Ferdinand BZA Backs Residential Safety Project

A Ferdinand homeowner has partnered with the Board of Zoning Appeals to advance a property improvement designed to enhance safety. 

Ferdinand resident Evan Daunhauer asked the board to consider a variance request that would allow a fence be installed on his property at 601 E 20th Street. The variance was required because the current easement and a water main were moved over for an addition to the house last year. This was to facilitate the construction of a pool with an approved permit and an agreement was made at that time that nothing would be built on or over the easement. 

Daunhauer said the planned fence will be constructed around a pool area that is currently secured with a cover. He said that, due to the proximity to the 18 th Street park, the fence will increase safety for children and wildlife in the area. The only property adjacent to the fence is also owned by Daunhauer, bordering along the south. Properties to east and west will not border the fence. The proposed fence will also be in keeping with the style of existing fences on the property. 

The fence location was described as being along the easement, not within its boundaries. One BZA board member noted that the department head did not sign off on the building permit because the fence location was determined to be within the 12-foot easement. Daunhauer said that the overlap is minimal, likely within a few inches. He also said that the fence will be approximately a foot from the water main. 

Answering questions about potential complications with future water main repairs, the resident said the fence will be vinyl construction with removable panels. While the posts would remain, the panels could be easily removed to facilitate access to the water main. 

Ken Sicard of the Town Council requested that any approval be contingent on an agreement between the town and the property owners. This would hold the town harmless for any property damage that might occur during work in and around the easement. The variance was conditionally approved with the “hold harmless” agreement stipulation. 

The next regular BZA meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.ferdinandindiana.org 
 
- Drew Hasselbring