WARSAW — At the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting Monday, May 22, three matters were brought before the board.

The first was regarding a variance of use at 601 E. Smith St., Warsaw, to permit a church in a C-2 zoning district. Churches are not permitted in this district although the characteristics of a C-2 zoning district tend to be conducive to this type of use. Joseph Gough, a representative of New Horizon Community Church, attended the meeting and spoke to board members. Gough stated that church members have most recently been meeting at Tourmaline in downtown Warsaw. Gough said their congregation is relatively small, consisting of approximately 30-35 members and that the zoning request is the first step in the process of relocating their congregation.

“We’ve been meeting as a church for the past year or so. Our goal is to be engaged and involved in the community. We want to be a positive resource in the community,” said Gough.

Assistant City Planner Justin Taylor stated that, based on the information provided and the findings of fact, he would recommend granting approval for the variance of use request. This was approved by board members.

The second was a variance of use request from Sam and Beverly Brown regarding a lot at 1051 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. The Browns requested a variance to allow auto sales in a C-2 zoning district. Currently, automotive sales are only permitted in C-3 and C-5 zoning districts. The site is completely paved so the petitioners would not need to add additional impervious surface to accommodate the requested use.

The property has historically been used for auto sales. When the current owners purchased the property in 1995, the property was being used for auto sales. They now wish to resume using this location for automotive sales.

Board members approved the request.

The third matter of business was a request for a variance from development standards by Rob Edling, owner of Rob’s Carpet Care, Warsaw. Edling requested permission to allow for more than one freestanding sign in a C-3 zoning district. Taylor stated that while on site measuring the existing freestanding sign, he noticed a non-permitted banner sign for Rob’s Carpet Care attached to the gate and presented a photo of the gate. Taylor suggested that Edling either request a temporary sign permit or remove the nonconforming sign. Edling said he was not aware that the banner sign was in violation and said he would take steps to bring this into compliance. Board members pointed out that it appeared from Taylor’s photo that there are other banner signs attached to the gate as well and asked if those banners are also in violation. Taylor said they will be reaching out to some people to address this.

Edling explained that he rents space in the back of the building and that clients often are not aware of where they should go to drop off area rugs and furniture. Edling said he needs a sign that can be seen from the road, both to advertise his business and to help guide customers to the proper area. Edling stated the main sign for the building displays the names of all business located in the front section of the building and it is completely full so he is unable to advertise his business on that sign. Board members agreed that was a valid reason for Edling’s request and they approved the request.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 7:00 Monday, June 26.
• April minutes were approved.