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Board conditionally approves barn-to-house conversion; requires proof of recorded easement or maintenance agreement
Summary
The BZA granted variance relief to convert an existing pole barn into a primary residence (a 'barndominium') but required the petitioner to show a recorded ingress/egress easement for the private access road and suggested a property‑maintenance agreement as a condition to address dust and shared-driveway impacts.
The Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing conversion of an existing pole barn into a primary residence but attached a key condition: the petitioner must show proof of a recorded ingress/egress easement for the private driveway that serves multiple properties, and the board recommended a recorded maintenance agreement to address long-term responsibilities.
Zachary Fleming said the large existing pole barn sits on a parcel adjacent to R-1 lots and that the building was present when he purchased the property. Staff explained the barndominium ordinance’s triggers (storage or garage footprint greater than 50% of living space) and why the BZA needs to judge fit in the R-1-adjacent context rather than treat it as a typical special exception.
Neighbors raised access concerns, dust and safety at the narrow private lane, and said adding households could increase traffic and maintenance needs. One neighbor said historic approvals in the 1980s limited further development, and others noted the lack of a recorded maintenance agreement for the drive. The board discussed precedent and recommended the petitioner either produce an existing recorded easement or record one; approval was conditioned on the demonstration of recorded ingress/egress rights (and the board left the maintenance-agreement detail to be worked out with staff and other property owners).
The board’s motion to approve the variance included the contingency that the petitioner provide proof of a recorded easement and, if necessary, record one; staff and the board will verify the documentation before final permit issuance.
