Hilliard Board OKs variance allowing church dumpster to remain with conditions

The Hilliard Board of Zoning Appeals on an unan­imous vote approved a variance allowing Oasis of Peace Community Church to keep its existing trash receptacle on site, with two conditions including that the enclosure be opaque and that future expansions require relocation to meet code.

Staff presented the case and told the board it "finds the variance does not adversely impact the delivery of government services, such as trash collection and maintains current conditions," and recommended approval with two conditions because relocating the receptacle "may place an undue burden upon the landowner." The board voted 4-0 to approve the request.

Staff said alternative means — such as relocating the receptacle elsewhere on the property — would obviate the need for a variance but could impose an undue burden on the church. The motion approved by the board required the trash enclosure be opaque and added that if the parking lot or building expands in the future, the receptacles and enclosures must be relocated to meet prior provisions of the Hilliard Code.

A board member asked whether the church could keep the dumpster in its current location if the variance were not approved; staff replied that the receptacle would have to be moved to comply with enclosure requirements. After the staff presentation a board member moved to approve the variance with the two staff conditions and another board member seconded the motion. The roll-call vote recorded members Steele, Barfield (vice president), Antle and McGee voting yes. The chair announced "Motion carried 4 0."

The approval is limited to the conditions adopted by the board; any further changes to the site that would affect compliance with Hilliard Code provisions will require the church to return to the board or otherwise meet code requirements.