Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 123 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana. The meeting was streamed live online. All five board members were present, with Zach Ellison serving as presiding officer. The board considered three public hearings: a use variance for a contractor's expansion, a conditional use for a shared housing facility, and two development standards variances for a restaurant. Several findings of fact and the minutes of the previous meeting were also approved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 P.M.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Simo (2201 Chestnut Street) spoke on BZA-26-12 (Sparks Investments). He expressed opposition to a proposed parking space on the north side of the garage, stating it was too narrow (11 feet from garage to fence, alley only 6 feet wide) and would cause vehicles to drive over his yard. He noted past problems with the property but acknowledged recent improvements and no recent police issues.
• Tom Dell (1063 Hummingbird Lane) spoke on BZA-26-12 and BZA-26-13. On the shared housing case, he raised safety concerns about alley access and emergency vehicle clearance, and questioned the approval process for gravel parking. He acknowledged the need for such housing but emphasized safety and neighborhood compatibility. On the Doc Chumley's case, he argued that practical difficulties (septic system, water line, utilities) justified the variances, and urged approval to maximize on-site parking and reduce unsafe off-street parking.
• Mike Kirsch (neighbor and representative of petitioner Eric Neal) testified for BZA-26-13, confirming that he had seen the parking overflow described by the applicant and that his own vehicle was in one of the photos.

Discussion Items

• BZA-26-11: MAC Properties – Use Variance – A request to expand a contractor's office/workshop in the AP (Agriculture: Preferred) zoning district by combining a 1-acre adjacent parcel with the existing 0.47-acre lot. The applicant (Fred QSAC) explained that the family-owned business had operated for many years and relocation would be impractical and economically burdensome. The board discussed staff concerns, and the applicant agreed to conditions (no outdoor storage, pave drives, no new delivery drive access). The board voted 4-1 (Michael Kinder opposed) to approve the variance, with the three commitments included.
• BZA-26-12: Sparks Investments – Conditional Use – A request to allow a shared housing facility for up to 7 unrelated individuals (including one on-site manager) at 2204 California Street (zoned RS-4). Staff presented the site, parking (3 on-site spaces proposed, plus street parking), and access to transit and services. The petitioner (Lisa Pine, Christopher Sparks) stated that safety measures (fire extinguishers, egress windows, cameras) are in place. Public testimony raised concerns about alley parking and emergency access. The board approved the conditional use with a condition that the gravel parking area along 22nd Street must receive proper approval or be removed/replaced with grass.
• BZA-26-13: Doc Chumley's – Development Standards Variances – Two variances were requested for the restaurant at 8030 West Goeller Road (zoned CC): (1) to allow parking spaces to encroach 37 feet into the required 55-foot front setback, and (2) to allow up to 21 parking spaces to be 8 feet wide (instead of 9 feet). The applicant (Eric Neal, appearing via phone) explained that the existing parking (17 spaces) was often overwhelmed, causing guests to park on grass or across the street. He argued that expanding east was impractical due to a water line, perimeter drain, and septic field. Staff had suggested expanding east, but the applicant illustrated constraints with additional slides. Public comment supported approval due to practical difficulties. On variance (1) (setback), a motion to deny passed (3-2). On variance (2) (width), a motion to deny failed; then a motion to approve passed (voice vote with ayes prevailing). Thus, the parking width variance was approved, but the setback variance for the four new spaces near the utility pole was denied.

Key Outcomes

• BZA-26-11 (MAC Properties): Approved (4-1) with conditions (no outdoor storage, pave drives, no new delivery access).
• BZA-26-12 (Sparks Investments): Approved with condition to obtain proper approval for gravel parking area or remove/replace with grass.
• BZA-26-13 (Doc Chumley's):
  • Variance 1 (setback): Denied (3-2).
  • Variance 2 (parking width): Approved (voice vote, ayes prevailed).
• Findings of Fact: All six cases (BZA-25-4, BZA-25-10 & BZA-26-2, BZA-25-13, BZA-25-14, BZA-26-7, BZA-26-9) were approved by unanimous voice votes.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the February 24, 2026 meeting were approved.
• Hearing Officer Approvals: Noted for BZA-26-14 (Kiersten Voils, conditional use for an accessory dwelling unit).
• Next Steps: The denied setback variance may be appealed through legal counsel; staff offered to discuss alternative parking options with the applicant.