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Zionsville BZA denies lot‑coverage increase for Maple Street deck over village drainage concerns
Summary
A requested increase of lot coverage from 41.1% to 42.6% for a 90-square-foot deck at 190 North Maple Street was denied 5–0 after staff said the village already struggles with drainage problems; the petitioner said the deck was framed due to a permitting misunderstanding.
The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request to raise lot coverage at 190 North Maple Street to 42.6% to add a 10-by-9-foot deck, citing concerns that increasing impervious area would worsen longstanding drainage problems in the village. Staff recommended denial, saying the property already had 41.1% impervious surface and that the additional deck would aggravate an existing drainage issue.
Carl Bowling, the petitioner’s design representative, said the deck was framed because of a misunderstanding with the building-permit process and noted that older pavers had been removed previously to reduce impervious area. "When I built the room and then I framed the deck, I wasn't trying to slide nothing in," Bowling said, adding that he thought the deck was included in prior permits.
Board members who had supported removal of prior pavers said the new deck effectively restored impervious surface and could undermine the goal of reducing runoff in the village. A motion to deny passed 5–0.
The petitioner was advised to work with staff on permit processes for any future hardscape or sidewalk changes and may be required to revise plans if pursuing alternative, less-impervious designs.
