Jasper zoning board approves three variances for contractor warehouse, additional accessory structure and metal-clad pool building

The Jasper Board of Zoning Appeals on July 1 unanimously granted three variances that will allow new and expanded accessory and contractor-related buildings in the city.

In the evening's first decision the board approved a variance for a proposed two-bay contractor's warehouse on East 12th Street after hearing from petitioner Andy Smith. Smith, who identified himself as owner and operator of Cornerstone Rentals, told the board the 2,500-square-foot building is intended to support his downtown revitalization and contracting work and that the site's steep rear topography constrains buildable area. He requested a reduced east-side setback of 15 feet and a reduced front setback of 12 to 15 feet measured from the roadway (he said the building would be 25 feet from the street line by another measure). Smith said the purchase contract for the lot is contingent on approval of the variance and that he had spoken with adjoining neighbors about property-line concerns.

The board's motion to grant the setback variances was made by member Dennis Tedro, seconded by Julie Duchess and approved by voice vote. The chair read findings that strict application of the Unified Development Ordinance (Ordinance 2016-30) would cause practical difficulties for the property and that the relief would not injure public health, safety or the general welfare.

The second approval allowed homeowner Mike Hope to add a third accessory structure at 449 East Timberland Lane to store an RV. Hope told the board he owns about 3.5 acres, already has two accessory buildings (a small pool building and a detached garage) and plans a new structure that will meet setback and height limits (he said the planned height is under the 22-foot restriction). The board approved the variance on a motion by Tedro, seconded by Andy Smith. The board again issued findings that the variance met the ordinance criteria.

The final approved variance concerned a proposed detached pool structure for Kurt and Treva (transcribed as Trevor) Heis at North Shiloh Road. The Heises asked to waive the UDO's brick-veneer design requirement for accessory structures larger than 300 square feet and instead use metal cladding. Trevor Heis showed photographs of neighboring structures that predate the 2016 UDO and said brick veneer would add an estimated $10,000 in cost. The board granted the design variance on a motion by Julie Duchess, seconded by Dennis Tedro, and read the same set of findings supporting relief.

All three motions passed by voice vote with the five board members present (Julie Duchess, Blake Krueger, Andy Smith, Dennis Tedro and D. Kendrick); one member (Jerry Miller) was absent. The board announced its next meeting for Aug. 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned.

What this means: the approvals clear the way, subject to any building permits and final plan approvals, for the contractor's warehouse parcel on East 12th Street, an additional accessory building at the Timberland Lane property, and a metal-clad pool outbuilding on North Shiloh Road. The board's written findings say each variance meets the ordinance criteria, including that strict application would produce practical difficulties for the property owners.

The Unified Development Ordinance referenced by the board was Ordinance No. 2016-30 (Jasper Unified Development Ordinance). No remonstrators or written objections were recorded in the meeting minutes for these items.