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LaPorte BZA approves small‑lot setback variances for Elm Drive home, adds five‑year short‑term‑rental restriction
Summary
The board granted setbacks and coverage variances for a 50‑foot Elm Drive lot to allow a larger family home, 4-1, after neighbors raised concerns about parking, proximity and stormwater; approval includes a condition banning short‑term rentals for five years.
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances Tuesday allowing construction of a larger single-family house on a narrow Elm Drive lot but attached a condition barring short-term rentals for five years.
Peter Byrne, the buyer identified in the petition, asked the board for multiple variances on a 50-foot-wide lot in Center Township (parcel listed in the petition). Byrne asked to reduce one side-yard setback from 10 feet to 6 feet, to allow a front sloped setback ranging 6–18 feet where the ordinance requires 25 feet, and to increase building coverage from 35% to 40% and lot coverage from 45% to 55%. Byrne said the buildable width constrained the layout and that a slightly wider façade would avoid a dominant front-loading garage and provide a more balanced residence for his family.
Neighbors who live near the lot urged caution. John Ellis, who said he is building next door, said he was uncertain about exact lot lines, expressed concern that street parking could increase and said he had no information demonstrating the variance would not harm adjacent property values. ‘‘We certainly haven't heard any evidence to show that my property values won't go down by having a house that is 6 feet closer to me than the law allows,’’ Ellis said. Nick Ellis, who lives across the street, called a possible six-foot front setback “alarming” and said it would not be complementary to the neighborhood.
Byrne said he would work with county stormwater staff and design the project so runoff remains on the lot; President Mischke reminded the applicant that compliance with the county’s MS‑4 stormwater rules is required if the petition is approved. The Building Commissioner noted the lot resembles other lake-area lots that are frequently legal nonconforming in their dimensions.
Board member Eric Pointon moved to approve the variances with the added condition that the property not be used for short-term rentals for five years; Jeff Baltes seconded. The motion carried 4-1. The BZA then adjourned.
What happens next: the petitioner and his builder must obtain required permits, comply with stormwater (MS‑4) requirements and coordinate with county inspectors before construction begins. The board record notes the approval and condition.
