BZA, APC Show Signs Of Change

Joe Hornaday

The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals and Area Plan Commission sorted through requests and looked over old business at their regular back-to-back meetings this week.

First up was the BZA, and its members began with a request from Paige Chase. She was on hand representing the recently established Twice Blessed Resale, a donated goods shop in which all proceeds are given to help tuition costs at Oldenburg Academy.

Chase requested a variance for additional wall signage, in hopes of establishing a second sign on the corner that matches the building. The board approved Chase’s request unanimously.

Richard and Barbara Moore were next up before the BZA. The two were requesting a variance for fencing.

The lot in question, Richard Moore explained, was for personal use because he was starting a used car business. The issue he was asking the BZA’s approval for involved an extension of the fencing area around the empty lot.

Some neighbors were concerned about the idea, but Moore said the metal fence would be painted and that it would not make the area look bad. He added that he did need to have a place to secure cars, and that it would not become an impound lot because he has properties for that near Millhousen. The lot would be made up of repossessed vehicles and not smashed or damaged ones that could leak hazardous materials into the ground, he said.

The fence, Moore said, would be like that of a metal roof, about six or seven feet high and all metal.

City planning and zoning director Kathy Reynolds noted that because of the zoning, the fence was acceptable.

“It’s basically a matter of to fence or not to fence,” BZA member Jean Johannigman said.

Moore said the inside of the fenced-in area would be heavy gravel and not use dogs for security, but instead be utilizing video surveillance. He also said that if he did leave the area, the fence would be coming with him because of its high price.

BZA member Roy Middendorf tried to alleviate neighbor’s concerns, and explained that the fence must be maintained whether the business is active or not. Though there are no limitations on hours, Moore said there would likely not be much activity during the evening at the site.

The BZA reminded those who had come to express their concern that if they do feel there are problems with it at a later date, the issue can be brought before the board for investigation. The board ultimately approved the request unanimously.

The APC followed the BZA, and took another look at Shannon Claybrook’s property at 222 N. Anderson Street.

At last month’s meeting, the commission approved 30 days until the April meeting to give Claybrook enough time to secure financing for fixing the structure and lot. This week, he provided the APC a stack of rejection notices from various banks for loans. After that, Claybrook decided to tear the structure down and make it into a vacant lot, he said. Once the structure was down, he said he would also begin repairs on the fence nearby. A $50 demolition permit was required.

“As far as I’m concerned, that’s a done deal,” APC member Middendorf said.

Commission members Herb Hunter and Middendorf noted that the city would tear it down if the structure had not been demolished by the June meeting, following an update at the May meeting. Hunter said allowing Claybrook to remove the structure himself would save the city money.

Reynolds presented the next issue to the APC. She said she had been getting several requests for sign variances and setbacks. Currently, the rules are for sign poles to be set back 15 feet. Those making requests often wanted signs closer to the right-of-way, Reynolds said.

Since all of the requests were getting approved, Reynolds said amending the rules would cut down on both hassle and paperwork for everyone. No longer would height variances for pole signs be granted.

Reynolds said she had done the research, and several nearby cities are changing their rules and making signage more restrictive.

Flashing signs, Reynolds said, can create hazards while driving, and she was looking out for the public’s safety. Signs would not be able to be placed within 25 feet of an intersection. A few signs in Greensburg are in violation of the proposed changes, Reynolds noted. Nothing would need to be done with them, however.

The APC passed Reynolds’ suggestion unanimously, and it will move on to the City Council for further review.

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