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Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals approves RV‑storage variance at 17198 Southeastern Parkway
Summary
The Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance allowing RV storage at 17198 Southeastern Parkway, limiting storage to the northern parcel, capping occupancy at 33 units, requiring a maintained gravel surface, and ordering the approval recorded with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office.
The Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a land‑use variance allowing recreational‑vehicle storage at 17198 Southeastern Parkway, with conditions intended to limit its scope and preserve nearby residential character.
Dwayne Gerdy, who said his parents Richard and Linda own the property, told the board the site has been in the family about 75–80 years and that a northern portion of the lots has hosted commercial vehicle storage since at least the 1970s. "I'm Dwayne Gerdy, and my parents own the property," he told the board while describing how RV storage grew informally after neighbors with restrictive HOAs sought nearby parking.
Luke Smith, zoning administrator for the City of Fishers (filling in for Grace Wiley), told the board the request is for a variance from Section 5.1.5 of the city's Unified Development Ordinance to allow RV storage on a lot zoned R2 single‑family residential. Smith said staff recommended approval with conditions and noted the Fishers 2040 plan designates the site as a neighborhood service center. "The variance request does not conflict with the comprehensive plan," he said.
Board members pressed for clarity on when the RV storage began, the difference between historical truck storage and the more recent RV use, surface materials, screening, unit counts, and whether approval should be limited to the current owners. Smith said aerial records show commercial truck storage on the northern parcel since about 1974 and that the RV use began approximately five years ago; he also explained that nonconforming‑use protections depend on when the use began relative to zoning changes.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve case PA 26‑2 with the following conditions: RV storage must be located entirely on the northern parcel; parked vehicles must be on a maintained gravel surface (the board referenced city millings already present); approval must be recorded with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office; the approval runs with the family's ownership/heirs and would require reapproval if sold outside the family; and the number of stored vehicles is capped at 33. The motion was seconded, passed unanimously by voice vote, and the board adjourned.
The approval does not create a change to the UDO itself; it is a site‑specific variance with explicit conditions set by the board. No public comments were received during the hearing, and the board did not adopt additional screening or fencing requirements beyond noting existing tree lines and nearby buildings that partially screen the site.
Next procedural steps: the applicant or property owner must ensure recording of the approval with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office in accordance with the board's condition; any future owner who is not a family heir would need to seek a new variance or otherwise come into compliance with the UDO.
