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Board denies request to keep campers and trailers on vacant lot; orders removal within 120 days
Summary
The board denied a petition allowing two campers and two trailers on vacant land at 10647 South Hundley Road, citing neighbor complaints about accumulated tires, scrap and lack of adequate notice to adjoining owners. The board ordered removal within 120 days and suggested building-department follow-up for citations.
LaPorte County’s Board of Zoning Appeals denied a petition to allow two campers and two trailers to remain on vacant property at 10647 South Hundley Road (Union Mills, Noble Township) without a dwelling, and ordered the applicants to remove the items and clean the site within 120 days.
Applicants who identified themselves as Sarah Leap and Theodor (Theodor/Theodore per transcript variants) said they had placed two campers and two trailers on the lot while clearing trees and preparing to build and that they did not intend to live there. Neighbors strongly remonstrated, presenting photographs and describing piles of tires, scrap metal, unregistered vehicles and two cargo trailers on the property. Several neighboring speakers said they had not received adjoining-owner notice and described the site as an ongoing eyesore and possible scrap operation rather than temporary clearance storage.
Board members questioned the applicants about the duration of storage, whether the campers were occupied (applicants said they were not), the origin and condition of tires, and plans to clean the property. The applicants said some tires were ATV tires tied to a hobby and intended to be covered; neighbors said large numbers of tires and accumulated material had appeared since the property transfer in 2022–23.
Following public comment, a board member moved to deny the petition. The motion carried and the board set a 120‑day deadline for removal of campers, trailers and accumulated junk. The presiding officer said the building department would be asked to inspect the property for possible citations related to junk, unregistered vehicles, and other violations.
The board’s action distinguishes between temporary clearing activity and ongoing material accumulation; the denial requires the applicants to remove the campers/trailers and to work with county code/building staff for compliance.
