The Gahanna Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 10 to approve a variance that allows a roughly 171-square-foot rear addition at 747 Johnson Court to be sited 11 feet 9 inches from the southern side property line, short of the 15-foot side-yard setback in the city’s R-1 (large-lot residential) zoning.

Planning staff said the addition would be in line with the house’s existing setback and would not extend further into the side yard than the current structure. Planning staff recommended approval, noting several neighboring homes also sit closer than the newly increased 15-foot standard and that the proposal would not materially change the character of the block.

The application, filed under case V-0022-2025 for Parcel ID 025-004177, seeks a variance to Chapter 11.03.07(e) of the City of Gahanna codified ordinances, which requires a 15-foot side-yard setback for principal structures in R-1 zoning. Planning staff told the commission that under the property’s previous zoning (SF-2), the side-yard requirement had been 10 feet and that the house likely conformed at time of construction.

The applicant did not propose exterior changes that would extend beyond the current home footprint; the addition replaces an existing concrete patio and matches the home’s existing line toward the southern property line. Staff shared photos showing a short fence and taller landscaping on the neighboring lot that will provide partial screening.

Commissioners asked whether the finish materials would match the house and whether the concrete pad would be removed and replaced. Shannon Overmyer, the design firm representative, said the exterior finishes will be completed in a later phase and that the existing concrete pad would be removed and replaced to meet the addition’s footprint. Commissioners also clarified the addition would not encroach beyond the existing nonconforming setback.

Commissioner Mako moved to approve V-0022-2025; Commissioner Shepaca seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as yes by all commission members present and the motion carried.

The approval means the applicant may apply for the required building permits; staff said no separate design-review or final development plan hearing would be required for this addition, and the project will proceed through the normal building-permit review.

Details such as front-elevation changes and final siding were described as a later phase; staff and the applicant said no additional zoning variances are anticipated at this time.