Court Opinion

ID: 9744437
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 22:03:11.27617+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:49.242900
License: Public Domain

KIRSCH, Judge,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent.
The majority’s premise is that “the alterations at issue here changed ‘the character of the structure apart from the use,’ and did not affect ‘the character of the use apart from the structure.’ ” Op. at 106 (citing City of Beech Grove v. Schmith, 164 Ind.App. 536, 543, 329 N.E.2d 605, 610 (1975)). Based upon this premise, the majority concludes that the changes did not have the effect of extinguishing the existing nonconforming use of the building.
*108Whether a nonconformity is in the character of the use or the character of the structure, however, is only one of several factors which are to be considered under Schmith. In addition to the character of the change, courts are to consider the time, space, and volume of the change; the possible effect on owners and occupants of neighboring properties and on the public; and whether the alteration is in conformity with police, building and other regulations. Id. Courts should look to the effect of the particular intensification on the particular neighborhood. See Eunice A. Eiehelbarger, Annotation, Change in Volume, Intensity, or Means of Performing Nonconforming Use as Violation of Zoning Ordinance, 61 A.L.R.4th 806 § 40 (1988).
I believe that the consideration of the factors set out in Schmith is a factual inquiry which renders summary judgment inappropriate. Thus, while I concur that the trial court erred in entering summary judgment for the Development Commission, I respectfully dissent from the order that judgment be entered summarily for the owner.