The residence at 530 Crestlane Drive, Warsaw, was denied a use variance.

WARSAW — The majority of the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Monday, Aug. 28 was spent discussing a use variance for 530 Crestlane Drive, Warsaw. The residence is an an R-1 zone and the current owner, Aaron Hooks, has been running a woodworking business from inside the garage.

On May 5, the city received a complaint call regarding noise and sawdust coming from the residence. Hooks admitted to constructing furniture in his garage for the past 9 years. This call was the only complaint on record regarding the residence.

Hooks spoke during the meeting, stating that he has recently gained employment and the woodworking business would be slowing down in the future. He further stated that he would only do future business with his garage door down to lessen the noise and sawdust in the neighborhood.

“I’m basically asking for the opportunity to make furniture for families, friends, repeat customers and maybe some new customers,” said Hooks. “I’m certainly not looking to increase business, obviously I won’t have the time.”

Many neighbors attended the meeting to speak for and against the variance. In total, four neighbors spoke up for the variance and seven neighbors spoke against the variance.

“It wasn’t until recently that I even realized he owned a business. I’ve never heard a power tool or anything,” said neighbor Andy Cochran who was for the variance. “I probably make just as much noise working on my stuff as he does.”

Neighbors who were against the variance had many concerns including the noise, sawdust, fire safety and property values.

Rick Orban offered to show the board a video he took inside his own garage last Saturday. He said the video would show how loud the work is and that business has not stopped since the complaint.

“It doesn’t make sense to have a residential area where six days a week saws are going off,” said Orban. “I don’t see why I should have to blow sawdust off the side of my house, off my car and off my driveway.”

In the end, the board sided against the variance. Board President Tom Allen reiterated that the residence is an a R-1 zoning district, which he referred to as the most sacred of zoning districts.

“We’re pro business, but businesses need to be in a business area,” said Allen.

The board voted unanimously against the variance and the Hooks will no longer be able to conduct business in the residence.

In other news:

• A variance was granted to Aaron Dellinger for a parcel of land on Country Club Lane. The future property will be allowed a 20 foot setback from both the rear and front of the residence instead of the typical 25 foot setback.
• The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 in City Hall.