The Knights of Columbus received a six-month extension for a use variance to operate a club/lodge in a R-1 zoned district by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday. The building is planned for the northeast corner of Fort Wayne and Lindberg streets. No activity has begun on the site. Board member Dan Hampton, a K of C member, abstained from the vote.

The board also approved a variance from developmental standards as requested by Warsaw Health Foods. A 32-square foot flashing, illuminated wall sign has been installed at 1228 E. Center St., on the building's east side. Flashing, illuminated signs are not permitted in a R-2 district.

Store owner Chuck Gunsolley said he purchased the building in 1987. He was unaware of any sign restrictions because there are several similar signs on Center Street.

Hampton asked if the "flasher" portion of the sign could be switched off and Gunsolley said yes. The item was approved with board member Rick Keeven voting nay.

David and Susan Baldwin's request for a use variance to have a used car lot in an I-2 zoned district was approved. The Baldwins are prospective buyers of 2942 and 2948 U.S. 30E. Used car lots are allowable in this district.

The Baldwins were advised to appear before the Warsaw Plan Commission for site approval.

Bob Wayman, representing Warsaw Community Church, was present to answer questions regarding the church's development at the corner of Ranch Road (County Farm Road) and CR 200S. The organization plans to develop 40 acres and asked for a variance from developmental standards to install two institutional, illuminated signs each 60-1/2 square feet in size at 2300 Ranch Road. The property is in a R-1 zone.

Wayman said the size was decided because of similar signs at Pheasant Ridge subdivision. He said there are more than 2,500 church members. Ingress/egress would be on Ranch Road and on CR 200S.

The signs were approved provided the organization follows the recommendation of the Warsaw Traffic Commission regarding the distance of the signs from the road.

The board also:

• Approved Ron Donkers' request for a variance of developmental standards to install a small-rock driveway and parking area and to install a 21-foot wide landscape buffer in an Industrial zoned district. Donkers is the potential owner of 723 W. Jefferson St. and said he and a partner plan to construct a storage building for personal use.

• Daniel Slone's request for a use variance in a R-2 district to operate a taxi cab service was withdrawn.

BZA members are: Alan Clingan, Dan Hampton, Richard Keeven, Tom Heuer and Bruce Woodward. Bill Rhoades is the city council's representative. [[In-content Ad]]