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Board grants porch and attached-garage variances for small East Avenue home
Summary
A St. Joseph County zoning board granted Maria Lampost variances Oct. 9 to allow a 27-foot front setback for a covered porch and an attached accessory structure of 756 sq ft where 504 sq ft is permitted, citing the small size of the original 1940s home and practical difficulties.
The Area Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances Oct. 9 for a house at 56185 East Avenue to permit a covered front porch set back 27 feet from the right-of-way (where 35 feet is required) and an attached accessory structure totaling 756 square feet (where 504 square feet is normally allowed for attached accessory area).
Carl Brown of Area Plan Commission staff explained the existing house is a small, circa-1940 structure with a primary footprint of about 21 by 21 feet (approximately 504 square feet). Because an attached two-car garage would exceed allowable attached accessory area, staff recommended approval of both variances, noting the porch and garage would meet other yard setbacks and would be in character with neighboring houses.
Homeowner Maria Lampost said she bought the house in March 2023 and described the home’s small size and her plans to "make it a little bit more livable," adding that a covered porch and attached garage would provide needed storage and increase the home’s value. No members of the public spoke in opposition.
A motion to approve the variances was made and seconded; members present voted to grant the variances. The board said it will issue written findings of fact.
The variances allow the homeowner to attach a typical two-car garage and add a covered porch despite the ordinance limits on attached accessory area.
