Bloomington Board Approves Variance for Driveway Access on Lindbergh Drive

The Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals convened on December 19, 2024, to discuss a significant variance request that could impact local residents. The proposal seeks to allow a property on Lindbergh Drive to have direct driveway access from the street rather than from the alley, as currently mandated by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

The property in question is situated in an R2 medium-density residential zone, surrounded by similar zoning to the north, south, and west, while multifamily housing managed by the Bloomington Housing Authority lies across the street. The request arises from the discovery of a karst feature on the property, which necessitated the establishment of a karst conservancy easement that occupies the rear portion of the lot. This easement restricts land-disturbing activities, making it impractical to comply with the UDO's requirement for alley access.

The Board's review highlighted that granting the variance would not harm public health or safety. The proposed driveway would be positioned more than 50 feet from the nearest intersection, ensuring minimal impact on pedestrian safety, especially since there are no sidewalks on that side of Lindbergh Drive. Additionally, the surrounding streets are classified as neighborhood residential, characterized by lower traffic and high visibility.

The Board also noted that other properties in the area have successfully utilized street access instead of alley access, indicating that the change would not adversely affect the use or value of adjacent properties. The character of the neighborhood is expected to remain stable with the addition of this driveway.

In conclusion, the Board recommended the approval of the variance, emphasizing that the strict application of the UDO would create practical difficulties for the property owner. The decision aligns with the community's needs and aims to facilitate reasonable access while respecting environmental considerations. The Board's next steps will involve ensuring that the driveway design adheres to the specified guidelines discussed during the meeting.