Local zoning hearing in Porter Township approves several accessory-structure variances, denies one and continues another

A local zoning hearing in Porter Township on accessory-structure variances ended with the board approving several height variances for pole barns and storage buildings, denying a requested side-yard setback reduction, and continuing one request so staff can inspect the site.

The session opened with routine business and the board reading public-hearing rules, then took up individual cases. An attorney representing Janet and Rex Veach argued that increasing an accessory structure’s maximum height from the 20-foot limit to the requested roughly 26-foot figure would have "pretty much nonexistent" visual impact because the building would sit more than 800 feet from US 231 and be mostly shielded by trees, the attorney said. The applicant, Janet Beach, confirmed the structure would be used for personal storage, not a business. After discussion the board approved the request (case DA2026-7).

The board then addressed a minor-subdivision filing presented by surveyor Rich Piazza on behalf of a family trust. Piazza said the proposal is to formalize existing lot lines rather than add new buildings; the application changed on the stand from a four-lot minor subdivision on the agenda to a three-lot configuration with a residual parcel. With no public opposition the board approved the subdivision-related variances that would legalize existing, nonconforming conditions (case listed on the agenda as DBDash20026Dash10/DBDash2026Dash1).

In a separate residential setback request, engineer Doug Redick and property owner Jeff Bushko asked the board to reduce a side-yard setback from 10 feet to 5 feet to fit a 30-by-22 accessory building and allow a standard overhead door without relocating an on-site septic field. Neighbor Ben Story spoke in opposition, saying the proposed placement was "too close to the property line" and raised concerns about fire safety and neighborhood character. The board noted the lack of demonstrated hardship and denied the setback variance (DVDash2026Dash11).

A large pole-barn proposal by Kyle (listed on the record with a Valparaiso address) sought a 3,200-square-foot building and extra height to accommodate RV doors. The board denied the floor-area variance but approved a height variance up to 22 feet 8 inches on condition the structure not be used for business or living quarters; the applicant agreed to a signed commitment to that effect (DVDash2026Dash13_floorarea_denied; DVDash2026Dash13_height_approved).

Christopher Walker asked to place an accessory structure in a front yard because his lot has two frontages and the rear is constrained by septic and wetlands. Neighbors raised aesthetic and tree-fall safety concerns; the board opted to inspect the property and continued the case rather than issue a decision at this meeting (DVDash2026Dash14_continued).

Finally, Jerry Feeser requested a 24-foot maximum height for a personal pole barn with a steeper roof pitch. The board reviewed neighborhood conditions, confirmed the structure would be for personal storage, and approved the 24-foot height with a signed letter of commitment limiting use to noncommercial, nonresidential purposes (DBDash2026Dash15_height_approved).

Votes were taken by voice; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript. Several approvals included the condition that the accessory buildings not be used as living quarters or businesses and require a signed commitment letter. The board said it will perform site inspections where needed before final permits are issued.

Next steps: one hearing was continued for an on-site review; approved applicants proceed to the permitting process and must submit signed commitment letters where required.