[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6494503,"mediaKeyId","5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3","parentId",5822715,"title","Amherst Zoning Board moves to deliberative session, approves August minutes and adjourns; no public votes on variances recorded","audioSeconds",73,"startMs",2409000,"endMs",2482000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3&start=2409&end=2482","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3/thumbnail_2409000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6494503/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Amherst-Zoning-Board-moves-to-deliberative-session-approves-August-minutes-and-adjourns-no-public-votes-on-variances-recorded","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6494503-8ff62e4fe38dfec672801cc9fc21cf3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512411&Signature=F7wfYXtqh8Y~TPMAOcu9kf1KBPz1P-oNhIeDUIpRWnYBdK4xB1wJj8uWx4UVmEb0~r7vJiHMQFktwuJ0h4IcQaBgGUAqDq9LmOTA1N5Lz01PImkmn4ANPYRjayunKl5DPlpa69ys1fR2bzqNkFr6hkl1Q-Ki~mKFV9vNIPDaLZ6EJHmAeAUgaRRlhbY5NtErXnydwLa2eJ7HfZfbPODxq5vk5W9-BMPiQRuBXYMTiFSccNZ-~fHjElutOL7AdtgBtoZm2cxJHomiFtLjJKEtH~qv6px827QmeNbkMRnGsOTGurDumwEKvT05S8SlR1nOmvTCY7zQc2jlWKvRHBBv7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Amherst","date","2025-09-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals voted Sept. 24 to move into a deliberative session to consider the night’s agenda items. The motion to enter deliberations was made and seconded and the chair called a roll call in which board members recorded affirmative responses; the board later returned to open session.

After deliberations, the board approved the minutes of its Aug. 27, 2025 meeting by motion and voice vote. The board then considered any additional business, and a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The transcript of the open session does not record the board issuing final public votes on the four variance requests heard that evening (applications for property at 916 Milan Ave.; 533 East Ave.; 344 James St.; and 1255 North Main St.). Chair Terry Tomaszewski told applicants they would be notified in writing within 14 days of the meeting of any decisions.

Formal actions recorded in the public transcript include the motion to enter deliberative session, the motion approving the Aug. 27 minutes and the motion to adjourn.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Amherst - Zoning Board of Appeals","oneSentenceSummary","The board moved into a closed deliberative session, later approved its Aug. 27 meeting minutes and adjourned. The transcript does not record final public votes on the four variance applications heard Sept. 24; applicants were told they would receive written notification within 14 days.","taxTitle","Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",72391,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6494507,"Developer asks Amherst board to allow smaller evergreen specimens in buffer at North Main Street site",886,1513000,2399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3&start=1513&end=2399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3/thumbnail_1513000.jpg","/articles/6494507/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Developer-asks-Amherst-board-to-allow-smaller-evergreen-specimens-in-buffer-at-North-Main-Street-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6494507-bb467eb56706e43917d908cb5bdf7526/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512411&Signature=VPm0RrEXIgoN3Z7GhhWOJYyQ~aaC8Nv~Q8-Vzw-3RTSry93-uRfmHlkgOEwrAWG1u2TxGNvy20HADGxIjiX9NL2hkcNoHg~m40w3HUnVYNl~AxSW-EqR3I0QjyTkCTL2rUx4mAMGvzgdYYlGb6V4Kf5p3WTxNEFFX29WYRCr-EbD1YXpsivIN~0fpAjUcFznDeAFlD33-mGafL~6N0weyLbo8mWGvKVBQ0zkFeT7vscj2z6S8xjRB850MTVFfAOPfkXlw8Rv9QcEK6WiulP4517sBDkVsDvh8PvwZ~W6mVl9F3eqwuelRgKLKJnzevc6OLjW4ZafewhT17Tplyhlww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative identified as Khalid Bikawi told the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 24 he represents Cal Bico Properties LLC, owner of property at 1255 North Main Street, and asked the board for three variances that would allow smaller (1- to 2-foot) evergreen specimens in required buffer areas instead of the 6-foot specimens called for in Amherst code.

The variances the applicant set out to the board are reductions in the required planting-size standard for three locations along the north, south and east property lines where Chapters 11.37.03(b) and 11.37.07(c) require a 10-foot or 30-foot buffer with staggered rows of 6-foot evergreen plantings. The applicant and staff clarified that the request was not for narrower buffers but for shorter nursery stock specimens (the applicant said 1- to 2-foot nursery stock) in areas where dense mature trees and an 8-foot fence already provide visual screening. The applicant said he would install full-size (6-foot) specimens along the North Main Street frontage where there is less existing screening.

Board discussion focused on whether the request was “substantial” under the standard for variances and on long-term compliance: several board members and staff said smaller nursery stock would require time to reach code stature but that existing mature trees and fences reduced immediate visual impacts. One board member noted the applicant had amended a prior request and proposed the current layout as a compromise. Khalid told the board cost was a factor: “...the price...a big tree is gonna cost me $200. The smaller tree is gonna be a lot less,” and he said much of the rear and side area already contains dense, mature trees.

The transcript records no final vote on the variance requests during the public session; the board said applicants would be notified of decisions in writing within 14 days.","A representative for Cal Bico Properties LLC asked the Zoning Board to allow planting 1- to 2-foot evergreen specimens instead of the code-required 6-foot specimens in several buffer areas at 1255 North Main Street, citing existing tree cover and cost.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6494511,"Roger Marshall seeks variances to retain enlargement and reduce setbacks at 344 James St.; board reviews prior denial",562,912000,1474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3&start=912&end=1474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3/thumbnail_912000.jpg","/articles/6494511/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Roger-Marshall-seeks-variances-to-retain-enlargement-and-reduce-setbacks-at-344-James-St-board-reviews-prior-denial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6494511-988e0460c2fc2227868c4ca579267dca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512411&Signature=hbCo~AcVGo9L59CiBzytcbJM0leVveYgvrliWbDCGLpvgNotvnRIC7IiC3xNIRCv-FdSNo1y5GEpqaUM6jqM3aF8zyf~aRvOl4GVMxEI59zJjluUQy4xxqqhK1ALe6uh9Ym9TMNo~PZ2uuJdizprLOTMSEJXrWvCZnUK73eMQZNIaK18jMgAvp7zcFh2uea6aDiZ8SiRfyE58XoTya-nbsd3gz9k7mkLAe2e61x2JeIKpa-tnT30uGzG1-DHpcR66-AOGpKN0g2TlwPRTMAObGC5Sh4-K3ckTUAnvNbgUdSqxHdD5dIxJdmrudLZFMzWU3Fakl~8k-2j0T2o9myKFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Roger Marshall told the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 24 that he is seeking three variances for accessory-structure expansions and reduced setbacks at 344 James Street. Marshall said he previously brought a similar application in May 2023 that the board denied and that he has since reduced the size of the addition and plans to alter the structure if required.

The variances described in the hearing are: (1) relief to add roughly 324 square feet (a 6-by-30 foot and a 6-by-24 foot addition) to an existing nonconforming 720-square-foot accessory structure, producing a proposed total of about 1,044 square feet, which exceeds the code’s accessory-structure limit in Chapter 11.45.005(b)(1); (2) a variance to place part of the structure 4.5 feet from the south property line where code requires a 5-foot setback (Chapter 11.45.005(a)); and (3) a variance to place part of the structure 2.5 feet from the west rear property line where code requires a 5-foot setback (Chapter 11.45.005(a)).

Marshall told the board he is willing to cut back 2.5 feet so that a 5-foot separation from the neighbor’s fence would be achieved and said the structure is used for storage and work tools. Staff showed satellite imagery and property-line depictions during the hearing and clarified that older aerials may shift the visual location of the blue property-line indicator; staff said the fence on Marshall’s lot appears to sit essentially on the property line. Marshall said he had neighborhood support and that he had not completed construction pending a final decision.

Board members noted the prior 2023 hearing and discussed whether the current application is materially different; the applicant said the configuration and size had been reduced from the earlier request. The transcript does not record a final vote in open session; the board said applicants would be notified in writing of decisions within 14 days.","Roger Marshall requested three variances for accessory structure square footage and reduced setbacks at 344 James Street. He said a prior request in May 2023 was denied, he’s altered the configuration and is willing to cut back the rear projection to meet a 5-foot setback; neighbors provided support.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6494517,"Amherst homeowner apologizes for unpermitted work, asks board to allow 24-by-24 addition",462,450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3&start=450&end=912","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3/thumbnail_450000.jpg","/articles/6494517/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Amherst-homeowner-apologizes-for-unpermitted-work-asks-board-to-allow-24-by-24-addition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6494517-ebd164e932f12e4ce9a2623663c41b8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512411&Signature=o1ONVnhMi5ZOxAI1HTnRKuH-hLz3z8oBAF5q1jmzmk5QE1RR13UKjd8WbrlihjJTTpNeWPyZNEzTD-8kUoSLYRy4DN4REQ6Vf1MW28sYPso9kxsGsF97fslMio8CG5O9ej8nAOIt~c6t4KDVTYw3iArwquu7HNKnBvW291szrOAOhHWDGPFrnoaNyY2JdDgYixYhjcatFRKUItLert6VtZGojCkyIL4rDydjqZHwYCgjMmQj3Sjc6RUM9G91mM3bl5EHd~5vZwtCB6B8Uy4-Sa~dx32OoLQWgjF7rdv9Ncny-cNLKUt2pVCJIVXzyxLmdf3rHJOAgjIfjxdMijAJug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Roberto Rosario, who identified himself as the owner of 533 East Avenue, apologized to the city at the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals meeting Sept. 24 and asked the board to approve two variances for an attached 24-by-24-foot (576 square feet) addition to an existing 22-by-24-foot (528 square feet) accessory structure.

Rosario told the board he was not aware he needed variances and permits and said, “As soon as I was made aware of the violation, I took immediate action to try to correct everything.” He said he has obtained notarized neighbor statements in favor of the variance and intends to remove a 24-by-16-foot (384 square foot) structure that he says requires extensive repairs if the board grants the request.

The two variances recorded in the hearing are: (1) relief from Chapter 11.45.005(b)(1) to allow the accessory structure to have a larger footprint than the code’s maximum and (2) relief from Chapter 11.45.005(c) to allow a peak height 2 inches above the 16-foot limit (application projects 16 feet 2 inches). Rosario described practical reasons for the storage — classic cars, yard and maintenance equipment, seasonal decorations and an off-season chest freezer — and said the additional space would help him maintain the property.

Board members confirmed he had talked to his neighbors and that notarized statements supporting the variance had been submitted. Rosario told the board he expected to remove the smaller structure as soon as weather permits, likely within two months if conditions allow. The transcript does not record a final vote on this item; the board said applicants would be notified in writing within 14 days.","Roberto Rosario of 533 East Avenue asked the Zoning Board for two variances to attach a 24-by-24 (576 sq ft) addition to an existing accessory structure and for a 2-inch height overrun. He said he will remove an older 24-by-16 structure if approved, presented notarized neighbor support, and apologized for not obtaining permits earlier.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6494519,"Amherst Zoning Board hears request to enlarge accessory structure at 916 Milan Ave.; applicant absent",253,167000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3&start=167&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822715-f5bea82b30ce895a8ad7c7c24bfa98f3/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6494519/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Amherst-Zoning-Board-hears-request-to-enlarge-accessory-structure-at-916-Milan-Ave-applicant-absent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6494519-f0d397c0768e686d77cd9b1ebf6c43a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512411&Signature=MQBQzFkk~tjXl279-ujBlByd65Ltek08Vs6qk1U2Z51giKlj-qsIc8BFbtwh9glWDfBtpSyOy9Z~MgqGGowT1auk-~Pfrp1rZX6j3PZt2iuzg4wTuvDoh2wsP6ud0-qUF0Im~kHO-toMIr5AjCCRQtN5fP0aOYCfncXi20~hANdn3iUd3X~Xpwnyq2oweaTn77KbKfmjFzD0YWR8qD9N0ebKjeOb-GLsu4AuAV3MgFOZES~A6MKEHra24jS-kriJoO5ztyRBgUHJM0L8zrK2WzwIiFmViMg1bX3OeNrEBYBRu6J2OEik2QV5oTB8oK1Ye-UF1ry6gbo0RvHpzx8-tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 24 reviewed a variance request from homeowner Renee Mick to add a 25-by-50-foot (1,250 square feet) addition to an existing 24-by-32-foot accessory structure at 916 Milan Avenue, creating a total accessory footprint the city records show as about 2,018 square feet. The applicant was not present at the hearing.

Under Amherst zoning code Chapter 11.45.005(b)(1) the largest accessory structure is not to exceed 768 square feet per a prior variance approved Jan. 3, 1989; the proposal also seeks relief from the 16-foot height limit in Chapter 11.45.005(c), projecting a total height of about 20 feet. A staff presenter summarized the application to the board, saying the proposed addition would include a garage door and that the stated purpose was to store and maintain an RV inside the structure.

Board members asked staff procedural and site-specific questions. Member Jeffreys asked how the owner would move an RV to the building and whether the applicant planned a paved pad or would drive across lawn; staff said the application did not describe an access pad and that driving across lawn was not currently constrained by the submission. A separate question established the existing structure’s peak at about 14 feet and that the addition’s roof line would be above the existing building.

Chair Terry Tomaszewski reminded those present that any decision on the item would be made following deliberations and that the applicant would be notified in writing within 14 days. No formal vote or final decision on this variance is recorded in the public portion of the transcript.","The Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a request from homeowner Renee Mick to add a 25-by-50-foot addition to an existing accessory structure at 916 Milan Avenue. The applicant was not present; staff described the proposal as an indoor RV-storage addition that would exceed size and height limits set by local code and an earlier variance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Amherst Zoning Board moves to deliberative session, approves August minutes and adjourns; no public votes on variances recorded

Developer asks Amherst board to allow smaller evergreen specimens in buffer at North Main Street site

Roger Marshall seeks variances to retain enlargement and reduce setbacks at 344 James St.; board reviews prior denial

Amherst homeowner apologizes for unpermitted work, asks board to allow 24-by-24 addition

Amherst Zoning Board hears request to enlarge accessory structure at 916 Milan Ave.; applicant absent