Merrillville board approves variance for homeowner to expand attached garage

The Town of Merrillville zoning board on the evening of the meeting approved a variance allowing a homeowner to expand an existing attached garage at 8250 East 95th Place.

The petitioner, Chris Curtis, told the board he seeks a 20-foot addition to create a three-car garage and said he had spoken with neighbors about the plan. Staff reported the subject property is approximately 1.67 acres in an R1 single-family zoning district and that the existing garage measures about 29 by 28 feet (approximately 812 square feet). The proposed addition is 20 by 24 feet (about 480 square feet), which would bring the total garage area to roughly 1,292 square feet. Staff said the addition would be designed to match the home’s existing architectural style and materials and that the request is for a variance from development standards in section 21-773 of the town code.

Board members asked practical questions about construction and utilities; Curtis said the garage floor and an extended driveway will be concrete and that electrical service will come from the existing garage, noting his son — an electrician — would handle the wiring. Neighbors who spoke during the public-comment period offered brief, supportive remarks about the property and neighborhood; no speakers objected to the petition.

A board member moved to approve the variance; another member seconded the motion. The chair conducted a roll-call vote and recorded 'yes' votes from Jeff Smike, Christopher Melon, Pete Gibb, William Buyers and Tim Fortier. The board approved the variance.

After the vote staff advised Curtis to submit plan copies and a permit application to begin work. Curtis said he expects to move into the house and that he and his wife hope to list their current home for sale soon.