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BZA approves school façade variance, tables homeowner fence and schedules garage hearing
Summary
At the July 14 sessions the Board of Zoning Appeals approved a façade void‑area variance for the school project at 8700 Columbia Ave, continued a homeowner fence variance to Aug. 11, and set a garage‑addition variance for hearing in August.
Members of Munster’s Board of Zoning Appeals and planning staff handled several neighborhood applications July 14.
The board approved BZA 26‑003, a variance for the school district’s multipurpose/athletic facility at 8700 Columbia Ave, after the project team supplied revised drawings and the board accepted the applicant’s calculation that a rear high wall may be included in the facade void‑area calculation. Sean Begley and Morgan Nolan presented on behalf of the project.
EZA 26‑005, a homeowner request by George Thompson to construct a privacy fence that encroaches into the front‑yard area at 1439 Fairway Drive, generated questions about sight‑distance, setbacks and the town’s 50% openness requirement for front‑yard fences. A neighbor spoke in favor of the fence. The board asked the applicant to provide measured dimensions, setbacks and a survey; members voted to continue the public hearing to the August 11 meeting and directed staff to notify neighbors.
BZA 26‑006, an application by Leticia and Ignacio Carreno to add a 336‑square‑foot garage (bringing combined accessory structure area to about 960 sq ft) was set for public hearing on August 11 to allow staff to complete a report and circulate materials. Commissioners discussed square‑footage overage, depth and proximity to the house; applicant said the larger bay is needed for a large pickup truck.
The board also postponed findings of fact for several earlier matters while legal and staff transitions were resolved. The next BZA/planning meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.
