Board of Zoning Appeals

CITY OF HOBART BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2017 Stuart Allen called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Members in attendance: Stuart Allen, Mark Kopil, Ron Jackson and Jason Spain. Member absent: Scott Gregory. Also present: Phil Gralik, City Engineer; Sergio Mendoza, City Planner and Joy Respecke, Recording Secretary. Carroll Lewis, Zoning Administrator also absent. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Spain motioned to approve the meeting of March 2, 2017 as presented, seconded by Mr. Kopil. All ayes, motion carried. (4-0) Communications/Acceptance of Agenda: Mr. Kopil motioned to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Jackson. All ayes, motion carried. (4-0) New Business 1. 17-10 Serenity Environmental Services (Petitioner/Agent) for property at 2521 W. 37th Ave. located on the SE corner of 37th Ave. & Brown St., Sec. 154.172, zoned B-3, 0.50 acre. Request: Public Hearing: Use Variance Purpose: To allow an unpermitted use of a proposed sewer & lift station cleaning service (Vac Truck Service) in a B-3 zone. Favorable Rec X Unfavorable Rec __ Deferred __ Vote 4-0 Renee & Michael Vargas, 6135 Virginia Street, Merrillville, IN mentioned that prior to purchasing the property at 2521 W. 37th Avenue, which is located in the B-3 zoning district, they requested approval to allow their industrial cleaning service, Serenity Environmental Service, Inc. Mr. Allen opened and closed the public hearing for Petition 17-10 without public comments. The company trucks and equipment will be parked inside the existing buildings. The trucks will be cleaned with only water and the waste is hauled away to local treatment plants. Mr. Vargas mentioned that if they receive approval for their proposed business, their intent is to clean up the property and add landscaping. Mr. Mendoza noted the use variance was necessary as this use was not identified in any zoning district. He also mentioned if the variance were to be approved, site plan approval was necessary. Mr. Kopil motioned for a Favorable Recommendation to the Common Council contingent upon appearing before the Plan Commission for site plan approval and that all vehicles located on the property are operable including all discussion and Findings of Fact, seconded by Mr. Jackson. All ayes, motion carried. (4-0)  2. 17-11 Craig Van Prooyen (Petitioner/Owner) for property at 273/275 Polly Lane, located west of Lake Park Ave. on Laura Court, south on Polly Lane to end of cul de sac, Sec. 154.079/Sec. 154.053, zoned R-3, 0.201 acres. Request: Public Hearing: Dev. Standards Variance Purpose: To encroach into the required 30’ rear yard by 11.94’ for proposed new construction Approved X Denied __ Deferred __ Vote 4-0 Craig Van Prooyen, Van Prooyen Builders, 7602 Monroe St., Merrillville requested approval to encroach approximately 12 feet into the required 30’ rear yard requirement to allow the proposed construction of a duplex on Lot 31 in Laurawood II Subdivision. Mr. Allen opened and closed the public hearing for Petition 17-11 without public comments. Mr. Spain questioned whether the proposed construction was consistent in size with the existing housing units in which Mr. Mendoza noted that provided in the subdivision covenant is a minimum square footage of 1,350 per unit. Mr. Kopil motioned to approve including all discussion and Findings of Fact, seconded by Mr. Spain. All ayes, motion carried. (4-0) Staff Consultation/Discussion: Mr. Mendoza introduced Beth Jacobson, Assistant Director of Development. Ms. Jacobson briefly noted her past accomplishments as Assistant City Planner and Development Director for Hammond as well as serving on the Lake County Plan Commission. She noted she will be working with downtown businesses and other Redevelopment Commission projects. There being no further comments or discussion Mr. Kopil motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Spain. All ayes, motion carried. (4-0) Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ___________________________________ _____________________________________ Stuart Allen, Chairman Ron Jackson, Secretary Page 2 BZA min 4/6/17