St. Joseph County zoning board approves several variances, tables large accessory-structure request

St. Joseph County's Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 5 approved multiple zoning variances for homes and a multifamily site and tabled one petition to allow the owner to seek further legal and building-department review.

Adia Smith, a staff member with the Area Plan Commission, told the board staff recommended denial of a Michigan Street petition that sought permission for a total of 4,381 square feet of detached accessory structures on two parcels where the ordinance permits a maximum of 960 square feet. The owner, Kurt Shiebesch, said he built a new 2,301-square-foot structure to store oversized vehicles and cited Indiana Code 36-7-8-3 and appellate decisions as reasons the building should not be treated like a typical permitted accessory structure. After board members urged him to consult the building department and legal counsel, the board voted to table the petition 6-0…