified Development Ordinance: the owner will continue to reside in the principal dwelling, the accessory structure will be secondary in scale and location, and additional parking can be provided. Importantly, staff told the board that soil samples and health-department reviews were completed this week; the health department sent minimum specifications indicating the lot can support a septic system, but the system will require a flood-dosed design (a pump-driven dosing arrangement) rather than a continuous gravity system.

The applicant clarified at the microphone that the space is intended as living quarters for family use rather than as a rental. Planning staff noted the ordinance does not distinguish ownership or rental at the time of approval — an accessory unit approved under the ordinance could be rented in the future, and any future change in use or ownership would require compliance with county permitting.

A motion to approve the special exception (application CC2025-00938, docket 31-25-SC) according to the staff findings was made, seconded, and passed by roll call: Andy Bailey — yes; Stacy Pedigo — yes; Scott Hudinsberger — yes. Staff advised the applicant to proceed to permitting and to work with county staff on building-code and health-department requirements before construction begins.

The board’s approval is conditioned on meeting all applicable building and health-department regulations during the permitting process.