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Board approves temporary portable classrooms for Mission Christian Academy with conditions
Summary
The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals approved a two-year variance allowing Mission Christian Academy to install four portable classrooms at 13095 Publishers Drive, subject to conditions including recording the approval with the Hamilton County Recorder and a requirement that the school secure permanent space or expand to serve up to 700 students by July 2028.
Jerry Akerman, the petitioner for Mission Christian Academy, told the Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals on June 25 that the school at 13095 Publishers Drive has been at that location for nearly five years and has "created 40 full-time jobs, 20 part-time jobs serving about 400 families." He asked the board to approve a variance to allow four temporary portable classrooms for two years to address the school's enrollment growth.
Grace Wiley, senior planner for the City of Fishers, summarized the request as a variance from UDO section 5.6.2.B.3 and said staff had issued a temporary use permit in August 2024 for two portables that expires in 2026 and cannot be renewed without a variance. Wiley told the board that staff had no formal recommendation for approval or denial but provided recommended conditions if the board chose to approve the petition, including recording the approval with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office and requirements for ongoing maintenance and replacement of damaged skirting or paint.
Akerman said the two additional portables would be sited near the existing portables on a wide former truck-dock area at the rear of the property. He said the school is coordinating with Fishers Police (working with Jason Beasley) to stagger pick-up and drop-off times and to direct traffic, and that the portable area would be fenced when installed. He also said the school intends to pursue an internal or external expansion or acquire permanent alternative space so that temporary classrooms would not be necessary after the two-year period.
During discussion the board asked for clarification on expansion plans and pedestrian safety; Akerman replied his architect (George Small) is preparing designs and that the school expects to begin work promptly to meet the two-year timeline. No public speakers appeared for this petition.
A board member moved to approve VA-26-4 with the staff-recommended conditions (recording with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office; maintenance requirements; no continuation of temporary space after July 2028 unless permanent accommodations are secured to house up to 700 students) and an added fencing requirement. The motion received a second and passed on recorded roll call.
The board's approval allows Mission Christian Academy to install a total of four portable classrooms for two years under the stated conditions. The board emphasized the time-limited nature of the approval and the requirement that the school provide permanent accommodations or alternate space by July 2028.
