Long Beach Board advances Dunn variance for 1808 Ridgemoor to public hearing

The Long Beach Board of Zoning Appeals held a preliminary hearing July 8 for a variance petition filed by Dennis and Elizabeth Dunn seeking permission to build a new home on a nonconforming lot at 1808 Ridgemoor and moved the petition to a public hearing.

The petition, read into the record by Board President Seth McCormick, seeks relief from multiple development standards in sections 154.127 and 154.057 (setbacks, height, lot size and coverage) to allow construction on a lot the applicant representative described as 5,655.3 square feet when the standard zoning lot size is 12,000 square feet. Gary Green, who said he was “with Geo Green and associate home builders representing the Duns,” told the board the existing house is beyond its useful life and a tree fell into it last fall. “The property is 5,655.3 square foot that we’re working with. I know the normal zoning lot size would be 12,000,” Green said.

Why it matters: The applicants asked to retain an existing lot coverage of 44.4 percent where the ordinance calls for 35 percent and to allow reduced side yards (6 feet) and a 15‑foot front yard setback where the current front sits at about 12 feet 8 inches. Green said the plan would update a subgrade septic system, expand the drain field and meet the La Porte County Health Department’s 10‑foot separation requirement for the proposed three‑bedroom layout.

Board members asked technical questions about a deck, the driveway/road labeled Courtway Lane on the survey, and whether concrete drive area is included in coverage calculations. Green confirmed the deck exists, that the lane functions like a driveway for the neighbor, and that concrete drive square footage is counted in the parcel’s coverage. The petitioners said they had explored shore‑up options but preferred to replace the structure and “invest in the community.” Elizabeth Dunn told the board, “We want to make the community better. We don’t want to put some big house up there that’s not Long Beach … We really respect the community.”

After discussion, President Seth McCormick moved to advance the petition to a public hearing; a board member seconded and the board approved by voice vote. McCormick instructed the petitioners to meet all notice and posting requirements, pick up the required signs and green cards from the clerk, and return for the public hearing, which the board indicated would be scheduled for its August meeting.

Next steps: The petitioners must complete the required public‑notice steps and return for the public hearing where the board will consider written findings and public comment. If the board ultimately approves a variance, the applicants will present the decision to the Building Commission when pursuing permits.