Board approves special exception for duplex at 521 South Main Street

The Kokomo Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special exception allowing a duplex to be built at 521 South Main Street after the petitioner presented findings and staff recommended approval.

Petitioner Rachel McAlveen, who identified herself and gave an address for the record, told the board the proposal "will be built to best Kokomo building codes and standards both structurally and aesthetically" and that the duplex "will provide more housing that is of quality and appeal." She said the buildings meet minimum front and side setback requirements and that the project will include parking areas behind the building to avoid on-street disruption.

Staff member Mister Scheelein read the staff findings recommending approval, saying the structure would meet inspection specifications before receiving a certificate of occupancy and would "not be injurious to public health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the community." Scheelein noted the proposal includes two garage areas and parking pads behind the building and said the project would infill a vacant lot in an area the Kokomo comprehensive plan earmarks for higher-density residential or general commercial uses.

The Chair asked whether any board member had ex parte communications; none were reported. With no questions from the board or the public, the board voted in favor of the motion to approve. The transcript records the Chair announcing the motion approved; individual roll-call tallies were not specified in the meeting record.

The approval implements a special exception under section 3.15 of the zoning ordinance to permit a multifamily dwelling (duplex) in the applicable zoning district. No additional conditions or amendments to the petition were recorded in the transcript.