Hammond BZA approves reduced front-yard setback for Columbia Avenue duplex at 5829 Columbia Avenue

On April 26, 2026, the Hammond Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals approved a developmental variance to reduce the front-yard setback at 5829 Columbia Avenue from the required 25 feet to 15 feet to allow construction of a two-unit duplex.

City staff told the board the property is in an R-2 (one- and two-family residential) district within the Pullman Standard National Register Historic District and recommended the variance, saying the proposed placement would bring the new building into alignment with the prevailing setbacks on the block. "Staff has reviewed the petitioner's request and recommends that the BZA grant the developmental variance should the board feel the petitioners met the standards subject to the following condition, technical review and final approval of all final building and site plans by city staff," the staff member stated.

The petitioner was represented at the hearing by Roberto Garcia, who said he lives at 613 Hoffman Street and was representing Maurice Dawkins on behalf of Nextdoor Developers. Garcia described the project as a duplex and told the board, "If we have a 15 foot setback, which doesn't meet the minimum requirements, and I know that the requirements is of 25 feet. So I think it's that's that's what I was told." He added the project is intended to be compatible with the neighborhood.

A board member moved to approve the variance "with the conditions as written," a motion seconded by staff; the board approved the variance with the additional inclusion of an anti-theft recommendation. The board approved the motion by all members present. Final building and site plans must undergo technical review and receive staff approval before permits may be issued.