Katheryn L. Mickem petitioned the BZA for a use variance to allow a beauty shop in a Residential-2 zoning district at 221 S. Harrison St.

The property is surrounded by other R-2 zonings, City Planner Justin Taylor told the Board. Within a half block to the southwest there are industrial uses, and two parcels to the east is a commercial heating and cooling company.

The shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the petitioner expects one to two clients at a time, Taylor said. There will be one other employee besides Mickem sharing the space.

Mickem is proposing adding to the existing structure to create space for the beauty shop and plans to expand the driveway to create two additional parking spaces. This expansion will meet minimum requirements for a beauty shop according to city code, information to the BZA states. The parcel’s ingress and egress are via the alley and will not create extra traffic strain on the surrounding area.

If approved, the beauty shop will comply with all regulations regarding home occupations in an R-2 zoning district with the exception of employees needing to be family members residing on the property. This includes being allowed one sign not exceeding one square foot in area, non-illuminated and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building, Taylor said.

Based on the information presented, Taylor said it was the opinion of the Warsaw Planning Department that this request should be viewed favorably.

The Board had no questions about the petition and there were no remonstrators.

The petitioner was present but declined to comment.

Board member Tammy Dalton made a motion to approve the use variance. Board member Dan Smith seconded it and it was approved.