April 7, 2011 Public Hearing BZA Minutes

Walnut Township
Board of Zoning Appeals
11420 Millersport Road
Millersport, Ohio 43046
(740) 467-2430   FAX (740) 467-3283

Public Hearing
April 7, 2011

Variance 11-05

Attendance: Bob Ball, Mike Farrell, Mike England and Doug Leith

Others: Ralph Reeb, Zoning Inspector, Tonya Kahley, Zoning Secretary and Terry Horn, Township Trustee

The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 PM by the vice chairman, Bob Ball, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Testimony of the Zoning Inspector
Reeb provided testimony on the application for variance 11-05 regarding set backs for the location of a shed. He explained the set back in rear is 10 feet and side is 5 feet and they need to go into the set back due to the angle of their lot.  Reeb indicated the application is asking for a variance for 5 feet from the rear. Due to the new zoning resolution, the Township has removed the exception for road right of ways, etc.  The setbacks for the property lines are now from the property line pins.

Reeb explained that the variance is for an accessory building for the property.  It does not meet the zoning requirements so it is in front of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Applicant Testimony:

Smith indicated that he would like to place a 6’ x 8’ nice building/shed on their property.

Ball asked about the neighbors and it they have shared their thoughts on this variance request.  Smith said he has not received any responses from the neighbors.

Ball asked about the neighbors and if there are similar accessory buildings.  Smith indicated this one will still be five feet back from the property line.

Reeb explained that when viewing the landing on the drawing it is 5.44 from the new shed. The current zoning says that an accessory building has to be 10 feet from the house.  He indicated it is a toss up for the BZA members to consider, 5 feet from the rear property line or 10 feet from the house.

Ball asked for other questions.

Leith asked that if once they build the house and grant the variance for the accessory building and they think they want something bigger, can they do that?

Reeb indicated that yes, once they are granted the accessory building variance, they can put up what they want within the guidelines.

Mike England moved to approve application 11-05, Leith second the motion.  Roll Call – Leith, yes, Ball, yes, England, yes, Farrell, yes.  Motion unanimously – 4-0.

The public hearing was closed at 7:10 PM.