Gahanna planning commission approves variance to reduce lot frontage for Shoal Road parcel

The Gahanna Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Variance V0008-2025, allowing a lot split at 4444 Shoal Road that reduces the estate-residential lot frontage requirement by about 12.5 feet.

Planning staff presented the application, noting the property is zoned ER (estate residential) and that the requested lot split would create a northern lot of about 215 feet of frontage and a southern lot of about 137 feet of frontage. Planning staff said the reduction from the code frontage requirement would be 12.5 feet and recommended approval, arguing the change would not “result in substantial damage to the essential character of the neighborhood.”

The application lists Lebocchi Homes Incorporated as the owner. A man who identified himself at the hearing as Jordan Labaki, a contracted builder on the project, said he had nothing further to add. Applicant comments also stated the property will connect to the city sanitary sewer rather than keep or add a septic system.

Two nearby residents spoke against the proposal, raising access and safety concerns. David Cooper of 4420 Scholl Road told commissioners the most practical driveway location would line up opposite Brookhouse Lane and said drivers “come up the hill, on Shoal Road at a high rate of speed.” Cooper also asked whether a second septic system would be permitted and said the property currently has an access easement that would not automatically benefit any newly created lot.

Mark Sowell of 1070 Brookhouse Lane said he nearly was struck by another vehicle on the same blind hill and that the neighborhood has seen repeated fence hits in recent months at the top of the slope. Both speakers asked the commission and staff to consider sightlines and safety when reviewing any driveway location.

The applicant replied that the city sewer runs behind the property and that both the existing house and the new home are intended to tie into the municipal system. He said the planned driveway would align with Brookhouse Lane and that engineering approval for sight lines and curb cuts is required.

Commissioners asked questions about the location of existing easements, whether the pool on the existing lot would be removed (the applicant said it would be demolished), drainage, and whether moving the lot line slightly would remove the need for a variance. Several commissioners said the neighbors’ access and safety concerns were valid but that those issues concern the eventual building-permit and engineering reviews rather than the variance itself.

Commissioner Shpaka moved to approve V0008-2025; Commissioner Tamarkin seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried.

What happens next: If the variance remains approved at the administrative and permitting stages, any driveway or curb cut will need engineering approval and the building-permit review will confirm utility connections and other site work.