[{"_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",6304959,"mediaKeyId","2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012","parentId",2452765,"title","BZA grants drive‑through variances at 4455 Elliott Drive for speaker location and reduced stacking","audioSeconds",848,"startMs",2597000,"endMs",3445000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012&start=2597&end=3445","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304959/Ohio/BZA-grants-drivethrough-variances-at-4455-Elliott-Drive-for-speaker-location-and-reduced-stacking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304959-41cd718a89d3bcb8574b019567de03bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400432&Signature=ft8rCykCH-jB5IlBQbmLY6FprvJvv46ThWZLz4hcDLu0pBdfeRhf-oL0flwdUd~0u8gGtmFBXMbmhFAiv5g0cEykTAegv3oNUAvghVNJruf8qnD576P2LQHDveqNdN4yiMQpY5Noo5Gin618uaCDzl0gNU9P0G6GshArOFwBJDw7dlBWt62xd6OywqQx6mca-02rRajwHlE-~9zXVNwcLCHeS1WyG5qGwId3SRyIbec4ZHqN6IPFjUFC7SJL5tAaPHBf-JGg3IKz9iaymbgkyx-Sq75BnhbTVw1z8tfUdJopFcgzONtN7C7SgWh0uU5KD-sYe2gSSWKQYiUaMv2TnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Middletown OH","date","2025-02-28T20:05:26Z","article","The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals granted two variances for a proposed drive-through at 4455 Elliott Drive, allowing (1) an audible drive-through device to be sited within the otherwise required separation from a residential dwelling and (2) a reduction in the number of required stacking spaces between the order box and pickup window.

Planning staff described the site as a corner lot in the B2 Community Business District. The applicant, represented by RDA Group Architects, asked for relief from two sections of the Middletown Development Code: the drive-through separation standard in chapter 12.06.01 (which restricts audible electronic devices near residences) and the vehicle stacking-space requirement in chapter 12.18.05 (which normally requires six stacking spaces for restaurants). Staff noted the parcel previously housed a bank with a drive-through and said the proposed site circulation would follow an entrance from Elliott Drive, around the rear, and exit onto Roosevelt.

An applicant representative and a city staff witness described the proposed circulation and confirmed the canopy would be enclosed and interior use handled inside. A resident noted nearby auto shops and other nonconforming uses separate the nearest house from the proposed speaker; staff pointed to the nonconforming residential use immediately across from the site. Board members discussed whether moving the speaker box would increase or decrease queueing issues and found the proposed configuration likely to reduce congestion compared with the site’s prior bank use.

After discussion, a motion to grant both variances passed; the board noted the finding that the spirit and intent of the code would still be observed under the proposed design. Staff and the applicant will proceed to the permitting review process, where engineering and permitting staff will vet curb, stacking lane surface and other technical details.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Zoning Appeals 02.05.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved variances allowing a drive‑through speaker to be placed within the code distance of a residence and reducing required stacking spaces from six to three for a proposed restaurant at 4455 Elliott Drive.","taxTitle","Middletown City Council, Middletown, Butler County, Ohio","taxId",68987,"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},6304965,"BZA grants variance for deck at 6642 Roycroft Drive, citing steep backyard grade",1278,1308000,2586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012&start=1308&end=2586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012/thumbnail_1308000.jpg","/articles/6304965/Ohio/BZA-grants-variance-for-deck-at-6642-Roycroft-Drive-citing-steep-backyard-grade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304965-659ff97ecdfbacba29404e84f6af89c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400432&Signature=Sx5HG4qzjdytFHm~Ck~ItrFCql9pKs2hkrk9CmUHIUqIRSsfyXzykSuhmy0zMUyZy7d0qII8L1bxljflhB9nPyIFohoILf5-8rvVmVbCvsGzF3zMk2A4NPv6~LHDlGN3~3zBnKgpBshZZ6g6g6BHPP2jDv2c8fY~bKsqp7TGQ7YAxE1-F7PehcBLN94ntot9oX5xELcrOaqYqHEBqs8DH5vE4bulHTYdpn-5qYIqNCnT8eHg5uIwOxXu~2gF32eJK0keLQWpG6eytijPZQaR9HshH3pXWN56KViQNmzf7y1igossXUZFdANgAyZBIoqwGh-ys8CotrTh268~GC3Uhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals granted an area and dimensional variance permitting construction of an expanded deck at 6642 Roycroft Drive, finding that the steep rear-yard slope created an exceptional circumstance supporting relief from the 25% aggregate accessory-structure limit.

Planning staff told the board the lot is zoned R-4P (Planned Development) and that the rear yard is about 1,800 square feet. Under Middletown code the aggregate area of accessory buildings and structures in the rear yard may not exceed 25 percent of the total yard. The applicants, Will Stephenson (representing owners Mark and Sue Royal), proposed upper and lower decks totaling approximately 880 square feet — about 46.8 percent of the yard — and noted that if an existing concrete patio remained the total would be about 916 square feet (roughly 50.9 percent).

Miss Fetters said the applicant cited exceptional topographic conditions: “the entire backyard grades downhill significantly to the pond, leaving the backyard unusable for playing with their grandchildren and/or entertaining.” Board members visited the site photos and asked about screening and runoff. One member noted existing evergreen screening along the rear; another asked whether the upper deck counts toward the aggregate even though it does not cover ground area; staff confirmed that vertically stacked decks are counted toward the rear-yard aggregate.

Several neighbors testified in support; one witness said nearby houses have decks of similar or larger size. After discussion, a board member moved to grant the variance under the area-and-dimension review criteria citing lot steepness and special conditions; the motion passed with affirmative votes from members present.","The board approved an area and dimensional variance allowing homeowners to exceed the 25% accessory-structure limit to construct a deck at 6642 Roycroft Drive after finding exceptional topography.",{"_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},6304970,"BZA continues screening-variance request for 4680 Caprice Drive to allow applicant time to specify screening",1086,219000,1305000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012&start=219&end=1305","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012/thumbnail_219000.jpg","/articles/6304970/Ohio/BZA-continues-screening-variance-request-for-4680-Caprice-Drive-to-allow-applicant-time-to-specify-screening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304970-fcc6ce25c469353a250ec3ee6a65f86c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400432&Signature=PCKobW2wiLMNDXgpY4b-aUs8jWzXAEUG1HfVTvB~LEonat2QaMc6xqkaPHOtn3sGQlQqunDBlLofFyfsFGISLT5UYKtdAS~YXbXaaUOEI9G~eXn2QHj9mu7WE~w9Anjp6uZqv09etdeFAHgPr26eNyYGE-owhVSj7k0PpjSKx2d0tYOhZfF2AhIY2hf4JamY96TfskpgNsYHdWMUDnf6XcxnOdzDOjW0~-3PzPb6QTAGuCnywXEvQZPf143XRrgAAik5-UvKkGdhqJkHUcDc2mwFIHjO34zqOi0TZ782~lsN67xK1W4syO0qMPAWgy8kJg3Z2v-8R9gxrksTB8kjVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals continued a request for an area and dimensional variance at 4680 Caprice Drive after staff and board members said more detail was needed about proposed screening methods and locations.

The application, filed by Ben Rancic on behalf of property owner Shenming Yu, requests a reduction in the screening required for off-street loading areas under Middletown Development Code section 12.16.10(A)–(B). Miss Fetters, planning staff, described the parcel as zoned B3 General Business and said the applicant seeks a determination of the percentage of screening required because truck docks run through the center of the parking lot and lot lines complicate where screening can be placed. She told the board that notices were mailed to adjacent property owners and that the applicant had been responsive but was not present for the hearing.

Board members focused discussion on where screening would be required and whether an easement and internal site circulation would prevent planting or a vegetative buffer in practical locations. One member noted, “If he doesn't own that little square lot ... he has to screen the entire perimeter of his own lot,” reflecting the code requirement that screening conceal high-visual-impact areas regardless of lot ownership. Members also raised aesthetic and ecological concerns about installing an isolated fence in the middle of a parking lot; one member said hedging would likely be preferable to a solid fence.

Given uncertainty about the type and height of screening the applicant might provide — and concern that an overly tall cinder-block wall could defeat the purpose of screening — a motion to continue the application to the March meeting passed. Staff was directed to contact the applicant to obtain specific proposed screening materials, heights and locations before the board takes final action.","The Board of Zoning Appeals continued a request to reduce screening for off-street loading areas at 4680 Caprice Drive to allow the applicant to provide specific screening plans; the applicant was not present.",{"_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},6304976,"Middletown BZA elects chair, vice chair and approves minutes; schedules training",3499,105000,3604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012&start=105&end=3604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2452765-f28a0cd375be705bfc9016ffed0c4012/thumbnail_105000.jpg","/articles/6304976/Ohio/Middletown-BZA-elects-chair-vice-chair-and-approves-minutes-schedules-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304976-bbea0ab28f5752202d966bc23b55fbf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400432&Signature=Ks0LEn9BhG26NZtt0-hLnXbWgW6FGgbeuT617Zv9plrAYCff6uxeA1s6xCI0VnyUYm9hr3hPLLbGusJ1H-clOE7ppZJyqgEoykL0GCvvi-XxKYcTGjVoQ77kd0~Nzofg31hSaFyN8aQy4huDj-bozEFirrZkrQIldULwdFlNsD2NjgodITaviWhgHArBbyAWRAafnon~QRdnELCTrXBwyzcvrGvxnNYO~g0NAaafIKDKOiL6ndhYvADJWXhi0f3YGPnf4zRx4GxYyizMb8bQo207HNwc9zYOkhUOcTvRbTKw7btdS~GGODJYHNYYAR6rO3cSJdzcqN01myLax7J~qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals elected David Cash chair and Stefan Wanamaker vice chair during its first meeting of the year and approved minutes from the Dec. 4, 2024 meeting.

The board took the organizational votes after calling the meeting to order and completing roll call. Miss Fetters, the planning staff member who presented agenda items, opened the meeting by asking for nominations; Gary Gross nominated Cash for chair and later nominated Wanamaker for vice chair. The board then voted to approve the minutes from the Dec. 4, 2024 meeting before proceeding to the public hearings.

The nominations and votes were brief. Stefan Wanamaker said he would accept the vice-chair nomination. The vice-chair vote recorded Wanamaker as abstaining; other members voted in favor. The minutes approval passed with an affirmative vote by the members present.

Board members also discussed continuing education. Several members said they would welcome more training on review criteria and best practices; one member cited prior training delivered by Ben Yoder. Staff said it would coordinate with the city attorney to arrange a session, likely in April.

The board adjourned after handling new and old business and a final motion to adjourn was seconded and carried.","The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals elected David Cash chair and Stefan Wanamaker vice chair, approved minutes from the Dec. 4, 2024 meeting and discussed scheduling training for members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

BZA grants drive‑through variances at 4455 Elliott Drive for speaker location and reduced stacking

BZA grants variance for deck at 6642 Roycroft Drive, citing steep backyard grade

BZA continues screening-variance request for 4680 Caprice Drive to allow applicant time to specify screening

Middletown BZA elects chair, vice chair and approves minutes; schedules training