Noble County BZA approves ADU and two variances after neighbor objections and conditions

The Noble County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception and two development variances after hearing hours of testimony about driveway easements, floodplain checks and utility locations.

At the hearing, the board granted Special Exception No. 598 to allow an accessory dwelling unit at 9894 East 300 South. Petitioner Chad Steinke told the board the ADU is intended “primarily to support my wife’s parents at that age,” saying the unit would preserve their independence while keeping them close to family. The board’s staff report explained the parcel lacks road frontage and that use of an existing easement rather than a public road raised legal and maintenance questions the board would consider.

Neighbor Jonathan Bishop objected, saying he opposed the request and raising legal and maintenance concerns tied to a recorded driveway-easement agreement that, he said, requires unanimous written consent from all parties for modifications. Bishop told the board, “I do oppose it,” and said approval would impose new maintenance obligations and possible liability on…