Board approves special exception for new jail site near existing sheriff’s office

The Kokomo City Board of Zoning and Appeals on March 3, 2026 approved a special exception (case P2SE26) requested by the Howard County Economic Redevelopment Commission to locate a jail and an expanded sheriff’s office at 750 South Dixon Road.

Petitioner representative Jeff Leinsky, identified on the record as a Howard County commissioner, read the petition’s findings of fact, saying the project will be “a state‑of‑the‑art facility” with a life span of more than 50 years that will improve response times and provide upgraded jail security and training opportunities. Leinsky and staff emphasized that the site neighbors the existing sheriff’s office and the Robert J. Kenzie Youth Center and argued the proposal would not substantially change conditions in the area.

Staff agreed, reading findings that the property is “the most suitable one for this purpose,” noting it adjoins the existing jail and touches about 15 residential properties. Staff said the proposed buildings meet setback requirements and recommended conditions addressing fencing and landscaping. A staff speaker noted the property includes a small floodplain corner that will remain undeveloped and serve as a natural buffer.

Board members pressed the project team on security and visual impacts. Architect Eric Wlin said some portions of the site will be screened and that “there is no intent to put in chain link, barb wire, or razor wire at this facility,” and described the vehicle control as a gate arm rather than a large sliding gate. The design team said the building is sited to the south and west of the parcel to maximize distance from nearby homes, citing approximately a 300–325 foot buffer to the nearest residential property in the plan.

Nearby residents asked about timing and disclosures. Resident Jeff Campbell said he intends to sell his house because the facility will be visible from his front door; a project representative said the team hopes to break ground in the fall (September or October) if permitting proceeds as planned. The project team said additional site‑plan review, with elevations and detailed visuals, will return to the board before construction proceeds.

After hearing petitioner and staff findings and public comment, the board called for a voice vote and approved the special exception. The board did not record individual roll‑call votes; the approval was announced as carried by voice vote.

The board’s decision allows the petitioner to proceed to subsequent permitting and site‑plan approval processes; detailed design and any required fence variance will be addressed in later hearings or administrative reviews.