LaPorte County BZA approves backyard chickens and accessory buildings, denies shipping containers and weekend campground

LaPorte County’s Board of Zoning Appeals on June 17 approved several residential variances — including permission for up to 15 hens at a Michigan City property and construction allowances for a new home and an accessory garage — while rejecting requests to keep multiple shipping containers on a residence and to operate a weekend campground on a rural parcel.

The board approved a variance allowing Diane Esper Haddad to keep up to 15 female chickens at 6853 West Magnolia Ave after Haddad and Jeremiah Haddad told the panel the birds would be “just for eggs” and that they planned an enclosed, approximately 8‑by‑8 coop and run. The approval carried on a voice vote with the board limiting the permit to female birds and capping the flock at 15.

In separate votes the board approved setback variances for a proposed two‑story house at 18 Elm Drive (front setback of 13 feet instead of the 25‑foot minimum and a 65‑foot waterway setback instead of 75 feet). Applicant John Ellis said the new house replaces a family property and that his family plans to use shared garage parking across the street. The board also approved a variance for Dallas and Megan Uphold to construct a second 24‑by‑40 accessory pole building located five feet from the property line where a 10‑foot minimum is required; the applicants said they had notified the South Shore right‑of‑way and discussed the project with a right‑of‑way representative.

The board denied a request from Jason and Tammy Bundy to keep two additional shipping containers (three total, one existing) for equipment storage at 1373 East State Road 4. Tammy Bundy said the containers were needed while they clear and improve the land and that they planned to erect a barn eventually, but board members raised concerns about permanence, access and foundations; the denial was made with direction that the Bundys consult the building department for compliant alternatives.

A petition to permit up to four campers for weekend family camping (May–October) on a 9.522‑acre parcel near 8056 North 500 West was also denied. Peggy Ward, a nearby resident, said the campers had been “loud late at night” and that “there’s been shooting at times. Police have been called.” Petitioners Artemio Navarez and Luciano Barbuena said they use the site seasonally and said they would try to be good neighbors; the board ultimately voted to deny the camping petition and adopted an amendment requiring removal of all campers from the property by Aug. 1.

Votes at a glance • Petition 1 (6853 West Magnolia Ave) — variance to keep up to 15 chickens (females only): approved (voice vote). • Petition 2 (18 Elm Drive) — front and waterway setback variances for new primary residence: approved (voice vote). • Petition 3 (7635 East Bell Ave) — variance for 24×40 accessory structure five feet from property line: approved (voice vote). • Petition 4 (1373 E State Road 4) — keep three shipping containers for storage: denied (voice vote); building department follow‑up advised. • Petition 5 (parcel near 8056 N 500 W) — permit up to four campers for weekend camping, May–Oct: denied (voice vote); all campers must be removed by Aug. 1.

What happens next The board repeatedly advised petitioners denied or requiring conditions to consult the LaPorte County building department for permitting or construction guidance. The meeting was adjourned after the final motions.