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Area BZA approves multiple variances for school dumpster, subdivision signs and an outlot split; one petition tabled
Summary
On Dec. 11 the St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals granted variances for Covenant Christian School’s dumpster location, two Woodford Trails subdivision-entry sign height variances, and an 8-acre outlot split for farmland; one petition was tabled. Written findings will be issued for approved items.
The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 11 considered six petitions and approved four variances, with one petition tabled.
Covenant Christian School (54790 N. Furr Road): Staff advised the school’s dumpster, though preexisting and located between the front facade and front lot line, is set back and will be enclosed; staff recommended approval of a variance from section 154.070 sub c2 I2 to allow trash containers exceeding 36 cubic feet in that position. After no public comment, Doctor Lauck moved to approve and Tom Byers seconded; the board approved the variance and the chair said written findings would be issued.
Woodford Trails (south entrance, petition #314930): Staff (Sean Klein) said the structure’s signed portion is only 16 sq ft and that the overall entry wall could be treated as three-dimensional art; staff recommended approval of a 10-foot height variance (8 ft permitted). After board questions about measurement from grade and visibility, Tom Byers moved to approve; the motion passed and the variance was granted.
Woodford Trails (north entrance): A second petition for a 15.5-foot-tall entry sign (8 ft permitted) was presented for the north side of Woodford Trails. Staff recommended approval for the same reasons as the south entrance. The motion to approve passed with Mister Velman recorded as No; the chair announced the variance granted.
State Road 4 outlot split (owner: Keith L. Lineback Revocable Trust): Staff recommended approval of an 8-acre outlot where 20 acres is normally required for a one-lot outlot minor subdivision, noting the split conserves tillable farmland and does not create an additional buildable lot. Petitioner Nathan Flickner and neighbor Tim Bajalic spoke in support; Tom Byers moved to approve per staff recommendation and the board granted the variance.
Petition 6: The chair announced petition #6 was tabled to a later meeting.
The board closed the meeting after approving findings of fact and directing staff follow-up where needed. Written findings of fact will be prepared for the approved petitions.
Provenance: Covenant Christian School introduced SEG 053; staff presentation and vote SEG 076–SEG 205. Woodford Trails south introduced SEG 906; vote SEG 1217–SEG 1234. Woodford Trails north introduced SEG 1236; vote SEG 1319–SEG 1338. State Road 4 outlot (petition 5) introduced SEG 1340; vote SEG 1561–SEG 1580. Petition 6 tabled SEG 1583.
Speakers referenced: Area Plan Commission staff (Sean Klein, Carl Braun Grama), Gary Potts (petitioner representative, Covenant Christian School), Chris Gadooski (developer representative), Nathan Flickner (petitioner representative, outlot split), Tim Bajalic (neighbor), board members Tom Byers and Doctor Lauck.
