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Clinton County BZA approves Denning family accessory apartment in Jackson Township
Summary
The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception for Thomas and Johanna Denning to build a detached accessory apartment on a ~15‑acre agriculturally zoned lot after staff reported compliance with ordinance standards, a wetlands delineation, and a septic permit.
The Clinton County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special exception allowing Thomas and Johanna Denning to build a roughly 1,000‑square‑foot detached accessory apartment on a 15‑acre parcel in the Hollow Point Addition in Jackson Township. Staff told the board the site is agriculturally zoned, that a delineation dated 11/05/2025 concluded the proposed accessory structure site lacked jurisdictional wetland characteristics, and that the petitioners have an issued septic permit dated April 8.
Staff recommended approval after reviewing the unified development ordinance supplemental standards for accessory apartments and finding the proposal meets requirements including owner occupancy, maximum accessory size relative to the principal dwelling, setback compliance and adequate parking. Staff said the applicants intend the accessory apartment to house Thomas and Johanna Denning while the property owners (their parents) will remain in the primary dwelling.
Board members briefly questioned whether the accessory building’s location next to the shared drive and in front of the primary dwelling affected whether the unit appeared ‘‘clearly secondary in nature.’’ Staff replied the site’s wetlands and lot configuration left limited placement options and that the proposal still meets the ordinance standards. With no public opposition, Board member (speaker 4) moved to approve the application “according to the findings in the staff report, including the conditions,” the motion was seconded, and the board approved the special exception by roll call.
The approval includes standard conditions noted by staff: owner occupancy in either the primary dwelling or the accessory apartment, and that the apartment cannot be split onto its own parcel without completing the required subdivision process and meeting all subdivision standards. Staff said the applicant should work with county staff to obtain building permits and to ensure the structure meets residential building codes before construction begins.
The board moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.
