2008 E. Center St.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals approved four requests related to two properties at their meeting held Monday, Sept. 24. 

In the first of two cases presented by Petitioner Bennie Banghart, a request was made for a variance from developmental standards to permit an accessory structure to be located closer to the front property line than the primary structure. The property is located at 618 Webber Street in Warsaw. The petitioner initially wanted to place a garage behind her house, but because she does not have a paved alley this was not an option. 

The Public Works Department stated that because of budget limitations they are unable to pave new alleyways at this time. The cost of creating a new alleyway is significantly higher than maintaining an existing alley.

This property is designated as urban residential. Additions to homes in this area should be encouraged to maintain value in a competitive market. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance would not be affected in a substantially adverse manner. The proposed accessory building will not exceed the permitted lot coverage of 50 percent.

The planning department feels that denial of this variance would constitute an unnecessary hardship for the property owner because she does not have an economically viable way to locate her garage in the rear of her property. Based on the information provided, the planning department concluded that this case could be viewed favorably. 

In Banghart’s second request, she asked for a 16-foot variance from a 25-foot front yard setback. Banghart stated she wants to construct a detached garage closer to the front property line than permitted in an R-2 zoning district. This neighborhood, like other historic neighborhoods in the city, has many properties that do not adhere to the current setback ordinance. There are several examples of houses on the same block that have existing non-conforming setbacks. The planning department determined that having a 16-foot setback would not be out of character with adjacent properties and determined that this case could be viewed favorably. 

The second petitioner, Brian Peterson, submitted a request to exceed the allowed 16 square footage and 4-foot height sign requirements in an R-3 district. The proposed sign will be 36.5 square feet and 6 feet in height. This property, located at 2008 E. Center Street in Warsaw, is within the overlay district along the Center Street corridor. The overlay district is designated to encourage professional uses while retaining some of the residential characteristics in this area. Signs are used to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment, enabling the city to attract sources of economic development. The implementation of a sign this size would not negatively impact the line of vision for drivers entering and exiting the site.

There are numerous businesses along the Center Street corridor that have signs approximately the same size. The planning department made the recommendation that this case could be viewed favorably, when measured by the criteria outlined within the findings of fact.

Peterson also requested approval for a second free-standing sign in an R-3 district. This is in reference to the same lot along the Center Street corridor. It was determined that allowing Peterson to have a freestanding sign, in addition to the existing wall sign, would not be out of character for this area. Many other businesses along this corridor have both sign types displayed for their businesses. Based on the information provided, the planning department noted that this case could be viewed favorably.

Other News:

• The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22.

618 Webber St.