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Board grants Aldi parking variance, limiting required stalls to 98 with conditions
Summary
Warrick County's BZA approved a variance allowing an Aldi supermarket to provide 98 parking spaces rather than the county's 180-space minimum, imposing standard findings and conditions including permits, compliance with zoning, utility easements, and a six-month variance expiration.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance that lets a proposed Aldi supermarket in Gateway Business Park provide 98 parking spaces instead of the Warrick County minimum of 180.
Staff described the site (Lot 1, Gateway Business Park, Ohio Township) and noted public notice was mailed; the board received one emailed remonstration from Mike Rekelhoff expressing concern that the reduction could set a precedent for future developments.
John McLean (applicant representative) told the board that Aldi’s experience typically shows an optimal range of about 90 to 100 parking spaces — often around 95 — and explained the county ordinance calculation (one space per 100 square feet in excess of 500 square feet). McLean and other developers said some existing Aldi locations operate successfully with fewer than the county’s required number of stalls and that the 2.75-acre site provides room for potential future expansion of parking if necessary.
A board member identified as Jeff moved to approve the variance after reading the statutory findings — that the grant would not injure public health or welfare, would not substantially harm adjacent property values, that the hardship is unique to the property, and that the variance is the minimum modification needed. The motion included conditions: improvement location permit and building permit must be obtained; the property must remain in compliance with Warrick County zoning; all utility easements must be in place; and the variance shall expire six months after issuance unless incorporated into a permit or renewed in writing. Sherry Sherman seconded the motion and the board carried it on voice vote.
A Delta/Crownmark representative, Evan Beck, said the supermarket fits long-range plans for the site and would support residential density in the area. The applicants said they are targeting a mid-October opening.
