BZA grants Painted Hill setback variance to allow Stohring family room addition

Martinsville, Ind. — The Morgan County Board of Zoning Appeals on March 23 approved a development-standard variance (DDash26Dash04) allowing a room addition that will encroach into the side-yard setback at 4190 East Lakeview Drive in Painted Hill Subdivision.

Mike Duquette of Duquette Remodeling, speaking for property owner Linda Stohring, told the board the family intends to add a room on the west side of the home to accommodate gatherings; the addition would encroach into a 5-foot setback because there is insufficient space to expand on the opposite side of the house. “We were seeking to do a room addition on the west side of their home, which would get into the 5-foot setback,” Duquette said.

Chair read the staff report saying the addition is designed to complement the existing structure, the health department raised no objections, and the owner holds the adjacent lots (so no neighboring owners would be affected). The surveyor cautioned that GIS-based lot lines were assumed and the actual property lines may differ; staff noted a lack of a recorded survey and that the addition could cross lot lines unless a boundary survey is completed.

A board member moved to approve petition DDash26Dash04 with findings that the facts were true; Jason Maxwell seconded and the board approved the variance by voice vote. The record shows unanimous approval by voice; individual roll-call votes were not recorded.

The board attached no additional conditions in the meeting minutes. Staff recommended the applicant obtain any necessary surveys or permits before construction.