HomeMy WebLinkAboutBZA February 27, 2024 MINUTES OF THE
JEFFERSONVILLE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
February 27, 2024
Call to Order
Chairman Mike McCutcheon calls to order the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. It is Tuesday,
February 27, 2024, it is 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, Jeffersonville City Hall, 500
Quartermaster Ct., Jeffersonville, Indiana. The meeting was held in person and streamed live on
the City's website and City's Facebook page.
Roll Call
Chairman Mike McCutcheon was present. Other members present were Duard Avery, Dennis
Hill, Kelli Jones, and David Stinson. Also present were Planning & Zoning Attorney Les Merkley,
Planning and Zoning Director Chad Reischl, and Secretary Zachary Giuffre.
(Secretary's Note: All drawings, letters, photos, etc. presented before the Board of
Zoning Appeals on this date can be found in the office of Planning & Zoning.)
Approval of Minutes
Approval of the minutes from January 30, 2024. Mr. Hill made a motion to approve the January
30, 2024 minutes, seconded by Mr. Stinson. Roll call vote. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of Findings of Fact
Approval of the Findings of Fact. Mr. Stinson made a motion to adopt the Findings of Fact for
the January 30, 2024 docket items, seconded by Mr. Hill. Roll call vote. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of the Docket
Approval of the Docket. Ms. Jones made a motion to approve the docket, seconded by Mr.
Stinson. Roll call vote. Motion passed 5-0.
Oath
Les Merkley administered the oath. When you speak, please state your name and acknowledge
you took the oath.
Old Business
None
New Business
BZA-24-01 Special Exception
Mordecai Dickson filed a Special Exception application for property located at 16 E. Applegate
Lane. The applicant requests a Special Exception to allow for an Accessory Dwelling Unit. The
property is zoned R2 (Single Family Residential — Medium Lot). The docket number is BZA-24-
01.
Mordecai Dickson stated he took the oath and the following:
• I live at 16 E. Applegate Lane.
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• We want to augment our current living accommodations.
• I have 4 boys, and I would like to have that extra space to help accommodate us.
Chad Reischl stated the proposed creation of the ADU meets the intents and standards of our
code.
Open public comment
No comment
Close public comment
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The special exception will not be injurious to the public health, safety, moral, and general
welfare of the community; and
2. The requirements and development standards for the requested use prescribed by this
Ordinance will be met; and
3. Granting the special exception will not subvert the general purposes of the Zoning
Ordinance and will not permanently injure other property and uses in the same district; and
4. The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district therein, the spirit and
intent of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Jeffersonville Comprehensive Plan.
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
BZA-24-07 Special Exception
Trey Ferrara filed a Special Exception for the property located on the 5000 block of Keystone
Boulevard. The applicant requests a variance to allow for outdoor storage. The property is
zoned I1 (Business Park/Light Industrial). The docket number is BZA-24-07.
Chelsea Sellers stated she took the oath and the following:
• We built a gravel lot on this site and we are here to make it right.
• We have already committed to and modified the drawings to show that the right-of-way
apron will be paved to prevent gravel from going onto the street.
• We will be installing trees.
• We want to implement industrial storage and have a few dump trucks and tanker trucks.
Chad Reischl stated we are hearing the special exception for outdoor storage of equipment and
cars. The neighbors have similar configurations; therefore, we are not concerned with them. We
did make some recommendations for the applicant to pave the apron and integrate landscaping.
Open public comment
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No comment
Close public comment
Ms. Jones asked is there anything that needs to be done from a stormwater standpoint?
Chad Reischl stated that is a good question; I believe that our drainage team has been out
there.
Planner Shane Shaughnessy stated this would still meet our impervious surface standards even
if it was paved.
Mr. Hill stated that property has been elevated and there are ways for water to drain off of the
site.
Chad Reischl stated you should add the concrete apron, landscaping integration, and the site
cleanliness standards as conditions.
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The special exception will not be injurious to the public health, safety, moral, and general
welfare of the community; and
2. The requirements and development standards for the requested use prescribed by this
Ordinance will be met; and
3. Granting the special exception will not subvert the general purposes of the Zoning
Ordinance and will not permanently injure other property and uses in the same district; and
4. The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district therein, the spirit and
intent of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Jeffersonville Comprehensive Plan.
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application with
the conditions that the applicant integrate a 25ft concrete apron, integrate the required
landscaping as shown in the site plan, and that the site shall be kept in an orderly and clean
manner. So ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
BZA-24-08 Development Standards Variance
Trey Ferrara filed a Development Standards Variance for the property located on the 5000 block
of Keystone Boulevard. The applicant requests a variance to allow for vehicular parking on a
gravel surface. The property is zoned I1 (Business Park/Light Industrial). The docket number is
BZA-24-08.
-Applicant commentary made above in BZA-24-07-
Chad Reischl stated we do allow gravel for industrial storage lots; however, we do not allow
vehicular parking on gravel.
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Open public comment
No comment
Closed public comment
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The variance of the development standards will not be injurious to the public health,
safety,morals, and general welfare of the community.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not
beaffected in a substantially adverse manner.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance will result in a practical
difficulty. This situation shall not be self-imposed, nor be based on a perceived reduction
of or restrictionof economic gain
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
BZA-24-09 Development Standards Variance
Valvoline, LLC filed a Development Standards Variance for the property located at 2514 Allison
Lane. The applicant requests a variance from the development standards for maximum parking
count. The property is zoned C2 (Commercial — Large Scale). The docket number is BZA-24-09.
Nigel Tate stated he took the oath and the following:
• This is a very busy location.
• The ordinance allows for 6 spaces; we are requesting 10.
• Valvoline employees can range from 5-6 so that already takes up all of the allowable
parking.
• There have been issues with customers having to park in the street or cue outside of the
site.
• This proposed parking configuration improves traffic circulation, improves drainage, and
landscaping for the property.
Chad Reischl stated we had issued citations for parking vehicles in the grass. We are happy
that Valvoline is working with us. Right now, there is no drainage on the site, and we will be
working with them to correct those problems. The change from 6 to 10 spaces is not a large
request.
Open public comment
Marian Blackwell, president of the HOA for Cherry Creek Condominiums, stated he took the
oath. Our private road connects to the Valvoline. We have an easement that we have to provide
access for the Woods. We had an accident just yesterday. We would like to see if a traffic light
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could be implemented. If they extend the parking lot, we would like to see if they can provide a
privacy fence.
Closed public comment
Mr. McCutcheon stated you have a location in a very unique spot where there are
condominiums and other uses nearby.
Nigel Tate stated I cannot comment on the need for a traffic light; we are mainly concerned for
the circulation on the property. With regards to the privacy fence, we are not looking to extend
the parking that close to the housing complex that the gentleman mentioned.
Mr. McCutcheon asked, when they deal with the runoff, will there be work in the back property
that would allow them to plant trees?
Chad Reischl stated it appears that they are integrating trees in the rear. There appears to be a
fence.
Nigel Tate stated that there was a fence there that was taken down.
Ms. Jones stated that you all can work that out outside of this meeting; it does not need to be
something that we should mandate at this meeting.
Mr. Avery stated the drainage is not significant compared to the size of other developments. I
would say 20 spaces would work better.
Ms. Jones stated I get my oil changed here a lot. 10 spaces provide plenty of room for parking
and queuing. I appreciate that you all are doing things to improve the drainage and integrate
trees.
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The variance of the development standards will not be injurious to the public health,
safety,morals, and general welfare of the community.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not
beaffected in a substantially adverse manner.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance will result in a practical
difficulty. This situation shall not be self-imposed, nor be based on a perceived reduction
of or restrictionof economic gain
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
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BZA-24-1 0 Development Standards Variance
Chad Sprigler filed a Development Standards Variance application for property located at the
1700 block of Veterans Parkway. The applicant requests a variance from the development
standards for parking location. The property is zoned C2 (Commercial - Large Scale). The
docket number is BZA-24-10.
John Campbell stated he took the oath and the following:
• You have seen the Jack in the Box and Valvoline projects in the past. For Jack in the
Box, we asked for a few variances to shrink the lot a bit and were granted them.
• As part of this layout, we did not take into consideration the parking layout.
• This should be the final item to approve the development plan.
• As stated in the staff report, this will likely not have a negative impact on the area.
Chad Reischl stated this plan, as shown, does not look significantly different from the other
properties we have in the corridor.
Open public comment
No comment
Closed public comment
Ms. Jones stated I like the fact that pedestrians do not have to cross the drive-thru to get to the
building.
Mr. Avery stated there are multiple access points on this plan that will help with traffic.
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The variance of the development standards will not be injurious to the public health,
safety,morals, and general welfare of the community.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not
beaffected in a substantially adverse manner.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance will result in a practical
difficulty. This situation shall not be self-imposed, nor be based on a perceived reduction
of or restrictionof economic gain
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
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BZA-24-11 Development Standards Variance
Chad Sprigler filed a Development Standards Variance application for property located at the
1700 block of Veterans Parkway. The applicant requests variances from the development
standards for maximum parking count. The property is zoned C2 (Commercial - Large Scale).
The docket number is BZA-24-11.
John Campbell stated he took the oath and we consulted with staff and shrunk the parking down
to the minimum corporate standard which is just above what is allowed by code.
Chad Reischl stated this is the same issue we saw two cases ago where we have a parking
standard that does not align with the use.
Open public comment
No comment
Closed public comment
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The variance of the development standards will not be injurious to the public health,
safety,morals, and general welfare of the community.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not
beaffected in a substantially adverse manner.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance will result in a practical
difficulty. This situation shall not be self-imposed, nor be based on a perceived reduction
of or restrictionof economic gain
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now approve this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
BZA-24-12 Development Standards Variance
David Nicklies filed a Development Standards Variance application for property located at 1034
Spring Street. The applicant requests a variance from the development standards for maximum
fence height. The property is zoned C1 (Commercial — Medium Scale). The docket number is
BZA-24-12.
David Nicklies stated he took the oath and the following:
• I am representing the Nicklies Foundation.
• We were here last month to talk about the use on the property.
• Staff asked that, if we put the fence up, we will remove it in 2 years.
Chad Reischl stated Staff is not necessarily supportive of this variance as it sets a bad
precedent. There are multiple car dealerships downtown and none of them have 6ft fences in
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front of their buildings. Having a 6ft fence on a primary pedestrian street in Claysburg is not a
pedestrian-friendly type of thing you want on the street. I realize that the City has installed a 6ft
fence on the Depot property; however, that is likely for crowd control instead of security. I am
not in support necessarily; though, it is up to you all to determine if the variance meets the
considerations that are in front of you.
Open public comment
Les Merkley administered the oath to Dustin White.
Dustin White stated I spoke last month against this project. I am speaking against this fence.
There are multiple car lots nearby that do not have fences. If this is an area that the applicant
believes products will not be safe, it will likely be better to put the use in a different area. This is
a medical district not a car sales district. It does not need to be cleaned up by anyone. This
should conform with the medical district that surrounds the area as detailed in the
comprehensive plan. This fence would convey that this is somehow an unsafe area. I request
that you deny this request.
Closed public comment
David Nicklies stated this is an opportunity to bring vintage right-hand drive imported cars to the
City of Jeffersonville. We have agreed to do a 2-year timeframe. It has to have a fence and
security. We talked to a coffee shop about occupying this after 2 years.
Mr. Avery stated your company has a good reputation. It seems that this is a prime area for
expanding medical uses. It would be nice to see if you would think about integrating condos or
apartments or medical uses at this property.
David Nicklies stated we built a facility with a free-standing Norton facility in Jeffersonville
Commons. This was built by a group of doctors as an office condominium building in the 80s.
Our plans would be for that to be a medical complex.
Move to findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Jeffersonville, having heard the application for
variance described above, and all opposition from parties claiming to be adversely affected
thereby, does now enter the following findings:
1. The variance of the development standards will not be injurious to the public health,
safety,morals, and general welfare of the community.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not
beaffected in a substantially adverse manner.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance will result in a practical
difficulty. This situation shall not be self-imposed, nor be based on a perceived reduction
of or restrictionof economic gain
Based on the findings described above, the Board does now deny this application. So
ordered this 27th of February, 2024.
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Reports from Director and Staff
None
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board of Zoning Appeals, the meeting was
adjourned at 7:18 pm.
MN\
Th ZL 1.
Mike McCutcheon, Chair ubmitted by: Zachary Giuffre, Secretary
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