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Board approves bait-and-tackle special exception at 2185 North Etna Road with conditions
Summary
The Whitley County Board approved a special exception allowing part of an existing garage at 2185 North Etna Road to operate as a bait-and-tackle shop, subject to conditions on parking surface, hours and signage; staff and neighbors flagged driveway visibility and traffic-safety concerns.
On March 24, 2026 the Whitley County Board of Zoning Appeals approved petition 26 WSE6, allowing a bait-and-tackle shop to operate from a portion of an existing garage at 2185 North Etna Road in the AG zoning district, subject to staff-recommended conditions.
Staff told the board the site is roughly 3.5 acres and previously received two home-occupation special exceptions; the current request converts a roughly 12-by-24-foot portion of a garage to retail to sell bait, tackle, snacks and related items. Staff described proposed operating hours (in-season opening as early as 5:30 a.m.; offseason 7:00 a.m. start), parking arranged to allow boat and trailer maneuvering, and noted the highway department may require a drive-cut permit or signage if parking is placed adjacent to the right-of-way. Staff recommended conditions addressing surfacing (gravel acceptable in AG but must be maintained), hours and lighting and signage standards.
Petitioner Jason Barbick described local demand — "we have 35 lakes in this county and no bait shop anymore" — and said he plans accessible parking and turnaround space so vehicles with boats can enter and leave without backing onto Etna Road. Several residents spoke in favor, citing local need; some commissioners and neighbors raised safety and sight-distance concerns at the driveway, and board members discussed options such as a loop driveway or additional clearing to improve visibility. The board moved and seconded to approve the special exception with the seven suggested staff conditions; the motion passed unanimously by voice/hand vote.
The approval includes conditions on parking surfacing, hours of operation, orientation of exterior lighting, signage complying with the sign code, and maintenance requirements. The highway department must review any drive-access or parallel-parking proposals that affect the public right-of-way before final permits are issued.
