By JONATHAN SNYDER
James Klopfenstein’s request for a reduced side yard setback for construction on 2855 North 450 East in Bluffton was approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday.
Klopfenstein holds a second property to the west at 2831 N 450 East. He is building a home to house his in-laws, with a pond splitting the two properties. The pond is a part of the already existing 2831 property. Since property lines cannot go through bodies of water, Klopfenstein requested the setback to the pond for the 2855 property under construction be reduced to four feet.
Klopfenstein’s plan was to build a concrete pad from the edge of the porch that extends to the pond itself, but the pad would be over the property line and considered a violation. Area Plan Commission Executive Director Mike Lautzenheiser proposed that temporary concrete pavers could be installed and not be considered a violation, which Klopfenstein agreed to do.
Afterward, the board discussed the distance from the edge of the porch to the property line. Board member Tyson Brooks noted that they like to keep setback variances at least five feet from property lines, so lawnmowers and other common equipment can pass through with no risk of traversing over the property line.
The board approved a five foot setback variance for the 2855 property. Klopfenstein was agreeable with the board on the setback requirements, noting that while he will need to move the house and tilt its direction, the requirements will be met. An updated drawing of Klopfenstein’s plans will be sent to the board.
jonathan@news-banner.com
