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Hammond BZA approves two development variances to allow attached garages and narrower lots
Summary
The Hammond City Board of Zoning Appeals approved developmental variances for two South Hammond lots to permit reduced rear setbacks for attached garages (Z‑26‑01) and a lot‑width reduction from 60 to 50 feet (V‑26‑02) for a new single‑family home, both on unanimous 5–0 votes and with staff conditions for final surveys and technical review.
The Hammond City Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to approve two developmental variances affecting single‑family housing in South Hammond. First Metropolitan Builders received a variance (Z‑26‑01) to reduce the required rear‑yard setback from 20 feet to 11 feet for two adjacent lots at 5517 and 5521 Sewell Avenue to accommodate attached two‑car garages. Separately, the board approved V‑26‑02, allowing a reduction of minimum lot width from 60 to 50 feet at 7372 Nebraska Court so a 1,200‑square‑foot house could be built consistent with nearby homes.
Staff presentation and applicant testimony framed both approvals as measures to allow modern, marketable homes while keeping neighborhood patterns. "It's only 44 feet wide and 110 feet deep," Jay Leeser of First Metropolitan Builders said of the Sewell Avenue lots, explaining the need to reduce the rear setback to fit an attached garage and interior amenities. Planning staff told the board that the alleyway and existing utility easements limit options for detached garages.
Staff recommended approval of Z‑26‑01 and provided a proposed finding of facts. The board adopted the staff report and then voted on the variance; roll call showed five yes votes, zero no votes and the motion passed. For V‑26‑02, staff described a 1956 subdivision plat for Grand Hessville Heights that includes a 30‑foot front 'build‑to' line and a 14‑foot rear utility easement. Staff recommended approval for the lot‑width variance but attached three conditions: (1) final technical review and city staff approval of all final building and site plans, (2) submission of a professionally drawn, up‑to‑date plat of survey, and (3) compliance with the Grand Hessville Heights platted 30‑foot front yard build‑to line and maintenance of the 14‑foot rear utility easement clear of buildings. The board adopted staff's findings and voted 5–0 to approve V‑26‑02 with those conditions.
The approvals authorize the petitioners to proceed toward permitting and construction, subject to the stated reviews and a recorded finding of facts. Two other cases on the agenda (Z‑26‑03 and Z‑26‑04) were not heard because notice requirements had not been met; staff advised petitioners to complete notifications and return at the next meeting.
Votes at a glance: Z‑26‑01 (First Metropolitan Builders: 5517 & 5521 Sewell Ave.) — Motion to adopt staff findings and approve the developmental variance: passed, roll call 5–0. V‑26‑02 (7372 Nebraska Court) — Motion to adopt staff findings and approve lot‑width variance subject to three staff conditions: passed, roll call 5–0.
Next steps: petitioners must satisfy the staff conditions (surveys, technical plan review and easement/front‑setback compliance) before final permits are issued. The board did not discuss timelines for building permits at the meeting.
