The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals took four recorded actions at its October meeting: denials for two Hough New Road variances, approval of a Washington Township government-facility use variance, approval of a residential-density variance for an accessory building, and a continuance of a separate contractor-use variance to the December meeting.

Most consequential were DENIALS of VAR-25-48A and VAR-25-48B (the Hough New Road eco-area variances). After staff presented slope maps, site-visit photos and disturbance estimates and multiple residents and environmental advocates testified, the board voted 3-0 to deny the variances. Staff had recommended denial, citing significant disturbance across slopes and riparian crossings and the absence of engineered construction plans.

A second vote approved VAR-25-54, the Washington Township governmental facility use variance to Chapter 8.11. Planning staff recommended denial but testimony from township officials and residents described the site as an existing community meeting place and township office and emphasized the township’s need for an office and public meeting space. The board approved the use variance 3-0; a site plan review and any applicable site improvements required by highway, stormwater and health authorities remain to be completed.

The board also approved VAR-25-63 (Lehman) to allow an accessory pole-barn on a 1.54-acre lot that predates the county eco-overlay; staff recommended approval because the legal lot dimensions existed prior to the overlay’s adoption. Neighbors who spoke in favor described cleanup and property improvements since new owners purchased the site. The vote was 3-0.

Finally, VAR-25-49 (Blackwell — general contractor use variance for South Old State Road 37) was continued at the petitioner’s request to the December 3, 2025 meeting. The continuance was approved 3-0 and was announced at the meeting after the petitioner requested additional time to gather information.

Votes at a glance
- VAR-25-48A (Hough New Road, Eco Area 1 — 12% slope land disturbance): Motion to deny approved, vote 3-0 (denial recorded).
- VAR-25-48B (Hough New Road, Eco Area 2 — 15% slope land disturbance): Motion to deny approved, vote 3-0 (denial recorded).
- VAR-25-49 (Blackwell — general contractor use variance): Continued to 2025-12-03; continuance approved 3-0.
- VAR-25-54 (Washington Township — government facility use variance to Chapter 8.11): Approved 3-0; site plan review and highway/stormwater conditions remain.
- VAR-25-63 (Lehman — eco area 2 residential-density maximum variance): Approved 3-0; staff cited lot pre-dating eco-overlay as practical difficulty justification.

Ending: The board’s written findings and any required site plan submittals will appear in the permit record. Petitions that were denied may be revised and resubmitted or may proceed through other legal channels, and continued items will return to the board on the published December agenda.