Normally, an application to erect a pole barn would barely get noticed.

But when the application conjures up memories of a controversial project that has cost Allen County taxpayers more than $23,000 in legal fees, officials are sure to pay close attention.

They're doing just that with Travis Guisinger's application to build a pole barn at the northwest corner of Dunton and Hathaway roads, to be followed by a house within two years.

Jeff and Tammy Rice had a similar plan in 2004 when they built a 3,600-square-foot “garage” at 11915 Auburn Road, which they told county planners would be followed by construction of their $225,000 dream house. But when construction of the house lagged, the county planners who had approved the project ordered Rice to tear down the pole barn, the size and style of which had drawn criticism from nearby neighbors.

The Rices fought the demolition order, and in 2006 the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled in their favor - but not before the county had racked up a sizeable legal bill.

Kim Bowman, executive director of the Department of Planning Services, said large lots near the proposed site means the proposed building would not be close to other homes. The proposed 65-foot-by-70-foot project is different in at least one other significant way, she said.

Where the Rice's project was approved without a hearing, construction of Guisinger's storage-only pole barn would require the Board of Zoning Appeals to issue a variance following a public hearing. Should the BZA choose to do so, she said, it could require Suisinger to post a bond or make approval of the pole barn subject to the house's construction, meaning failure to do so could place the barn in violation of the variance.

Guisinger, golf pro at Orchard Ridge County Club, said he would be willing to make such assurances if necessary.