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Votes at a glance: LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals approves multiple variances, tables Yellowstone Solar case
Summary
At the June 16 meeting the board approved several variances and special exceptions (lot consolidations, accessory structures, temporary camper occupancy, lot splits) and denied one accessory‑structure setback request without prejudice; the Yellowstone Solar special‑exception petition was tabled to July 21.
LaPorte County’s Board of Zoning Appeals resolved a series of development petitions on June 16 while postponing a high‑profile solar special‑exception.
Key outcomes (board action recorded at the hearing): - Aaron Johnson: Approved variance for front setback (to 10 ft) and waterway/rear setback (to 12 ft) conditional on the consolidation of four contiguous lots and a five‑year prohibition on short‑term rentals (applicant accepted conditions). - Steven Valek: Approved special exception to keep two horses on 2.319 acres (board cited precedent for similar petitions). - Emery Investments / Bonin split: Approved a two‑parcel split of a 29‑acre site for operational separation; counsel and owner explained a federal EPA notice of lien remains an encumbrance and will follow the land if present. - Brett Quigley: Approved a 30×60 pole‑barn variance for personal storage on a parcel not considered conducive for a residence. - Eric Dorr: Approved temporary full‑time occupancy of a 45‑ft trailer (under roof) for up to 12 months while finishing a barndominium; the trailer is to be connected to permanent power, propane and an inspected septic system. - Mary and Dick Shepherd: Approved placement of a 14×16 prebuilt shed in the front yard because of constrained rear‑yard space. - Travis Wallen: Transcript records a split decision on a 30×40 pole barn and camper occupancy; a motion failing in a split vote is recorded in the hearing. - Patrick Strolzick: Request for a 40×48 accessory structure with 3‑ft rear setback and 5‑ft side setback was denied without prejudice; the board waived filing fees so the applicant may return with revised plans.
The board’s vote to table the Yellowstone Solar petition — a 100‑MW, ~300‑acre development proposal — moves the project off the immediate agenda until the July 21 hearing, after building‑department staff digitize the applicant’s large supplemental binder and departments review technical reports. That tabling leaves in place the developer’s commitments recorded during the hearing (decommissioning bond, road‑use agreements to be negotiated with county commissioners, emergency‑response training and certain landscaping and setback promises), but it imposes an explicit requirement that staff and the public be given time to review the new materials before the board acts.
For procedural questions, the building department said the binder of materials provided at the meeting will be made available as public records and posted digitally when feasible. The board also asked applicants in future cases to provide large technical submissions sufficiently ahead of hearings so members and county reviewers can meaningfully evaluate them.
Ending: Several petitions were granted with conditions; one was denied without prejudice; the Yellowstone Solar special‑exception was tabled to July 21 for further review.
