use and that everyone could suffer from a decline in property values. She stated that this was over development of the property and did not fit the long-standing residential area and should be viewed as a commercial intrusion. She stated that even if the appraised values did not decline, the visual impact could lead to a home spending a longer time on the market. She stated that in the solar ordinance a property value guarantee had been added and with that precedent being set, she asked that if this variance was approved Mr. Hiatt should be subject to the same warranty.
Ms. Swackhamer stated that the terms pole barn, garage, accessory structure and barn were sometimes used interchangeably. She stated that in Mr. Hiatt’s application he used the term proposed barn and this board was acting on the height only, not the materials or construction which would be considered by the City Building Commissioner. She stated that an email in support had been received from Amanda Koester.
Ms. Mathewson asked Mr. Hiatt to speak on some of the concerns that had been mentioned.
Mr. Hiatt stated that this would be a first class structure and that his property was the last house in the neighborhood. He stated that the peak of the garage may be above his house, but that some neighbors had a 2-story house taller than this structure. He stated that his neighbors who had objected walk their dogs and that he should have had a conversation with them. He stated that he had begun work and then found out about the variance and has had many conversations with the Plan Commission regarding the request and the correct distances for the maps.
Ms. Swackhamer stated that legal notice was met and that 51 letters had been mailed.
Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 12-26 the appeal filed by Chris Hiatt with the hardship as stated in the application with the condition that the building be used for personal storage only and no business use. Mr. Billington seconded the motion Voting in favor: Mr. Billington, Mr. Hamilton, and Ms. Mathewson. Voting against: Ms. Fritch and Ms. Knapp. Motion failed, BZA 12-26 automatically continued to the April 30, 2026 meeting.
BZA 13-26
Being a public hearing on the matter of an application filed by Troy A. and Jerri B. Tucker, requesting a variance from the terms of the Delaware County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, to allow an increased height of 19’ rather than 17’ for a variance of 2’, and to allow the 1,872 total square footage of all accessory structures to exceed the 1,527 square footage of the dwelling, for a variance of 345 square feet all for a new pole barn, on premises located at 18709 North Little John Lane, Union Township, Delaware County, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.
Troy Tucker, 18709 N Little John Lane, Muncie, Indiana, appeared. He stated that this was for a 3 bay steel garage for personal storage. He stated that there would be no business activity, it would be for the RV, pontoon, and truck to be stored inside. He stated that he