Warrick County BZA approves variance allowing Schafer garage on Ebbly Road

The Warrick County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a variance for Barry and Laurie Schafer to construct a 24-by-32-foot garage with a 10-by-32-foot porch at 9999 Ebbly Road.

Board members recited the standard findings of fact in support of the variance, saying the grant would not be injurious to public health and welfare, would not substantially harm adjacent property values, and that a strict application of the county zoning ordinance would impose a practical difficulty unique to the site. The board attached routine conditions: the applicant must obtain an improvement location permit and a building permit, comply with the county zoning ordinance and utility easements, and file a plot plan. The board noted the variance will expire six months after the decision unless the permit is obtained or the variance conditions are met.

During testimony, Barry Schafer said the new structure will be heated, will not include living facilities, and will be used for storage and personal projects. "It's gonna be kinda like catty corner to it," Schafer said of the garage's placement relative to an existing structure. He described the building as space for a truck, stored wood and for working on "pinball machines and jukeboxes and stuff that I'd work on." Staff reported notices were sent and that the application was in order; no neighbors called in with objections during the board's review.

Member Jeff Valiant moved to approve the variance and member Jeff Willis seconded. The board took a voice vote; the chair announced the motion carried. Staff said they would prepare the approval paperwork in the office for the applicant to pick up and allowed the applicant to proceed with permit application the following day.

The board also noted the applicant owns an adjacent lot where he lives and said the property configuration and existing structures were factors supporting a hardship finding. The board emphasized that, if the lots were later recombined, additional accessory buildings would be restricted under the ordinance.

Next steps: staff will finalize approval documents and the applicant may apply for the required permits; the variance conditions require compliance with the listed permits and the plot plan on file.