The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on September 17, 2026, at the Civic Center Complex beginning at 2:42 PM. The seven-member board (five present and voting) heard and decided several special use permits and variance requests. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except where noted. The meeting lasted approximately three hours, including a brief break.
Special Use A & Variance (SPU-2026-006 / VAR-2026-054): Evansville Church of God requested a special use for an electronic message sign and variances for sign height (6' to 8.5'), size (18 to 25 sq ft), and setback from dwellings (200' to less). Petitioner Kip Husk and Pastor Mike Hirsch presented. The board approved both with a condition that the sign be dimmed from dusk to dawn. Approved 5-0.
Special Use B (SPU-2026-007) – Elliot BESS: This item was tabled to the end of the meeting. County Attorney Mike Schottmeyer explained the county’s economic development perspective: the $200 million investment, no tax phase-in, a $250,000 advance payment, a 30% depreciation floor, and a decommissioning bond. Later, RWE representatives (Reed Schmidt, Jason Winnick, Rachel Connor, Pedro Duarte) gave a detailed presentation on the 200 MW, four-hour duration battery storage system on 40 acres near I-69. They covered technology (lithium iron phosphate), safety (UL 9540A testing, remote monitoring, emergency response plans), environmental impact (no wetlands impact, careful drainage design), and community engagement (letters of support from neighbors). The board approved the special use 5-0.
Special Use C (SPU-2026-008): Poodle Bob's Doggy Daycare (Mid-America Delivery) requested a special use for a boarding kennel at 315 S. Tekoppel Ave. Petitioner Allie Dix and John Casey described plans for a 4,200 sq ft indoor facility with supervised outdoor exercise. Approved 5-0.
Variances (multiple): The board approved the following variances unanimously (5-0):
Variance Continued (VAR-2026-065): Margaret Ann Shadduck requested a variance to create a new lot without road frontage to build a home for her disabled son. Neighbors opposed due to flooding, septic field location, and property values. The board continued the item to October 15, 2026, and waived the resubmission fee.
Sound. Well, we are a mile uh being west of uh Oakville Road. A little bit north of St. George and Nob Hill. Yeah, I know where that is. Okay. So and uh we occasionally will be all pushback. Well we'll see the lights for sure. Nothing but a closed door wouldn't take care of. But yeah, so figure that is. Hey, I talked to I thought you yesterday about this. Oh yeah. And I think he he initially thought that when you guys said we'll move you to the end of the back so that these people don't have to sit through 30 minute presentation. You thought that meant the end of the special use section. Oh, you mean like back to one? I said no, I I think that meant like in the meeting. Yeah. And he wanted to know does he need to ask for the thirty minutes. Up front or when you get to it at this meeting. I think we'll just have a conversation at the very beginning and say we've and and we've received a request. Yeah. And I mean they can vote on it. At the same time that they move it, yeah. That's a good idea. Yeah. So it almost four as well. That's why I don't think so. To do the two things. Yeah. That's the nicest thing I've been called all week. Yeah, we're going to tell it. If I do it, I don't know. So I get all time to do it. Oh, so I was like, well, just right off the front. Oh, yeah. So yeah, I just got the point. I don't know what's happening. How are you? Is that what that is? One degree of separation understanding that might cost a little bit. Okay. I would like to call the September seventeenth, two thousand twenty-six meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals to order. Will the Secretary please call the role? Ms. Cabill, here. Miss Kasha. Here. Ms. Payne. Mr.