Board grants use variance for 114 S. 14th St., imposes three conditions

The Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals voted July 23 to grant a use variance for 114 South 14th Street (petition 26‑05), allowing residential use in a B‑2 zone and several reduced setbacks, subject to three conditions the board adopted.

Attorney Adam Swarden presented an updated site plan and said the variances are tied to existing, legally nonconforming conditions and a proposed garage off the alley. Neighbor Donna Donnelly of 116 South 14th said she worried that new pavement could worsen drainage onto her lower lot. Swarden responded that no driveway or parking is planned on the south side and that the proposed garage and pad are located off the alley, arguing the existing sidewalk actually pitches water away from the house and helps drainage.

Staff and department heads recommended three conditions: agree on the lot‑coverage calculation, remove the existing concrete pad/sidewalk on the north side if necessary, and limit the side‑yard setback relief to the principal structure so decks and accessory structures do not encroach. A motion to close the public hearing and grant the variance with those conditions carried on the board vote. "So with that, I'd make a motion to close the public hearing, grant the use variance subject to the 3 conditions so stated," a board member said; the motion was seconded and approved.