Warrick County BZA approves variance to allow second detached accessory at Stephenson Station Road property

The Warrick County Board of Zoning Appeals on its October agenda approved a variance allowing a second detached accessory structure at 1077 North Stephenson Station Road and gave the applicant six months to obtain the required permits.

The variance (case BZA-25-16) was requested by property owner Timothy Craig. Staff told the board the application seeks permission to place an unattached accessory structure on Lot 13 of Wren Lake Subdivision; Craig owns Lot 14, where his residence sits. Staff said the applicant had been advised he could either combine Lot 13 and Lot 14 or seek a variance and that combining the lots would require survey work and notices to the subdivision. Staff recommended approval subject to permit, plan and ordinance compliance.

“The structure is two garage doors and a man door… basically, this will be open area, shelving storage around there,” Timothy Craig said, describing the building as space to “park my truck and my side by side and my lawn mower” and for household storage.

Board members reviewed the site plan and noted an earlier file notation showing a 40-by-40 structure; the new proposal is 40-by-36. During discussion members said a variance was the more expedient and less expensive option than combining lots and recited the statutory and ordinance standards the board must find before granting relief. A board member read findings of fact into the record, stating the variance would not be injurious to public health, safety or general welfare, that the need arose from a condition peculiar to the property, and that the variance represented the least modification necessary to preserve the regulation’s intent. The board referenced the applicable statutory framework (IC 36-7-4-500) and the Warrick County comprehensive zoning ordinance.

A motion to approve the variance, moved in the hearing as described by a board member and seconded, carried; the board recorded that the variance was granted. The approval is subject to the condition that the applicant obtain a location improvement permit and a building permit and that the property remain in compliance with the Warrick County zoning ordinance and existing easements and the plot plan on file. The board recorded that the variance will expire six months after the decision if a permit has not been obtained, with the possibility of a single six-month renewal for good cause granted by the area planning commission secretary.

The board also approved the August minutes, formally acknowledged there was no September meeting, and then adjourned. Staff said they would prepare and email the typed approval and minutes to the applicant.

What happens next: the applicant has six months from the board’s decision to obtain the required permits to proceed; failure to obtain permits will cause the variance to expire unless extended for good cause by the area planning commission secretary.