Variance to allow removal without replacement denied for 861 Sheridan

The Bexley Board of Zoning and Planning rejected a request to waive the code requirement that a demolished detached garage be replaced at 861 Sheridan after a tree fell onto and largely destroyed the structure.

Staff cited Bexley code section 1223.05(g), which states no detached garage shall be demolished or removed until the board reviews the application and issues a certificate of appropriateness; furthermore, demolition should not be approved without a replacement plan that maintains the city’s enclosed off-street parking stock. The owner told the board he has had difficulty securing insurance proceeds and that demolition and removal costs have mounted.

The board heard that the garage had been partially removed and that the applicant proposed leaving a parking pad or gravel area rather than replacing an enclosed garage. Some board members said economic circumstances are sympathetic but insufficient to meet the standard for a variance that would waive the replacement requirement. Members also expressed concerns about gravel spilling into public rights-of-way and code-enforcement implications.

The motion to approve the findings that would have granted the variance was moved by Mr. Eshelbrenner and seconded by Mr. Marsh. The roll call produced six negative votes (Ms. Dorn, Mr. Rosenthal, Mr. Eshelbrenner, Mr. King, Mr. Schick and Mr. Marsh) and one affirmative vote (Chairman Behar), leaving the variance denied. Staff committed to work with the owner on a demolition plan and to provide guidance regarding insurance and potential replacement designs; the board noted that any replacement plan would need to be submitted and, if approved, completed within the usual permit period.