Board denies use and variances for auto‑shop at 2105 North Third Street

The Logansport Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 15 denied an application to operate an auto shop at 2105 North Third Street after neighbors and staff described repeated code violations, numerous vehicles on the lot and uncertainty over property lines and fencing. Planning staff said the property — zoned FR (Fringe Residential) — had received enforcement letters for operating a business and for inoperable vehicles and parts in public view, and that the site had been on the Cass County Plan Commission’s unsafe‑property list since March. Staff recommended that any approval require a privacy fence and limits on outdoor storage; staff also proposed a limit on vehicles awaiting repair. Petitioner addressed the board and said he had obtained alternate storage for some vehicles and planned to erect a privacy fence; he said he and his son would operate and that the garage doors provide multiple service bays. Several neighbors testified against the use, citing perceived declines in property values, noise, safety and the residential character of the neighborhood. The board read commitments into the record that would have been required for approval — including a six‑foot opaque fence, proper disposal of fluids and waste, no salvaging of parts, a limit on outside storage to seven days, prohibition on parking in the public right of way, and a cap on vehicles awaiting repair — and discussed requiring a survey before any fence installation. The board took a roll‑call vote on the combined use variance and variance requests; the secretary recorded one affirmative vote and three negative votes and the administrator announced that case 2523 was not approved. The zoning administrator said a letter with the hearing results will be sent and reminded the petitioner of appeal procedures.