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Decatur County board grants setback variance for Sam Ruff to expand garage
Summary
The Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance March 4 allowing Sam Ruff to reduce the required setback from 70 feet to 23 feet to attach a 28-by-60-foot addition to an existing garage, citing septic placement and terrain constraints; board members noted sightline and safety considerations but voted to approve.
The Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals on March 4 approved a variance allowing Sam Ruff to reduce the required setback from 70 feet to 23 feet to attach a 28-by-60-foot addition to an existing garage at 9597 East County Road 550 North.
Ruff told the board he owns slightly more than five acres and has “exhausted all options” for siting a larger building because his septic system and leach lines run just south of the current garage. "Our septic system actually runs just south of the current garage...it really blocks the only flat land that I have," Ruff said, explaining that pushing the addition elsewhere would require removing an acre of trees and substantial earthwork.
A board member questioned safety because the property sits on the inside of a curve, but said sightlines and recent tree clearing reduced the hazard: the member noted vehicles backing out of Ruff’s driveway would have clear views both directions and that the proposed addition would sit on the inside of the curve rather than the outside, which lessens the risk of a vehicle striking the structure.
Board discussion touched on measured distances and site geometry; Ruff said the northeast side of the addition would be approximately 23 feet from the center of the road and about 15–17 feet from the road edge after staking. He also said situating the addition where he proposes would avoid tearing down a sound existing garage.
After questions and brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to vote on BCA 2026-2. The board recorded voice votes in favor and approved the variance. The chair reminded Ruff he must still follow the county’s building permit process to complete the project.
The board cited Decatur County ordinance language governing setback variances during the hearing; the motion carried by voice vote. The decision allows Ruff to proceed with the planned attachment subject to permitting requirements.
