Board approves pole barn variance with conditions tying parcel to primary structure

On June 24 the Porter Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing an accessory pole barn (24 by 34 feet) to remain on a parcel without a principal structure, subject to conditions designed to prevent the accessory parcel from being detached or sold separately.

Petitioner Rene Lime described clearing the property and requested the variance so the pole barn could remain while procedural alley-vacation issues are addressed. Staff explained a prior alley vacation left an unvacated 7-foot strip that requires additional council action; as a practical measure the board granted the variance but added protective conditions: the findings and decision must be recorded, the accessory parcel cannot be sold separately unless a principal structure is added, and if the alley vacation ultimately occurs the affected lots must be combined into a single legal parcel.

The motion carried on a unanimous roll call. The board instructed staff to prepare the written findings and record the conditions.