Planning commission approves variance for addition at 3590 Klotz Road

The City of Gahanna Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a variance allowing an addition at 3590 Klotz Road to be built 11 feet 2 inches from the south property line, about 4 feet inside the 15-foot side-yard setback required in R‑1 zoning.

Staff told the commission the proposed addition is in line with the existing house, which already sits 11 feet 2 inches from the property line, and that the addition would not extend any closer to the boundary. Planning staff also said under the municipality's former SF‑3 zoning the lot would have met the smaller 7.5-foot side-yard requirement; the property was rezoned this year to R‑1. Staff recommended approval.

Matt Totti, the architect of record representing the property owner, said the addition is an existing-condition alignment and “would not have required a variance before the code change.” He told commissioners that no portion of the addition will be visible from the public right of way. Commissioner Greenberg asked about exterior materials; Totti said they are “designed to match the existing — white siding, white trim, [and] shingles will match the existing roofing.”

Commissioners asked whether any neighbor objections were received; the clerk reported no feedback. After discussion, Commissioner Tamarkin moved to approve the variance (case V‑0011‑2025); the motion was seconded by Commissioner Seriano and approved by roll call.

The commission’s approval allows the applicant to construct the addition consistent with the submitted plans and the reduced side-yard setback. Staff noted the addition is shorter than the existing home and is located toward the rear of the property, reducing visibility from the street.

Questions about whether the R‑1 zoning map assignment should be adjusted prompted staff to say planners are reviewing whether more parcels than intended were categorized R‑1 during the recent code update; staff said they are exploring options to reduce future variances.