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ABZA approves increased building coverage for Keys home in Arborchase
Summary
The Area Board of Zoning Appeals granted Jill and Cody Keys a variance to increase lot coverage from 30% to 40% for a single‑story house in Arborchase; staff recommended denial but noted the ordinance committee is considering a county-wide increase to 35%.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Tippecanoe County Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 3 approved a variance allowing Jill and Cody Keys to exceed the residential building coverage limit for a new home in Arborchase Subdivision.
The petition (BZA 22-16) requested an increase in maximum building coverage from 30% to 40% for a single-story house on Lot 412 of Arborchase Section 6, listed at 4083 Millington Trail. Planner Nathan McBurnett told the board the lot is about 15,000 square feet and that the proposed single-story home has a ground-floor footprint of roughly 6,000 square feet, including a large covered back porch that counts toward coverage. “So that is included within the measured area, Ground Floor area of the house,” McBurnett said.
McBurnett said staff does not believe the findings showing a hardship are met and recommended denial, adding that the ordinance committee is currently considering raising the coverage limit to 35%, which would make a smaller relief request more appropriate. “As staff, we don't believe that there is a hardship here,” he said.
Petitioner Cody Keys said the family designed the home as a single‑story for their five children and argued the design fits the neighborhood context; Jill Keys said the large covered porch contributes significantly to the footprint and that wetlands behind the lot provide a buffer from neighbors. “We were unaware of the 30% coverage ratio at the time” the plans were drawn, Jill Keys said; the couple said they could revise porch roofing but prefer the current design for aesthetic and functional reasons.
Board members discussed prior developments where coverage reached 40% and noted the ordinance committee discussion. Six ballots were cast and recorded as 6–0 in favor; the variance was granted. The board’s earlier procedures reminder explained that four affirmative votes are required for a decision to be made.
The decision will be recorded in the official minutes and APC staff files.
