The Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 1, 2024, at 6:30 pm. They began the meeting with the election of their 2024 officers. The 2024 Officers are President- Rick Hoeing, Vice President- Paul Stone, and Secretary-Joyce Brindley.
The board had three petitions to review this evening.
*BZA Petition 2023-7 – Roy Saylor requested a “Variance” from provisions of the Decatur County 5 (R) not to require sidewalks and a “Variance” from provisions of the Decatur Subdivision Control Ordinance #30 County Subdivision Control Ordinance #305 (W) to not require curb and gutters for 6 lots on Kentucky Ave. The petitioner currently owns the property and is located West of 207 W Kentucky Ave, Westport in Sand Creek Township. After much discussion from the petitioner’s representatives and the board, it was decided that they would approve the Variance stating that they will not require sidewalks. The town of Westport submitted a letter that they do not wish to stand in the way of this project and left the final decision up to the BZA. However, the Variance request to not require curb and gutters was tabled pending the outcome of the Drainage Study.
* BZA Petition 2024- 4 – Brian Gard requested a “Conditional Use” to operate a performance & suspension business in an existing structure. The request falls under Decatur County Ordinance 935(2). The property is currently owned by the petitioner and is located at 945 E Barachel Lane, Greensburg in Washington Township. Mr. Gard stated that he wishes to make this a retirement venture and will work in a philanthropic nature and work with area churches to help those who cannot afford to get their vehicles fixed he would try to help. He also stated that he will be working with high school students to help them with internship opportunities. The board approved the Conditional Use with the following guidelines:
- No more than 6 customer vehicles at any time
- Normal operating hours of M-F 9a-5p with occasional later hours and the occasional Saturday.
- Three-year conditional Use instead of the normal 5.
* BZA Petition 2024-5 – Trevor & Peggy Cook requested a “Variance” from the required 70’ (from the center of the road) front setback to approx. 29’ from the center of the road to add an 8’ x 14’ front porch. The request falls under Decatur County Ordinance 945. The property is currently owned by the petitioners and is located at 4176 S County Rd 20 W, Greensburg in Marion Township. The petition was approved.
The meeting was adjourned.