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Commission delays decision on second‑home variance for Marlin Slabaugh, requests rezoning/subdivision options
Summary
The commission continued a variance request for a proposed second residence, asking the petitioner to explore rezoning to A2 or narrower covenants and return on May 12 with more information; neighbors largely supported the family‑use proposal.
The Kosciusko County Plan Commission continued a request for a second‑residence variance for property owned by Marlin Slabaugh, asking the petitioner to return to the May 12 meeting with either a rezoning/subdivision plan or tighter covenants.
Staff and the petitioner’s representative, Steve Schneider, explained the request arose because the owner wishes to build a downsizing residence for elderly parents on the same five‑acre parcel and place covenants limiting occupancy to family members. Schneider noted the petitioner had sought additional property to meet setback requirements and that covenants would trigger platting requirements if the back house were ever sold to a non‑family member.
Neighbors who attended largely supported the request, saying the second residence is a longstanding local practice, particularly among Amish families in the area. One neighbor urged the commission to require rezoning and subdivision before granting a variance to avoid future enforcement problems; board members likewise asked whether covenant language and title‑company practice would reliably prevent later splits.
The commission said covenants are only effective when properly drafted and recorded; members recommended the petitioner either pursue rezoning to A2 and a two‑lot plat or draft enforceable covenants that would require rezoning and platting before any separate sale. The matter was continued to the May 12 hearing to allow the petitioner to produce a rezoning/subdivision plan or revised covenants for the board and staff to review.
The continuation preserves the status quo while the petitioner develops options and gives staff time to prepare suggested covenant language or a rezoning review.
