Board allows 335‑square‑foot efficiency at East Beardsley with variance

The Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals granted a developmental variance to allow an additional residential unit of 335 square feet at 933 East Beardsley Avenue, where Section 6.2 sets a 750‑square‑foot minimum for dwelling units.

Petitioners Steve and Don McGrath asked the board to recognize an existing basement unit that contains a kitchen area, bathroom and private entrance. Don McGrath said the space was converted from an office and now includes “a sink and a little mini fridge,” adding it is similar to an extended‑stay efficiency and that the site has ample off‑street parking.

Staff reported the property is zoned R‑5 (urban residential, multiple family), abuts the St. Joe River, and was built in 1973 per tax records. Staff said the property currently has six off‑street parking spaces and that the kitchen and bathroom existed when the petitioner purchased the property. In its recommendation, staff said the variance would not be injurious to public health or safety, that the surrounding area contains single‑family and multifamily homes, and that the requested unit size is “typical size for an efficiency unit.”

Staff told the board it had mailed 55 letters and received three in favor and one opposed; there was also one telephone call in favor. A board member asked whether windows exist in the unit; staff confirmed there are two windows. The board approved the variance and adopted the petitioners’ documents together with staff findings.

The approval allows the owner to register the unit as a legal dwelling unit subject to building permits and inspections; the unit must still meet applicable building and safety codes.