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BZA approves Thrills RV special exception for sales, service and storage at 3600 E Lincoln Way
Summary
The Whitley County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception allowing RV sales, service and outdoor storage at 3600 E Lincoln Way, with conditions including 6‑ft screening, lighting controls, and limits on additional outdoor storage. The board removed a suggested hours‑of‑operation condition and approved 5–0.
The Whitley County Board of Zoning Appeals granted a special exception to permit RV sales, service and outdoor storage for Thrills RV at 3600 East Lincoln Way after staff recommended site‑specific conditions to reduce impacts on adjacent residential properties.
Planning staff described the property as general‑commercial with an approved development plan. Because outdoor storage is unusual for general commercial unless specially approved, staff proposed conditions including a six‑foot opaque or landscaped screen where the site abuts residences, lighting oriented and shielded to limit spillage onto adjacent properties and public rights‑of‑way, permissible use of gravel for storage areas (with paved required parking), and a prohibition on additional outdoor storage without further board approval.
Jared Hostetler, representing Thrills RV, told the board he prefers landscaping (year‑round shrubs) rather than a fence for buffering and described the on‑site pond that will help with stormwater management. He said the operator is not seeking bright, high‑glare display lighting and that some security lighting would be used behind the pond line.
Board member Doug moved approval with the suggested conditions; the motion was seconded and carried 5–0 after the board agreed to strike the suggested hours‑of‑operation condition.
Adopted conditions require maintained six‑foot screening between the storage area and the nearest residences, lighting controls to prevent light spill in excess of 0.5 foot‑candles on adjacent properties, allowable gravel surface for storage areas with paved required parking areas, no additional outdoor storage without further approval, and an enclosed dumpster if one is installed.
The decision allows the petitioner to proceed with the site plan subject to the listed conditions and any building or environmental permits required by other agencies.
