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Board approves multiple sign, driveway and accessory-structure variances; votes at a glance
Summary
On Dec. 19 the Board of Zoning Appeals approved a slate of sign, driveway and accessory-structure variances — including several church electronic signs with dimming conditions — and recorded unanimous or near-unanimous votes for most petitions; two large outdoor-storage requests were continued.
The Evansville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a series of special-use and variance requests at its Dec. 19 meeting, granting most sign-area increases, driveway-width and accessory-structure variances and setting conditions where the board found them necessary.
Highlights from the hearing include approval of electronic-message signs for Bethel Temple (4500 Lincoln Ave.) and Heritage Baptist (1613 Pollock Ave.) with a standard dimming condition (board historically requires a 10% night dimming level); the Board approved those petitions by roll call with unanimous recorded votes. The Hills Church electronic sign at 5025 Constellation Ave. was approved with one no vote (5–1). Other approvals included driveway-width variances for single-family residences at 2011 Shire Court and 10107 Brookcrest Drive, a reduced parking requirement for a restaurant at 2215 West Franklin Street, and a larger on-premises signage package for 770 Division Street.
The Board also approved an accessory-structure variance allowing a 2,700 sq ft pole barn at 4309 Bartons Lane. Most motions passed by recorded roll call, typically 6–0; the Hills Church request was recorded 5–1. Two related variances for outdoor storage and perimeter fencing at parcels on North Saint Joseph Avenue were not decided and were continued to Jan. 16, 2025 with continuance-fee waivers after neighbors raised concerns about tree loss, unpermitted activity and floodway constraints.
Votes at a glance (motion outcome and recorded tally):
- SPU-2024-012 (Bethel Temple, 4500 Lincoln Ave.) — special use approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-092 (Bethel Temple electronic sign) — variance approved with 10% dimming condition (6–0). - SPU-2024-014 (Heritage Baptist, 1613 Pollock Ave.) — special use approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-097 (Heritage Baptist sign/height/setback variances) — approved (6–0); staff noted certified notices to two nearby residences. - SPU-2024-016 (Wesleyan Church classroom, 3400 N. First Ave.) — special use approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-073 (2011 Shire Court driveway widening) — approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-088 (SS & K LLC, Boyle Lane front green-space amendment) — approved as amended (6–0); petitioner withdrew east-side variance after neighbor talks. - VAR-2024-091 (Veil Lodging Investment LLC, 2215 W. Franklin St.) — parking reduction approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-093 (770 Division St. signage) — approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-094 (Hills Church electronic sign) — approved (5–1). - VAR-2024-095 (10107 Brookcrest Dr. driveway) — approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-098 (Evansville Vandenberg Airport signage) — approved (6–0). - VAR-2024-100 (4309 Bartons Ln. pole barn) — approved (5–0 recorded in roll call as 5 yes; packet shows board support). - VAR-2024-101 & VAR-2024-102 (4400 & 4220 N. Saint Joseph Ave.) — continued to Jan. 16, 2025 (6–0 continuance vote; fees waived). - VAR-2024-103 (7920 Whistler Dr., front-yard/fence height) — approved (6–0).
Board members repeatedly emphasized the need for clear site plans and floodplain/building-review sign-offs when petitions involve floodway or site-disturbance questions; the board conditioned several approvals on standard dimming and content restrictions for electronic signs (church signs limited to church-related messaging per petitioner assurances). Several petitioners were represented by R. Layman and Son Consulting and sign firms (Hussigns, Alvey/Aubi/Albi variants in the packet). The board adjourned with holiday remarks and a reminder of the next meeting on Jan. 16, 2025.
The full roll-call tallies and motions are included in the official minutes; several approvals included conditions recorded on the hearing record.
