Board allows two‑lot split at East 63rd Street after neighbors raise survey and drainage concerns

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously granted a petition on July 24 to split a deep parcel on East 63rd Street into two smaller lots (one 21,801 sq ft and the other 18,177 sq ft) so the property owner can build a new single‑family home behind an existing 1974 house. The variance (26LSV139906) reduces the parcel sizes below the usual D1 standard but, according to the petitioner and staff, the other development standards (setbacks, frontage, open space) can be met in subsequent plan review.

Several neighbors objected or sought clarification. Wayne Collins (speaker 5) said the stakes placed by the project survey left his garage within about three feet of a recorded boundary and asked for a continuance while he arranges an independent survey and counsel. Collins also raised construction‑period concerns (truck access, drainage and standing water pooling in his backyard) and said he worried about long‑term property‑value effects.

Renee Raflow explained the board’s narrow role: it was deciding whether to allow the smaller lots; detailed technical issues such as stormwater design, driveway curb cuts and architecture are handled during plan review and permit processing. Staff and the petitioner’s surveyor/representative said the stamped survey conforms with Indiana Administrative Code accuracy standards and noted a recorded 10‑foot nonexclusive utility easement from 1994 that post‑dates the existing house and explains why some measured lines appear close to the structure. Staff emphasized that boundary disputes between neighbors are civil matters that do not stop the board from ruling on a variance.

The board approved the lot split; staff reminded neighbors that the petitioner must still complete required plat recording, stormwater, utilities and architectural review before permits are issued. Neighbors were encouraged to pursue any private survey or title remedies they believe necessary.