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LaPorte County BZA approves most variances, denies one accessory building request without prejudice
Summary
At its June 16 meeting the LaPorte County BZA approved multiple lot splits and accessory structure variances, granted a two‑horse exemption and allowed time‑limited temporary occupancy for one build‑in‑progress; one accessory‑building variance was denied without prejudice and applicants were advised to return with a revised plan.
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals cleared a slate of local land‑use requests on June 16, approving several variances and parcel splits while denying one accessory‑structure variance without prejudice.
Decisions of note: - A variance for Aaron and Megan Johnson to reduce front and waterway setbacks and to combine four lots was approved 4–1; the board conditioned approval on recording a lot combination and a five‑year prohibition on short‑term rental. Attorney Christopher Willoughby, speaking at the meeting, said the parties had agreed to the lot‑combination condition.
- A special exception allowing Stephen Valich to keep two horses on a 2.319‑acre lot was granted unanimously after counsel confirmed the BZA’s historical practice on such requests.
- Emory Investments’ requested 2‑parcel split (from a 29‑acre tract) was approved; counsel disclosed a notice of federal lien filed by the U.S. EPA that will remain associated with the property and run with the land after any split.
- Several accessory‑structure requests were granted for private storage and farm uses: a 30×60 pole barn for private vehicle storage (Quigley), a 14×16 front‑yard shed (Shepherd), and a 45‑foot trailer used as a time‑limited temporary residence while a primary residence is finished (Dhoore). The temporary occupancy was approved for up to 12 months and will be subject to verified septic and permanent power hookups.
- One accessory building request at Fish Lake (Patrick and Shannon Strelczyk) proposing a 40×48 structure with reduced rear and house setbacks was denied without prejudice; the board suggested alternate designs (attach to the house or reduce the footprint) and waived a re‑filing fee so the applicants can return with a revised plan.
Building Commissioner Michael Polan told the board he would digitize and post a large set of materials submitted for the Yellowstone Solar petition and make the binder available at the building office; Attorney Voeltz reminded petitioners that large exhibit sets should be provided to the board before hearings to allow adequate review.
What this means: Most applicants received local relief, but the board repeatedly conditioned approvals on standard permit‑level reviews (setback verification, septic/power hookups, and formal recording of lot combinations or deed restrictions). Applicants with unresolved federal issues (an EPA lien was disclosed on one split) were told those matters remain subject to federal process and do not preclude the local land‑use approval recorded by the BZA.
The session adjourned at about 9:29 p.m.
