Development News for Bexley, Ohio

Variance Granted for Non-Conforming Driveway Modification on North Remington

The Board of Zoning and Planning considered a variance request for a non-conforming driveway at 222 North Remington. The applicant, Mr. Early, sought to replace the asphalt driveway with decorative crushed stone, which constitutes a substantial change to the non-conforming condition. The board reviewed historical aerial images and testimony regarding the driveway's age and modifications. Ultimately, the board found it appropriate to grant the variance to allow the modification and replacement of the non-conforming driveway as submitted, enabling the applicant to proceed with the proposed design [cite: 25-201, 278-287].

Variance Approved for Non-Conforming Driveway at 43 South Cassingham

The Board of Zoning and Planning addressed a variance request for the property at 43 South Cassingham concerning a non-conforming driveway. The property previously shared a driveway with its neighbor, but a 1997 renovation severed direct access to the rear yard. A sideyard parking spot was approved at that time, which has since become non-conforming due to changes in conditions. Staff recommended approving the variance to allow the existing non-conforming driveway to remain as is. The applicant sought to restore gravel to a portion of the area, which sparked debate about surface materials and parking designations. The board ultimately granted the variance to allow the existing non-conforming driveway to remain as is, upholding the status quo of the driveway's physical presence [cite: 300-665, 956-965].

Variance Approved for 32-Foot Wide Driveway at 167 South Columbia

The Board of Zoning and Planning considered a variance request for 167 South Columbia to allow for a 32-foot wide driveway, which significantly exceeds the 12.5-foot limit in the city code. The need for a wider driveway arises from the construction of an attached three-car garage, built to the setback line, requiring broader access. Staff recommended approval with a condition to create an appropriate sight line for the westernmost garage for safe egress. The board granted the variance for the 32-foot wide driveway with the specified condition [cite: 1299-1422].

Special Permit Approved for 6-Foot Fence on Corner Lot at 489 North View

The Board of Zoning and Planning reviewed an application for a special permit to install a 6-foot tall fence on the street-facing side of a corner lot at 489 North View. The applicant, Ryan Brothers Landscaping, sought the permit as fences exceeding 48 inches in height on corner lots require special consideration for transparency and landscaping. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the fence include transparency in the upper 12 to 18 inches and that a landscape plan be approved by the city's landscape consultant to ensure year-round screening. The homeowners agreed to these conditions, citing budget constraints as a reason for initial design choices. The board granted the special permit as submitted, aligning with staff recommendations [cite: 978-1075, 1166-1175].