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Board approves use and area variances to allow a travel trailer as residence for family members; conditions and permits required
Summary
Pataskala BZA approved a use variance (VA-24-024) and five related area variance requests (VA-24-025) to allow a travel trailer of about 560 sq ft to be located on a 2.2-acre parcel and used as a residential unit for the applicant’s parents; permits required within one year.
The Pataskala City Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 14 approved a use variance (VA-24-024) and related area-variance requests (VA-24-025) allowing a travel trailer approximately 560 square feet to be located on a property at 7290 Ming Street SW and occupied as a dwelling for family members.
Planning staff said the parcel is zoned General Business but contains an existing nonconforming single-family home that predated the zoning change. The applicant sought permission to place a second residential unit — a travel trailer — behind the house in the driveway loop. Planning staff noted additional variances would be required because travel trailers are not considered dwellings under the code and minimum-dwelling-size requirements in proximate residential zoning would otherwise apply.
Applicant Joshua (Emily/Joshua Brown participated) told the board they purchased the house unaware of the zoning limitations, and the requested trailer would allow them to care for aging parents after an RV on the property was destroyed by fire. The applicant said the trailer would have on-site electric, connect to the existing well and have septic pumped regularly.
Board members weighed the standard variance findings, including whether the request was substantial and whether it would harm the surrounding area. The board recorded findings and concluded that a use variance and associated area variances were warranted in this instance. The board approved the use variance and the five area-variance requests with a condition that the applicant must obtain all necessary permits from the City of Pataskala and the Lincoln County Building Code Department within one year of the date of approval.
The staff report and board discussion noted the Lincoln County Health Department must approve sanitary arrangements and the building department must sign off on permits before final occupancy.
Members accepted findings of fact for both variances later in the meeting.
