Peru zoning board approves variance to site double-wide home parallel to lot at 61 Shields Avenue

The Peru Zoning Board voted to approve a special-exceptions variance allowing a double-wide manufactured home to be placed parallel to the property line at 61 Shields Avenue.

Loretta Turner, the applicant, told the board she plans to place the trailer on an empty lot so her mother-in-law can live nearby but not in the primary house. "We are bringing our mother-in-law, here to reside with us, but not in our structure," Turner said, explaining she wants the unit oriented toward the backyard to fit the lot layout.

Board members confirmed the lot lies in a flood zone and reminded Turner the variance only covers orientation; she must still meet flood-elevation, skirting and other building-code requirements. The chair said the board’s decision exempts the requirement that the unit face the street but does not waive any other building- or safety-related codes.

According to the meeting record, the chair moved to approve the variance and the roll call returned unanimous 'Yes' votes from members present. The board did not specify a formal timeline for construction; Turner was told to follow requirements from the building department and to secure any necessary permits.

The approval resolves an immediate siting question but leaves in place other regulatory obligations, including elevation in the floodplain and skirting standards.