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Board approves special use and setback variances for recovery residence at 335 Kent Avenue
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Summary
The board granted DZA 426, allowing a residential facility at 335 Kent Avenue with variances reducing alley rear and south setbacks; staff recommended approval pending engineering and building inspection sign-off and the petitioner described onsite management and community-service commitments.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved DZA 426, granting a special use for a residential facility at 335 Kent Avenue in an R-1 single-family district and approving requested variances for setback reductions, subject to Department of Engineering and building inspection approval.
Staff said the petitioner, identified in the record as Benjamin (Ben) Evanger, requested the special use for a residential facility for persons requiring special consideration and variances reducing the alley rear setback and the south setback to bring existing structures into compliance. The assessor's office confirmed a detached garage slab and staff recommended conditions including parking and inspection sign-off.
Ben said the facility has operated for a few months with a small resident population (about three residents) and that a code-of-conduct and weekly community-service requirement are in place. He described partnerships with local recovery resources including Wabash Valley Recovery Center and Bethany House and said an on-site manager — a graduate of a local recovery program — lives on the premises to provide 24/7 oversight. Ben said the garage was built on an existing slab and that he obtained lot combinations to consolidate parcels.
Staff and a Department of Engineering representative discussed permitting and enforcement: recovery houses require annual permits and inspections, occupancy checks, and can have permits revoked if the facility becomes a nuisance. The board asked for confirmation of manager qualifications, life-safety inspections and parking availability.
After discussion a motion to approve DZA 426 with staff conditions passed by oral vote. Staff advised the petitioner to obtain the required permits through the municipal online portal and complete required inspections.
