Noble County body approves special exception for accessory dwelling at Perry property

The Noble County Board approved a special exception for an accessory dwelling at 6019 West 650 North, allowing up to 1,200 square feet inside an existing barn-style accessory structure. The decision followed a staff presentation and testimony from the homeowner.

Staff told the board that the Perry application met the accessory-dwelling standards in the Unified Development Ordinance and supplied site plans and photographs. Building-inspector comments flagged items to resolve during permitting — including insulation or foundation work depending on whether the structure is post-frame or stick-built, and whether an interior space will count as a bedroom — but staff said these could be handled through the building-review process.

Catherine Carey, who identified herself as the homeowner, told the board the upstairs area above the garage had substantial insulation and that the plan includes a firewall and an internal remodel for a bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen. “We are looking to… do an accessory dwelling,” Carey said, adding that a family member would likely occupy the space.

A motion to approve special-exception 59599 was introduced from the floor and seconded; the board then read the required findings of fact as laid out in the ordinance and Indiana code. Individual members verbally affirmed each finding; the board recorded agreement across the required criteria and approved the exception.

Staff noted there were two comment cards on the file and that technical review responses were limited or not returned from some agencies (GIS, highway, health). The motion’s approval carries the normal condition that permitting and any building-construction issues be resolved through the building department’s plan-review process.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote. No formal remonstrator testimony against this application is recorded in the transcript.