Board approves variance to convert Hogue Road house into veterinary clinic over neighbor objections

The Evansville Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4‑0 on Oct. 17 to approve variances permitting Flickering Firefly LLC to convert a former residence at 5104 Hogue Road into a full‑time veterinary clinic.

Petitioner Amanda Flick, who said she bought the 1955 house because of its size and proximity to West Side demand, requested a reduction in the required front‑yard green space from 25 feet to 12 feet and a reduction in the required two‑way commercial drive width from 24 feet to 18 feet. Ryan Parker, representing Flickering Firefly, said the lot’s steep grade required the proposed parking and driveway layout and that the property is zoned agricultural, which allows veterinary clinics. Parker and Flick said there will be little to no outdoor boarding, and that post‑surgery recovery would occur inside a walkout basement to reduce noise.

Neighbors Audrey Riney and Brian Benke objected at the hearing, citing concerns about barking, smells, and traffic along Hogue Road, which feeds two nearby schools. Riney also objected that notice letters were not received until Oct. 15, which she said left adjacent residents under 48 hours to arrange to attend. Staff replied that the mailed notices were postmarked within the required timeline. Riney also asked whether trees between the home and nearby apartments would be removed; applicant’s representatives said construction would be concentrated toward the front of the lot and would not remove the trees behind the home that the neighbors identified.

Board members asked for clarification about the existing site features, including a disused in‑ground pool and remnants of a tennis court, and whether the proposal would change the driveway location. The applicant said the driveway location would not be moved closer to the four‑way stop and that the design improves maneuverability for service vehicles such as garbage trucks by allowing a three‑point turn.

After discussion and questions from members, a board member moved to approve the variance (motion text recorded in the meeting transcript as approval of variance number 2024064). The clerk called the roll: Miss Payne, Mr. Schettler, Miss Kasha and Mr. Peky voted yes; the clerk recorded the motion as approved, 4 yes, 0 no.

The board did not impose other operational conditions at the hearing. The petitioner said she plans to rehabilitate the property over time (including repairing the pool) and reiterated she will not remove healthy trees that serve as a sound barrier. According to the meeting record, petitioners who are denied or withdraw may not refile on the same property for 12 months unless the board unanimously allows an exception.

The board’s action allows Flickering Firefly LLC to proceed with the proposed conversion and related building work under the approved variance. Any building permits, inspections and compliance with site‑plan conditions remain subject to area plan and building authority review.