Jasper BZA Grants Variances for Trailer Rental, Beauty Salon and Garage Expansion

Several variance requests won approval on Wednesday as the Jasper Board of Zoning Appeals met to consider zoning proposals for local properties. 

Evan Dorsam requested a variance that would allow him to start a trailer rental company. He plans to begin with three trailers, and there are plans to expand the business as it becomes more profitable over time. Dorsam does not expect an increase in traffic, and the construction of the roadway allows vehicles to pull into the lot easily and hook up on his property. As the business grows, more rock will be added. This will ensure that the trailers are being driven on a solid base and that mud and debris are not pulled into the roadway. With no public comment, the board voted to approve the variance as presented to allow a trailer rental company in an A1 zone at Dorsam’s property at East 400 North. 

Ashley Lueken appeared before the board regarding her property at 1006 W Division Road. She requested a variance to allow a beauty salon in an I1 zoning district. The I1 zoning classification has allowed several businesses in the neighborhood already, but beauty salons were not on the list as an allowable business use. There was a salon at this location previously, and Lueken said there is adequate parking. Hours will be approximately 4 days a week, sometime between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. A small sign will be added close to the home business, but not by the roadway. There has been no objection from neighbors, and with no public comments, the variance was allowed as presented. 

Adam Knies asked the board to consider a variance for his property at 477 N Whoderville Road in Jasper. The request sought “to allow an accessory structure to not be compatible in style and materials to the primary structure.” Knies said that his father recently passed away, and he has inherited his tools and other items that he does not have adequate storage for at present. He would like to add on to his existing garage and add a porch. The pitch, siding, and style of the garage will remain the same. The expansion is meant to enlarge the footprint of the current structure. Public comments were closed without objections, and the variance was approved as presented. 

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- By Drew Hasselbring