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Porter County approves parcel consolidation and enclosed-storage use for commercial 'boomerang' site, with drainage easement
Summary
Porter County approved combining two small commercial parcels into one 1.5-acre site for enclosed storage use, conditioned on a drainage easement, dedication of a 40-foot right-of-way related to Willow Creek Parkway planning, and assurance that storage buildings will be fully enclosed with no outdoor storage allowed.
Porter County planning officials voted to approve Case DDDash2026-2 (referenced in the hearing also as 3DX2026-2), allowing consolidation of two parcels into a single 1.5-acre commercial site and permitting enclosed storage buildings provided the applicant finalizes a drainage easement and adheres to enclosure/no-outdoor-storage conditions.
Attorney and applicant representatives described the site as a mixed-use 'boomerang' parcel that historically housed automotive repair operations and accessory structures. The applicant said recent drainage infrastructure improvements — including larger pipes and manholes — have reduced historic on-site flooding, but that a formal drainage easement has been prepared and is intended to be finalized and recorded as a condition of approval.
Union Township Trustee George Topol spoke during public comment to ask how the planned Willow Creek Parkway extension and nearby drainage investments would affect the parcel and nearby community park. Topol said the township had invested in drainage work and sought clarity on potential impacts. The applicant said they would dedicate a 40-foot right-of-way as part of the project and that primary users (including Wallace Auto) intend to remain on site.
Board members and staff discussed past permitting and accessory-structure designations, potential tax/stormwater efficiencies from parcel consolidation, and the permitted use: the panel emphasized the decision authorizes enclosed (indoor) storage and that outdoor storage would not be permitted unless the owner returns for a different use approval. The applicant also acknowledged an instance where a contractor began pole-barn construction before permits were finalized; the owner said the permits had not been paid/picked up, and the board discussed remedies.
The board approved the consolidation and use with conditions requiring the drainage easement language to be finalized and recorded and that storage buildings be fully enclosed; staff noted exhibits and drainage calculations are available for the record.
