Landmarks Commission recommends variances for gazebo at 96 East Columbus after owner installs structure

At its July 28 meeting the Canal Winchester Landmarks Commission voted to approve application CA25‑033 for a 12×20 gazebo that an owner had already constructed in the rear yard of 96 East Columbus Street and to recommend two variances to the Planning and Zoning Commission: (1) to allow a second accessory building on the property and (2) to allow the structure’s setback to be less than the 10 feet required by the accessory building section of the city code. Staff told commissioners the gazebo sits on the property’s patio roughly three feet from the primary house and that two variances will be required from Planning and Zoning after any landmarks approval because the city allows only one accessory building per property and requires accessory buildings to be at least 10 feet from the primary dwelling. The applicant acknowledged constructing the gazebo before approvals and apologized; the applicant also said he would obtain exact measurements and pursue the variance process. Commission discussion explored alternatives that would avoid variances, including turning and attaching the gazebo to the house or attaching it to the garage (which would make it part of the primary structure and not an accessory building). Commissioners and staff discussed practical obstacles to relocation, roofline and window conflicts, required patio changes and water‑drainage impacts. Staff noted that attachment to the house or garage could remove the need for variances if the structure were physically integrated and met side‑yard setbacks. Commissioners also discussed site stability and drainage: they observed the gazebo’s gutters currently discharge a concentrated flow near the house and recommended the applicant address roof drainage to limit water against the foundation. The commission’s approval included the recommendation that staff document the discussion of alternatives and that the applicant pursue Planning and Zoning variances if relocation or attachment is not practicable. Roll‑call votes recorded Roger White, Linda Henry, Patrick Lynch, Pete Lynch and Rich Davenport as yes; the motion passed. Staff will add the commission’s discussion notes to the staff report to assist the Planning and Zoning review.