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Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals approves variances including a kennel limited to 10 dogs
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Summary
At its April 14 meeting the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals approved five requests: a second residence for dependent care, a manufactured-home replacement, a 10-dog kennel special use, a lot split for family care, and a home-based transport business. Each item passed after staff reports, public comment and roll-call votes.
The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 14 approved five land-use requests after staff presentations, public comment and unanimous roll-call votes.
Staff introduced case 26BZA07 for Steve and Lori Hosey, who sought a variance to add a second attached residence on 168354 B Road to provide long-term care for two neurodivergent children. Staff recommended approval, citing adequate density and minimal neighbor impact. Applicant Steve Hosey described the property’s existing occupational-therapy pole barn and the family’s care needs, saying, “It's called RSACS,” a progressive neurodegenerative condition, and that the secondary unit would offer independence while keeping the children nearby. A neighbor spoke in support. A board member moved to approve the variance and the motion carried on a roll-call vote.
The board also approved case 26BZA08, allowing replacement of a single-wide manufactured home with a larger double-wide at 4120 West Shore Drive within the existing footprint. Staff noted the buildable strip near a lake channel and concluded the change would not injure public health or neighboring property values. The public hearing drew no speakers and the board voted to grant the variance.
In a more contested item, the board granted case 26BZA09, a special-use request from Lauren Koons to operate a kennel at 1342 Plymouth Ocean Trail for 8–10 dogs. Staff recommended approval, noting an adjacent approved kennel and adequate buffering. Supporters included Caleb Ramer of the Indiana Council of Animal Welfare (ICAW), who described ICAW’s annual inspections and offered to host tours of chapter facilities. Correspondence from residents raised concerns about a clustering of kennels near the site and strain on the local humane society. Koons described the planned structure as a 12-by-24 insulated building on runners without running water and said she was “not looking for to stay at home just for dogs.” The board approved the special use with a condition limiting the site to 10 adult dogs.
Case 26BZA10 for James and Deborah Butler, requesting a lot split to create two 3.3-acre parcels to house family members and enable care of an elderly dependent, was approved. Applicant Deborah Butler said she was caring for her mother and sought to keep land in the family while providing nearby housing for support; staff and the board concluded the split would not substantially change the rural character.
Finally, the board approved case 26BZA11, allowing David Howard to operate a home-based transport/hauling business from 176184 B Road, including on-site parking for a truck and a 40-foot gooseneck trailer. Howard described interstate LTL work, DOT inspections and light on-site maintenance; staff and the technical review committee recommended approval and the board voted in favor.
Votes at a glance: 26BZA07 (Hosey) — approved; 26BZA08 (Carpenter) — approved; 26BZA09 (Koons, kennel) — approved with limit of 10 adult dogs; 26BZA10 (Butler) — approved; 26BZA11 (Howard) — approved. The board noted a citizen letter and said a compliance/violations matter will be considered at the May 12, 2026 meeting.
