Jasper BZA Approves Variances for Local Properties

In their April meeting, the Jasper Board of Zoning Appeals reviewed several variance requests related to property development standards. 

Public hearings were held for three separate variance petitions, each involving accessory structures or lot frontage requirements under the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). 

The first request was made by Walter and Deborah Schneider for their property at 601 South 400 West. The Schneiders sought a variance to allow an accessory structure with exterior materials and style not matching their primary home. They proposed using metal siding and roofing compatible with their house and neighborhood. While the ordinance requires matching materials, the Schneiders noted that it would be impossible to match the existing brick of the home. The board noted similar precedents in the neighborhood and unanimously approved the variance. 

The second petition was filed by Brent Pfister for his property at 735 Keusch Lane. Pfister requested a setback variance to locate a two-car detached garage about 6 feet from his property line, which is closer than the 15-foot minimum. He emphasized the garage’s matching brick construction and the neighborhood’s prevalence of similar structures. The board discussed technicalities regarding setbacks including roof overhangs and unanimously granted the variance, citing consistency with neighborhood character. 

The third petition was presented by Ethan Hopf of TriMark Surveying. Hopf spoke on behalf of a group of owners seeking to subdivide an 89-acre agricultural parcel at North 500 West into two lots with less than the required 180 feet of road frontage. Instead, they would utilize about 50 feet of existing dead-end roads. The request was for a variance to allow this reduced frontage due to practical constraints and no immediate plans for further subdivision. The board conditioned the variance on the requirement that any future subdivisions comply with frontage standards. The variance was approved unanimously. 

The next BZA meeting will be May 6, 2026. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring