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St. Joseph County zoning board grants variances for McKinley Highway property despite staff recommendation to deny
Summary
The Area Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variances at 10921 McKinley Highway to allow 3,496 sq ft of detached accessory structures and a 20‑foot height for a pole barn, overturning staff’s recommendation for denial in a 5–1 vote.
The St. Joseph County Area Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 14 approved two variances for a McKinley Highway property to allow a larger pole barn and increased accessory‑structure area.
County staff recommended denial, saying the application did not demonstrate the “practical difficulty” required by the zoning ordinance. Fariel Sharif of Area Planning Commission staff told the board the addition would raise the site’s total detached accessory area to 3,496 square feet where 2,240 is permitted and would exceed the 19‑foot height limit, and concluded, “we do recommend denial.”
The petitioner, who identified himself in the hearing as Mike Andrewjeski, told the board he is renovating two houses on the parcel and needs the pole barn to store furniture and other items during work. “We’re gonna take everything out of the 2 houses and store it in there once that’s done,” Andrewjeski said, and added he plans to expand the primary dwelling so the accessory‑structure overage would be reduced when the house expansion is complete.
Board member Joe Bellman moved to approve both requested variances; Donnie Ritzma seconded. Voting recorded in the transcript shows Mister Byers, Doctor Lauck, Mister Rausch, Mister Ritzma and Mister Velman voting yes and Mister Tavernier voting no. The chair announced the variances granted and said written findings will be issued.
The board’s approval contrasts with staff’s conclusion that the ordinance’s size and height limits are adequate for long‑term residential storage needs and that no condition on the property justified a larger structure. The board did not record conditions attached to approval during the public hearing.
Next steps: staff will prepare written findings of fact reflecting the board’s decision. If the petitioner proceeds with the proposed house additions noted in the hearing, those changes will alter the property’s total accessory area as discussed by staff and the petitioner.
