Wabash board approves front‑garage setback variance for Billings at 1681 North Miami Street

The Wabash Board of Zoning Appeals voted April 16 to grant Scott and Lisa Billings a variance to add a one‑car front garage at 1681 North Miami Street, reducing the property's front setback to 20 feet where the zoning ordinance requires 30 feet.

Scott Billings told the board the project is "just a one‑car garage" intended to house his truck and that the addition would be about 22 1/2 by 17 feet and built on the existing porch footprint, extending the facade by roughly 2 feet. He said the family has considered cancelling the work because it will affect their view but for now plans to proceed. The applicant also said he had asked nearby neighbors and received no objections.

Board members asked for siting details and how the addition would relate to the existing two‑car garage; Billings clarified the new one‑car bay would be on the front and that the driveway faces Miami Street. A board member asked about porch plans; Billings said the addition would replace the existing front porch rather than project beyond the current garage face.

Before voting, Mr. Layman explained the board's written‑ballot procedure: members first "vote to vote," then complete a public, signed ballot that answers eight factual yes/no questions used to determine whether a variance meets required findings (for example, whether the variance would increase hazards such as fire or flood). He said any conflicting answer on required questions defeats the request and that completed ballots are retained as a public record.

After discussion the board moved to vote; the written ballots were tallied and the board approved the Billings variance unanimously.

The measure approved allows the front one‑car addition as presented. Copies of the ballots and the file are available in the board's public records.