Board approves garage‑setback variance and a secondary dwelling special exception

At its April 28 meeting the Whitley County Board of Zoning Appeals approved two land‑use petitions: a variance for a detached garage at 2045 East Crampton Road (26WVAR4) and a special exception for a secondary dwelling unit at 2614 North Binkley Road (26WSE8).

26WVAR4: Staff said the petitioner seeks to replace two small sheds with a 24‑by‑24 detached garage at the Lake Residential (LR) property. The proposed garage would be placed close to the road and would need variances because proposed east and south setbacks would be approximately 2 feet, requiring relief from a 5‑foot side and a 15‑foot rear/roadside requirement. Staff noted the lot’s steep grade (about 20 percent) and driveway constraints as practical difficulties that limit where a garage can be sited. Brian McMillan, representing Scott and Michelle Gray, said the addition would "be in keeping with the community" and help provide safer parking aligned with the street. The board voted to grant the variance with no additional conditions; the motion passed unanimously.

26WSE8: Staff described petition 26WSE8 for a secondary dwelling unit on a roughly 65‑acre agricultural parcel at 2614 North Binkley Road. The proposal would convert existing living quarters inside a pole barn to a secondary unit while constructing a new single‑level primary residence elsewhere on the parcel. Petitioner Chad Mikesell (listed in the agenda as Chad and Jody Mikesell) said the unit would likely house family members for an unspecified period. Staff recommended three standard conditions for special exceptions; the board approved the petition with those conditions by unanimous vote.

Both approvals were recorded during the meeting; board members and staff noted that these approvals are limited to the configurations presented and that any expansion or change would require return to the board for further review.