Bartholomew County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting – June 22, 2026

The Bartholomew County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on June 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Columbus, Indiana. The board considered two public hearing items (a conditional use for an accessory dwelling unit and a development standards variance for driveway spacing), approved findings of fact for a prior variance, and approved the minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting. Board members also discussed procedural aspects of hearing officer referrals and the limits of county authority over private covenants.

Public Hearings

BZA-26-43: Diego Arres Vega – Conditional Use for Accessory Dwelling Unit
The applicant, Diego Arres Vega (co-owner with his mother), requested conditional use approval to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on property at 8190 West Nasby Trail, zoned AG (Agriculture: General). The proposed ADU would be less than 1,490 square feet (75% of the 1,986 sq. ft. primary dwelling) and meet the ordinance requirements for accessory dwellings. Planning Staff noted the property lies in an 11-lot rural subdivision (Daily Meadows) and that the proposal complied with all zoning standards.
Public Testimony: Two neighbors spoke in opposition. Eric Van Gort (8230 West Nasby Trail) stated that for five years the property has had intense activity including frequent loose dogs, excessive barking day and night, all-day parties, numerous vehicles (up to 8–9), and six outbuildings. He cited subdivision covenants limiting lots to one single-family dwelling and prohibiting residential use of outbuildings, and argued that the ADU would set a precedent and reduce property values. Veronica Reed (8235 West Nasby Trail) echoed concerns about noise, water pressure drops, and property value decreases of $50,000–$70,000. Both stated they did not receive proper notice of the initial hearing officer meeting. The applicant responded that the dogs are rescues (presently 11 dogs), there is no business, and the noise can be managed. Board members clarified that the county does not enforce private covenants and that proper notice (a second sign and letters) was given.
Motion & Vote: A motion to approve, finding all conditional use criteria met, was made and seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote (all in favor).

BZA-26-45: Bob Morrison – Development Standards Variance (Driveway Spacing)
The applicant, represented by Steve Combs (Stone Design Group) and co-owner Steve Combs, requested a variance from Zoning Ordinance Section 7.3 to allow a driveway entrance on Legal Tender Road to be 120 feet from the nearest existing driveway (required minimum: 200 feet). The property at 13205 East Legal Tender Road was recently subdivided into two lots by the Plan Commission, which also required a gravel shoulder improvement (5–6 feet wide) along the curve for safety. Staff reported that the closest driveway to the east is 120 feet away, to the west 127.5 feet, and one driveway lies directly across the road. No public testimony was offered.
Motion & Vote: A motion to approve the variance with the same shoulder requirement imposed by the Plan Commission was made and seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Findings of Fact

BZA-26-40: Troy Staggs – Development Standards Variance
The board approved the findings of fact for a previously granted variance. The motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

The board approved the minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting as submitted.

Discussion Items

Board members discussed the referral of BZA-26-43 to the full board due to neighbor controversy after the hearing officer noted significant public interest. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of private covenants and the lack of county noise or nuisance ordinances. Staff explained that for noise or unsafe situations, residents may contact the sheriff or animal control. The board also heard a staff explanation of hearing officer approvals for BZA-26-44 (Timberland Springs – variance for ground-floor living area in a new subdivision) and BZA-26-42 (Lakeview Ministries – conditional use for campground expansion), which were informational only. A board member commended staff for their preparation.

Key Outcomes

• BZA-26-43 (Arres Vega): Conditional use approved for an accessory dwelling unit at 8190 West Nasby Trail.
• BZA-26-45 (Morrison): Development standards variance approved for driveway spacing at 13205 East Legal Tender Road, subject to the shoulder improvement condition.
• BZA-26-40 (Staggs): Findings of fact approved.
• Minutes: Minutes of May 27, 2026 approved.
• No other actions were taken.