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BZA approves indoor-first used-car dealership on US-20 with conditions
Summary
The Board granted a special-exception request for Indie Homes to operate an indoor-focused used-car dealership at 806 W. US-20, subject to conditions including impervious-surface limits, prohibition on on-site repairs, and required fire-suppression compliance and INDOT driveway permits.
The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals on March 10 approved a special-exception use allowing Indie Homes 100-S22 Series LLC to operate a used-car sales business at 806 West US-20, with conditions addressing stormwater, fire safety and operations.
Attorney Nathan Viss described the proposed operation as an indoor-first dealership with up to 20 vehicles stored inside a 20,000-square-foot building, and up to 25 vehicles stacked outside; he said the operation would emphasize indoor, internet-driven sales and not perform major vehicle repairs on-site.
Planning staff reviewed departmental comments and recommended approval with conditions: keep impervious coverage below 85% of the lot, prohibit vehicle repair/maintenance and large quantities of flammable liquids or paint storage on-site, and comply with any fire-suppression/sprinkler requirements set by the fire marshal before opening. The engineering department noted the property is on an INDOT route and required the petitioner to obtain an INDOT driveway permit for the US-20 access.
The board adopted staff findings and conditions and voted unanimously to approve the special exception. The planning department noted the change of use will not materially alter corridor traffic patterns given the site’s existing commercial and light-industrial context and that utilities are adequate for the proposed operation.
The petitioner must secure any necessary INDOT approvals and satisfy fire-marshal requirements — including any sprinklers or suppression equipment required for occupancy — before operating. Those technical approvals are conditions of the board’s motion and must be documented with the planning director.
