Muncie Board of Zoning Appeals approves sign and property variances, hears community-center plan

The Delaware–Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals approved a series of variances at its April monthly meeting, clearing sign and site changes for commercial projects, several accessory-building requests for homeowners and a 5,000-square-foot community center addition for Greater Mount Calvary Church.

In the meeting’s most contested vote, the board granted a variance to allow a 21-foot pole sign for a proposed McDonald’s at the southeast corner of Macedonia Avenue and 29th Street, approving the application 5–2. Dan Olson of Upstream Design Group said the application represented a compromise after earlier proposals and that visibility limitations caused by lot shape, multiple frontage easements and an on-site billboard left only a narrow location for effective signage. “Visibility is paramount,” Olson said; “we’re trying to get visibility through the site” so a quick-service restaurant can rely on impulse traffic.

The board also approved variances for two new restaurants. Ellen Broyles, representing Smalls Sliders and the Flower Bin Inc. at 211 W. McGalliard Road, told the board she was “agnostic to a sidewalk versus a greenbelt” but that the applicant planned a 6-foot sidewalk to improve pedestrian access; the board approved the greenbelt and foundation variances with conditions and the requirement that staff and permitting approvals be completed before the business opens (vote 7–0).

Homeowner requests for accessory structures and additions won board approval across several cases. Chris (Christopher) Hyatt received a height variance for an auxiliary building to accommodate a vehicle that requires a 16-foot sidewall; Hyatt said the building would peak at about 23 feet and measured about 36 by 64 feet, and the board approved that variance 5–2. Troy and Jerry Tucker’s request for a steel three-bay garage and other accessory variances was approved 7–0 with a condition that the structure be used for personal storage only. Todd and Eva Marsh likewise received approval to build a large personal garage on their property (7–0).

A church expansion drew strong support. Mason Olsen, architect for the Greater Mount Calvary Church, described a planned 5,000-square-foot Charles Edward Cody Family Life Center that would include a gymnasium, food pantry and after-school programming; Mayor Dan Ridenour and county staff voiced support and the board approved the reduced setback needed for the addition (7–0).

One application — for permission to keep more than four chickens on a property in Monroe Township (Azucina Carolina Lucero Martinez) — was withdrawn after staff and the applicant discovered inconsistencies between the application and the numbers discussed at the hearing. Staff told the applicant the board could only approve what was requested on the application and advised refiling with corrected figures.

Votes at a glance • BZA04-26 (McDonald’s, sign variance): approved, 5–2. • BZA10-26 (Flower Bin Inc./Smalls Sliders, reduced greenbelt/foundation): approved, 7–0. • BZA12-26 (Chris Hyatt, increased building height for auxiliary building): approved, 5–2. • BZA13-26 (Tucker, accessory-structure variances): approved, 7–0 (personal-storage condition). • BZA14-26 (Lotus Muncie LLC, pole sign refacing/reduction): approved, 5–2. • BZA15-26 (Azucina Carolina Lucero Martinez, farm animals/chickens): withdrawn for refiling; no action. • BZA17-26 (Guest, attached dwelling addition): approved, 7–0 (conditions clarifying nonrental use and permitting). • BZA18-26 (Greater Mount Calvary Church, life-center addition/reduced setback): approved, 7–0. • BZA19-26 (Newsom, temporary mobile home while building): approved, 7–0 (temporary, applicant-only conditions). • BZA20-26 (Marsh, accessory-structure area): approved, 7–0 (personal-storage condition).

Why it matters: The approvals ease immediate development pressures around commercial corridors and remove procedural barriers for homeowners and community organizations seeking expanded or replacement structures. Several approvals included conditions requiring final permits and coordination with building, fire and health departments; staff told applicants certification or permit packets will follow.

Next steps: Staff said certifications of approval will be issued to successful applicants so they may apply for required permits; the board’s office also announced a related public meeting next week hosted by INDOT on a proposed roundabout at State Road 3 and Wheeling Pike. The board adjourned after the director’s report.