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With only one item to discuss, the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals quickly decided the petition for a 6-foot front yard variance, requested by Patrick and Teresa Sells, at 422 W. Main St., Monday.
The board approved the diversion from development standards for the Sells to add a room and a porch.
Originally one of six items to consider, the Sells' request was the only one of two not tabled and three withdrawn.
Because of the unheard items, Warsaw city planner Jeff Noffsinger asked the board if they thought a filing fee for variances might be in order. He recommended $75 for each variance, which also would cover newspaper advertising, about $30, and for notices and certified mailings to adjacent neighbors, at a cost of about $4 each.
"We're one of the few communities that do not charge fees," Noffsinger said, adding that the plan department staff spends a lot of time on each item. He said often the petitioners don't meet all the deadlines for mailings or legal notices.
Council representative Trish Brown asked why taxpayers should have to pay for better customer service. Noffsinger said people would still get good customer service and his office would do what citizens are expected to do for themselves now.
BZA president Bruce Woodward said he would be more comfortable recommending $35, and perhaps it could be brought up at the next plan commission meeting, the recommending body to the city council.
With no other business the board adjourned. BZA members are Bruce Woodward, Dan Hampton, Richard Keevan, Tom Heuer, Alan Clingan and Trish Brown.
