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Board approves setback variance for Derek Block’s Sweetwater Lake lot
Summary
The Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals approved docket 26-VAR-02, granting Derek Block variances from side and rear residential setback requirements at 64300 Oriole Drive in the Sweetwater Lake addition. Board members debated precedent for approvals on irregular lake lots before approving the request.
The Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals on March 25 approved a setback variance for Derek Block, who had requested reduced side and rear setbacks to locate a new home at 64300 Oriole Drive in the Sweetwater Lake addition.
Planning staff presented findings showing the petitioner sought an aggregate side-yard width of about 14 feet 6 inches where the zoning ordinance requires 25 feet, and a rear setback of about 16 feet 7½ inches where 25 feet is required. Staff said the property is zoned Lake Residential, is outside mapped flood hazard area, and that the petitioner holds an Indiana Department of Health approval for a three-bedroom septic system with conditions. Staff noted other reduced setbacks exist in the conservancy district and recommended the board decide whether approval would be materially injurious to adjacent properties.
The petitioner, Derek Block, identified himself as the property owner and explained that lot shape and existing garage placement constrained a home plan; he said an architect and consulting firm had been involved and that his septic design had been reviewed by the county health contact referenced in the packet.
Board members questioned whether the house plan and septic layout had been fully overlaid and expressed concern about setting precedent where many lake lots are irregular. One member said the board “routinely approve[s] these” requests, while another urged consideration of a clearer consistent policy. After discussion the board moved to approve docket 26-VAR-02. The roll-call vote recorded multiple yes votes and one no; the board directed staff to mail an approval letter to the petitioner.
By approving the variance, the board allowed the petitioner to build with the reduced side and rear setbacks specified in the application. Staff and members noted the petitioner should ensure the approved septic and related site improvements fit the chosen building footprint and meet the conditions in the permit.
The approval concludes the board’s action on docket 26-VAR-02; staff will send formal written notice to the petitioner and the project will proceed subject to any conditions noted in the approval.
