Board of Zoning Appeals grants lot-width variance for Gail Megan Hart (petition 2026-01)

The Vermillion County Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously May 14 to grant variance petition 2026-01 to petitioner Gail Megan Hart, allowing a buildable house on a 3.69-acre parcel that measures about 177.5 feet in width where the UDO requires 200 feet.

During a public hearing and the board’s findings of fact, President Robert Lindsay led the board through three required findings. The board concluded the variance would not be injurious to public health or welfare and would not substantially harm adjoining property values; the board also found that strict application of the width requirement would cause practical difficulties that would prevent reasonable use of the property. "This parcel has plenty of room for septic and for the house," the president stated while reading the findings.

Each of the three findings carried by unanimous vote and the board ordered that petition 2026-01 be granted "subject to any conditions stated in the minutes," which the board incorporated by reference. The petitioner was informed she may proceed to apply for a building permit; staff also noted outstanding 911/addressing questions that the county will resolve as a condition of final permitting.

Key technical details recorded in the hearing: the parcel area is 3.69 acres; measured width cited in the record is approximately 177.5 feet; the petitioner reported a soil evaluation and a 75-foot new well and said she had obtained or was preparing septic approvals with the health department.