Planning commission grants density variance for Ridgewater development on Brunswick Drive

The Elyria Planning Commission approved a variance April 1 to permit higher density at the Ridgewater development at 101 Brunswick Drive, allowing the applicant to propose 50 units on 6.93 acres — about 7.2 units per acre — where the residential medium-density district ordinarily allows 5 units per acre.

Bob Yost, representing Ridgewater Development, said the variance was requested separately after earlier approvals left density unspecified. Planning staff reviewed the application and noted the site had previously obtained cluster development conditional-use approval and that similar density variances have been granted previously; staff recommended approval. "I recommend the petition for the variance be approved as it coincides with past subdivision submittals of a similar request," Mister Farkas said.

During discussion, a commission member asked that variances be evaluated case-by-case rather than relied on purely as precedent; Mr. Farkas said location and adjacency to farm fields and non-impacted adjacent parcels were considered in the recommendation. There were no public proponents or opponents who spoke. The motion to approve the variance was moved by Mr. Panowski and seconded by Mr. Tedrow; the commission approved the request by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicant will return to Community Development for required plan approvals and any additional variances triggered by final site plans.