Zoning board approves variance for parking-pad extension at 320 North Summit

The Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals on a unanimous vote approved a variance allowing a previously constructed parking-pad extension at 320 North Summit Street that increases the pad to about 1,624 square feet, 384 square feet over the 1,200-square-foot limit set by the zoning code.

The variance matters because the city’s zoning code establishes a 1,200-square-foot limit for a ground-level parking pad; the pad at 320 North Summit existed in a legal nonconforming state under the code adopted July 12, 2023, and the extension was built before a permit was obtained.

Planning Director Heather Sailor told the board that the code defines a parking pad as “a ground level parking area of 1,200 square feet or less, not including the access driveway,” and that the existing pad exceeded that definition. She summarized the enforcement timeline and said notices were issued to the owner, including letters in December 2024 and a deadline to apply for a variance in March 2025.

Property owner Douglas Dorn described why he added the pavement and asked the board to consider the practical difficulties posed by the existing layout. Dorn said the extension “provides ample room for the vehicles to park comfortably back to back, without having the second vehicle hang out into the alley,” and added, “I simply viewed it as a repair once we had the sewer repair done.” He told the board the extension improves access from the rear parking area to the house and provides a place to store garbage cans out of neighbors’ views.

Board members discussed code compliance and neighborhood impact. Planning staff confirmed the lot’s total coverage remained below the city limit (56% of lot coverage versus a 70% maximum). Several board members said the extension improved the property’s appearance; one member emphasized concern that work was done before a permit was requested but nevertheless supported approval given the scope and neighbor nonobjection.

The board moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote with all voting members in favor. The board advised Dorn to follow up with the planning department to obtain required permits.

Timeline and notices: the zoning code enforcement officer first documented the paving after a complaint on Dec. 6, 2024; the owner submitted zoning-certificate applications on Jan. 15, 2025 (one for the paving and one to change the use from two-unit to single-unit, the latter later approved). The city sent follow-up letters in February and March 2025 and set an April 15 deadline; Dorn filed his variance application in mid‑April 2025. The board’s approval does not eliminate the need for final permits and inspections.