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Board approves use variance for Williams’ historic farm event venue with hours and sign conditions
Summary
LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance allowing NLEJ Williams LLC/Monroe Lane LLC to operate a seasonal banquet/event venue at 9908 S. 300 W. The board added limits on hours (Mon–Thu by 8 p.m., Fri–Sat by 11 p.m., Sun by 9 p.m.) and a 4x8 soft-lit sign and directed applicants to coordinate with the building department.
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a use variance that will allow NLEJ Williams LLC, operating as Monroe Lane LLC, to operate a banquet hall and related event spaces at 9908 South 300 West in Union Mills.
Attorney Anthony Novak, representing Sarah and Ben Williams, told the board the Williamses purchased the more-than-150-year-old Lloyd family farm in 2024 and intend to preserve the property’s historic structures while offering three event options: a proposed new chapel-style building, a renovated bank barn with loft seating, and an outdoor pavilion. Novak said the proposed business would be seasonal and low-frequency, focused on smaller “micro” weddings and similar events, and argued the property’s remoteness would limit impacts on neighbors.
The board asked detailed questions about parking, lighting, signage and security. Ben and Sarah Williams said parking would use the south-side driveway, that they maintain two camera systems (one with Wi‑Fi, one without), and that they do not plan large or highly visible signage. Novak noted the applicants joined the Indiana Barn Foundation and had a foundation representative assess preservation needs.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the use variance with conditions drawn from the applicants’ representations: events may start as early as 9:00 a.m.; Monday–Thursday events must end by 8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday events must end by 11:00 p.m.; Sunday events must end by 9:00 p.m.; and exterior signage shall be no larger than 4 by 8 feet with soft lighting. The motion was seconded and carried. The presiding officer advised the applicants to coordinate next steps with the building department.
The board recorded no in‑room remonstrators but acknowledged written remonstrances that expressed concern about preserving the bank barn’s historic character. The Williamses said they intend to keep and restore the bank barn rather than demolish it.
The board’s action authorizes the limited event use under the specified hours and sign limits; applicants must follow applicable building and safety rules before operating.
