Minutes

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

Public Hearing
April 28, 2011

Variance 11-13

Attendance: Dave Farrell, Bob Ball, Mike England, Jane Hanley, Liz Groves and Doug Leith

Others: Ralph Reeb, Zoning Inspector, and Tonya Kahley, Zoning Secretary

The Public Hearing for application 11-13 was called to order at 7:00 PM by the chairman, Jane Hanley, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Testimony of the Zoning Inspctor

Reeb explained that this variance application is on Lake front property, in the Walnut Township Zoning Resolution, it requires a minimum 5’ setback on the side from the property line. Reeb explained that the applicants are putting in an outdoor kitchen and would like to place it inside the 5’ set back.  Reeb explained that the gutter on the proposed roof keeps the rain from the neighboring property.

Letters from neighbors were read into the record.  The neighbors are on both sides of the Freudeman’s.

Testimony of Applicant

Dennis Freudeman explained that they would like to build an outdoor kitchen which will match house. He said there will be no running water to the kitchen location.

Groves asked if it is in the same location as an existing structure.  Freudeman explained that it is on the street side of the house and does replace and expand the existing patio.

Bob moved to approve application 11-13.  Hanley seconded.  Roll call – Leith yes, Groves, yes, England, Handley yes, Ball yes.  Motion passes unanimously and does not hinge on a party.

The public hearing was closed at 7:26 PM.

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

Regular Meeting
April 7, 2011

Attendance:  Bob Ball, Doug Leith, Mike England, David Farrell.

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

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Bob Ball at 7:15 PM.

Minutes:

The zoning secretary read the meeting minutes from February 2, 2011.  England moved and Farrell seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:
None

New Business:

Walnut Township received an application for a variance which needs to occur in April. Reeb explained the time lines for the variance to be compliant with the Walnut Township Zoning Resolution and Ohio Revised Code.

The meeting date was discussed and set for April 28, 2011 at 7 PM.

Reeb asked the Board what they considered Lake Front Property.  Reeb pointed out that the Zoning Resolution says it is on the Lake, not a canal. It is based on having a lake view (45 degree angle from the setbacks of the property looking out at the lake. He indicated that there have been questions from a member of the public about what constitutes lake front property. Reeb wanted to make sure the board members review this section as well as the fence section of the zoning resolution and provide their feed back at the next meeting.  If the board disagrees with this section of the zoning resolution, it may need to go back to the Zoning Commission for revision.

Ball asked a question about Lake Shore.  Reeb said that Lake Shore is zoned R2 so there is no Lake Front property in that area.

Farrell asked what specific sections are to be reviewed.  Reeb indicated he would send an email to the Board members with the specific sections.

The board will further discuss this issue at the next regular meeting of the BZA.

Public Input:
None

Adjournment:

Leith moved and England seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion passed unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM.

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.