The Frankfort Board of Zoning Appeals approved two development standard variances during a recent meeting, allowing a residential shed project to move forward and permitting the expansion of a commercial privacy fence along State Road 28.
Shed variance approved on Burlington Avenue
Board members unanimously approved a request from Shane Sigler for a variance to exceed the city’s impervious surface limit at his property at 851 Burlington Ave.
Sigler sought permission to increase the lot’s impervious surface coverage from the permitted 30 percent to 45 percent in order to construct an 8-by-12-foot shed behind an existing garage. The property, which already exceeded current limits at 42 percent coverage when regulations were adopted in 2023, is considered legally nonconforming.
City staff noted Sigler plans to remove a gravel pad at the front of the property to offset the additional coverage. The Clinton County Surveyor’s Office reported no drainage concerns tied to the request.
The board found the variance met all required criteria, including no adverse impact on neighboring properties and practical difficulty in placing the shed elsewhere on the lot. Approval was granted with the condition that the gravel pad be removed.
Fence expansion approved for auto business
In a second case, the board approved a variance request from AutoBSA to extend an existing 10-foot privacy fence along the west side of a commercial property on East Wabash Street (State Road 28).
The property, used for auto repair and sales, previously received approval for a 10-foot fence around the rear of the building. The new request allows that fence to be extended toward the front of the property to replace a line of trees that had served as a natural buffer between the business and nearby homes.
Neighbors raised concerns after the vegetation was removed, citing loss of privacy. One nearby resident asked whether a taller fence could be considered, but officials noted that any height beyond 10 feet would require a new application and public notice.
City staff said the expanded fence would restore screening more quickly than replanting trees, which could take years to mature. They also noted that a 6-foot fence permitted under ordinance would not adequately block views of vehicles or lighting associated with the business.
The board agreed the request met variance standards and would not harm surrounding properties. Members also confirmed there were no conflicts with nearby utilities.
The variance was approved unanimously, allowing the 10-foot fence to extend along the west side of the building to match the existing fencing on the east side.
Meeting concludes
With no additional business, the board voted to adjourn.