Ferdinand to Pursue Zoning Reform

Ferdinand’s Board of Zoning Appeals reviewed a new partnership that plans to modernize outdated zoning laws across Dubois County. 

In its most significant agenda item, the board heard updates from Ken Sicard regarding zoning reform for housing. Sicard told the BZA that one of the findings in the Comprehensive Plan is that the zoning laws need to be updated, and that the expense is prohibitive. Dubois Strong has decided to help Jasper, Huntingburg, and Ferdinand to update their zoning laws. They have partnered with IncCodes, a nationally recognized zoning and land use consulting firm, to support comprehensive zoning code review and modernization efforts across Dubois County. Sicard has formed a committee for the project, which is expected to run from June through October of this year. Findings will be presented as they become available. 

Also on the agenda, the board considered a Special Exemption request from Lucas Hemmerlein. The petitioner requested a special exception to allow the operation of Premier Auto Spa as a home occupation on part of their property located at 524 West 23 rd Street. Under the zoning ordinance, this is required for a home occupation operation in the primary residence or its accessory structure located in a residential district. 
 
Premier is a part-time detailing business, with no body work, which Hemmerlein has been operating for three years. His previous location was out of town, but planned to move the business after acquiring the 23 rd Street property. The business will be located in a detached, 900 square foot garage. There will be no street parking, as the driveway can accommodate business patrons. There is usually a maximum of two cars, with part-time business hours, generally on weekends. The board found that the application met the requirements for the special exception and approved the request as presented. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.ferdinandindiana.org 

 - Drew Hasselbring