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Board approves Pine Lake island garage and upstairs living quarters with 10‑year no‑rental restriction and conservancy sign‑off
Summary
After testimony from the applicant, neighbors and a remonstrating attorney, the board approved variances allowing Aaron and Megan Johnson to build a three‑car garage with living quarters above on a small Pine Lake island lot, subject to Conservancy District and Building Department approvals and a 10‑year restriction on short‑term rentals.
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances Oct. 21 that will allow Aaron and Megan Johnson to build a garage with living quarters above on a narrow Pine Lake island lot, subject to conditions.
Attorney Ralph Howes presented on behalf of the Johnsons, saying the lot size and existing site constraints leave only a narrow buildable area and that a 15‑foot front setback and other reduced setbacks were necessary to store boats and vehicles and to accommodate living quarters above the garage. Applicant Aaron Johnson said the upstairs would primarily serve as his office and would remain vacant most of the year, and he denied any intention to operate short‑term rentals.
Attorney Adam Swarden, representing several remonstrants including Denny Fallis and the Pine Lake Conservancy District, argued in opposition. Swarden said the proposal may constitute an accessory dwelling unit under the county code and raised multiple code‑compliance concerns including minimum lot width, accessory‑structure restrictions, lot coverage and whether the site had sufficient sewer capacity to serve another dwelling unit. Pine Lake Conservancy technicians also flagged sewer capacity concerns in written correspondence the board received.
Several neighbors, including Brandon Jones, Doug Stefani and Stan Lansky, spoke in favor of the Johnsons. After discussion the board voted to approve the needed variances with two explicit conditions: the applicant must obtain sign‑offs from the Pine Lake Conservancy District and the LaPorte Building Department prior to issuance of permits, and a prohibition on short‑term rentals for the upstairs living quarters for a period of 10 years from permit issuance. The board also requested annual check‑ins with county staff regarding project status.
