[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6386517,"mediaKeyId","2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4","parentId",2118038,"title","Residents criticize BZA meeting conduct after fence variance hearing","audioSeconds",1075,"startMs",4443400,"endMs",5519165,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4&start=4443&end=5519","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4/thumbnail_4443400.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6386517/Ohio/Residents-criticize-BZA-meeting-conduct-after-fence-variance-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386517-ab3235aff323272bd9fb91284c356275/orig.mp4?Expires=1773740520&Signature=c50wsh0PNyDHtQLB8txFMIP8-SfNWmIuuzdWoL8OYouew1AcSLkyxyhuiMxpOVHFFAtSxw9c5NphZ92SBy3yTQ7Ehghz7wimJqrbppZSeZ1S9HrLvrgQmmhSXMa4az1A9bSMP4DSFOQcZMamwHu1YLCsXzVfeNc2J8d-lmwTFJkqSPg9yqqPwkZEjUGrC7DyashHtzzqTHD4OldHZjoQhPF5CA09WvRpo-36d3atGGgQ37KQwAgJyVCpuPgnjO7MQ3A0JVSwMipRs60f-iiHs3yO8DBjExr1TdntZsP4u2ewuLSpR68~nWWTDhMprLzv5ZAB8Rnp7MNRC5nFFgKtXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village Council of South Russell OH","date","2025-01-15T21:39:02Z","article","At the end of the Oct. 12 meeting, residents Mitch and Emily Herman spoke during what was introduced as old business to complain about the handling of a prior fence-variance hearing. The Hermans said the earlier hearing became personal, lacked focus, and allowed speakers to make unverified claims.

Mitch Herman read a prepared statement that criticized the earlier proceeding as \"unstructured\" and said the meeting \"lacked focus and deviated significantly from the primary topic,\" adding that neighbors made \"fabrications and misrepresentations\" that went unchecked. He said the family had documented community service and charitable work and should not be the subject of what he called personal attacks. The Hermans said they will comply with the board’s decision and indicated they will move forward with a permitted fence configuration.

Several board members acknowledged the prior hearing’s tone was regrettable. One board member said the board had tried to manage the earlier meeting and redirect speakers, and urged the Hermans to understand the board’s voluntary role. The Chair said: \"As far as the board is concerned, we do our best,\" and added that, while the decision did not go the Hermans' way, the board’s volunteers perform important work.

The chair also reminded the Hermans that comments given at this meeting were not part of the record for any prior hearing and that, if the Hermans wished, they could pursue formal appeals through the procedural channels available under village rules.

No formal action was taken during the Oct. 12 meeting based on the Hermans’ comments; they were recorded as public comment/old business.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1-15-2025 Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Residents Mitch and Emily Herman addressed the board to complain about the conduct and outcome of a prior hearing on a fence variance, saying the prior meeting became personal and lacked structure; the board responded that it would review and strive to do better.","taxTitle","South Russell Village, Geauga County, Ohio","taxId",74159,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6386521,"BZA approves side-yard variance for addition at 402 Reserve Trail",291,1568200,1859565,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4&start=1568&end=1859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4/thumbnail_1568200.jpg","/articles/6386521/Ohio/BZA-approves-side-yard-variance-for-addition-at-402-Reserve-Trail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386521-b647ecc12f0f78225a6a0a09dd962483/orig.mp4?Expires=1773740520&Signature=O6ca7WAxADbr29ANXpFk8UCitleUDzGR07ra3SUnQcfaVL~ZGjf4xM4luBcU02t62J65nZwf8Rnwa5GM6roka1dLenU0iX2Mg6VfuNyr8r7f2NmnRY418770HM2B2wbmLHPLLTDrCWC-VAUjf8TiGeGKVnsM2JFwDCmyKgor3yoiM8gTlNgRB0GD6wzHpXDNGdhRe~ItdL-c32ydNl0ZHwcIyon-2hJnuIPu68iC9Y9ezJjRJ5NJXgmgQJDQHIApRCJTn342Mzbahi4-Mvr305bZhEjoKFIzc3T9n3ujYJSQKpZlBa099cIXBiv-qQaw2heHxaINMqFEvjiN2QP8lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 12 approved a side-yard variance to permit an addition at 402 Reserve Trail that will sit no closer than 17 feet from the left property line.

Heather Davies of Phoenix Architecture described the proposal as a sunroom-style addition off the living room that includes a bathroom and storage and could serve in the future as a primary-suite space. Davies said the design seeks to match existing materials and roof pitch and that the homeowners obtained HOA approval for the work.

Owner David Leon told the board the family needs additional first-floor space: \"We just need a little more space,\" he said, adding that the addition will let the family avoid moving to a larger house.

Board members noted that much of the proposed addition intruded into the existing setback and that a smaller scheme might have avoided the variance. The motion to approve an 8-foot left side-yard variance — permitting a 17-foot setback — carried on roll call without additional conditions.

No neighbors objected; the applicant said adjacent property owners had reviewed and supported the plan. The case was heard as BZA Case No. 25-03.","The board granted an 8-foot left side-yard variance to allow a ground-floor addition at 402 Reserve Trail to be built no closer than 17 feet from the property line; applicants said the addition will add first-floor living space and retain the existing side entry.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6386526,"BZA approves three variances for 137 Fairview Road; approval conditioned on consolidating three lots",2595,1317785,3913494,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4&start=1317&end=3913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4/thumbnail_1317785.jpg","/articles/6386526/Ohio/BZA-approves-three-variances-for-137-Fairview-Road-approval-conditioned-on-consolidating-three-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386526-bd389bd572cf738306a9c2501f18d424/orig.mp4?Expires=1773740520&Signature=mWIBSHwxdViDoh~PytcBPm4NTTejlIh5L7eYN61rCCo4Mb5sEXIbMBNQjGGkCUKyrNuJnToJdy2k8TSYr5lb~QASN2e4cHyt4ApXe0GFCq9Wbv3etjzaO9wMn6YvHG1JFbn1799VvSqbTv30oNWKGbfnA-1rz8Wm7mib1Y5yfjiuT2T5K61xv-Cv2kVVs7MJv23qXXnJIF6C4iNEqnR65~Qfu7qL1S9Ua~hDNpC7pNegl4aX6-E6rgsuNVRqhgfjpVsBMeJw1XU2I5Smn3OwwtA3u9F2u9NjQeKcHNdllNs~Tq8Q533sPkjiyUfPUerCJG9wu13cQgcZT7nadHS1xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Zoning Appeals voted Oct. 12 to approve a package of variances for a proposed detached three-car garage at 137 Fairview Road, subject to consolidation of the three adjoining lots into one legal parcel.

The board approved an 8-foot height variance to allow the garage to reach 23 feet, a 10-foot side-yard setback variance to permit the structure no closer than 10 feet to the south property line, and a 638-square-foot area variance to permit an accessory structure up to 908 square feet. The motions were made consecutively and each carried after roll-call votes.

Applicant Phil Stone described persistent flooding problems at the property’s existing garage and said the proposed relocation of a new garage to higher ground would reduce exposure to water and allow improved day-to-day access. Stone said he had shared plans with neighbors and received letters of support: \"...we sent our drawings ... and no one has any objections,\" Stone told the board.

Board members questioned whether the application effectively created a second house on the combined footprint and discussed site grading, a buried 30-inch clay drain pipe that runs through the property, and long-term flood concerns. One board member said the request’s scale was the principal concern: the proposed garage’s footprint approaches the footprint of the existing house, and moving the building northward or reducing the footprint might reduce the need for the variances.

The board tied approval to consolidation of the three parcels into a single lot; members said that condition protects future buyers of any remaining vacant lot from being disadvantaged by the garage placement.

Motions as presented were approved in separate votes; board members recorded unanimous or near-unanimous support on each motion during roll-call. The approvals allow the applicant to move to the building permit stage, subject to recording the lot consolidation and standard permitting review.

The project was heard as BZA Case No. 25-02.","The Board approved a package of variances—height to 23 feet, a 10-foot side-yard setback and a 638-sq.-ft. area variance permitting a 908-sq.-ft. detached garage—for 137 Fairview Road, contingent on consolidation of three parcels into a single lot.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6386532,"BZA approves height variance for pool house at 120 Ashley Drive",1160,134825,1295165,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4&start=134&end=1295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118038-3ab2f8937ff9f11b0d02676184d04eb4/thumbnail_134825.jpg","/articles/6386532/Ohio/BZA-approves-height-variance-for-pool-house-at-120-Ashley-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386532-3b5433ac41e08eb00a4cb4af19dcf9d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773740520&Signature=EP0LWFB~sUXXFXYqgIkdPgb-VBWue3p5SvmOEUtz4BBev16GyhXdM8Pd3VScA8z9IpNR1XCDxv7Y3~26-GDvKYTBA8yD45Ww42CvgCL1tic7o5QAy6MdVYVDCuuCoifR~U2wS43Ii5WHFeLf2jhwhTiIBj6gbg5O8o0t~eKMoUxb11AxOdsvaN~ECz-8voZMSh-ONIo9zvUtiUBra-tS1Ly8geaEumXXcottR3o5z0Ej8D5pxo~LoBY37RA1DWCxHuyLzSfShHcr0iATp7c3Pmy5ZsAb-ZD8c1JgGJPzFBnmnLRF8U6HvsnBHJgBh3JZoLh3LGgrvHR-tNcXoZpeHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 12 approved an 8-foot height variance to permit an accessory pool house at 120 Ashley Drive to reach a maximum height of 23 feet.

The pool house application, presented by Rob Myers, was described as primarily serving pool equipment and a small living/changing area. Myers said the structure includes a framed cupola to improve interior ceiling height and bring light into the living area: \"The client has directed us to build a pool and pool house,\" he told the board, adding that the cupola windows \"will be seen from underneath.\"

Board members pressed the applicant on alternatives and whether the cupola was strictly necessary. Myers said removing the cupola would still leave the roofline above the 15-foot limit, and that the building’s length, interior functions and the design relationship to the main house drove the proposed proportions. The board discussed neighborhood context and lot size; one member noted the house sits on nearly four acres and that the pool house will not be visible from the street.

Chair (name not specified) moved to approve the variance, reading the motion aloud: \"I make a motion to approve an 8 foot height variance for an accessory structure to permit a pool house with a height not to exceed 23 feet.\" The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The variance approval applies to the accessory structure as proposed; board members said they judged the request against neighboring lot sizes and sight lines rather than against smaller, tighter lots elsewhere in the village.

The applicant confirmed trees will be removed only where necessary and that the pool edge will be roughly 35 feet from the main house. The board did not attach additional conditions beyond approving the variance.

The pool house application was heard as BZA Case No. 25-01.","The Board of Zoning Appeals granted an 8-foot height variance to allow a pool house at 120 Ashley Drive to reach a maximum of 23 feet; the board cited lot size, sight lines and architectural compatibility in a unanimous vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents criticize BZA meeting conduct after fence variance hearing

BZA approves side-yard variance for addition at 402 Reserve Trail

BZA approves three variances for 137 Fairview Road; approval conditioned on consolidating three lots

BZA approves height variance for pool house at 120 Ashley Drive