Board of Zoning Appeals approves variances for multiple infill projects; car‑wash plan OK'd with conditions

The Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 6 approved variances and special permits for several residential lot splits, additions and a commercial redevelopment, and voted to dismiss an appeal after the appellant failed to appear.

The board’s actions included approvals for variances at 5757–/East Livingston Avenue, 106 Coles Street, 473 Jackson Street, 395 Stewart Avenue, 2316 Turquoise Drive and 2828 Fieldwood Avenue; a special‑permit approval to expand burial capacity adjacent to Greenlawn Cemetery at 1155 W. Mound St.; and conditional approval for a proposed six‑story residential building at 1036 S. Front St. A proposed car‑wash redevelopment on Cleveland Avenue was approved after the applicant agreed to design and landscaping conditions the board required.

Why it matters: the approvals further the city’s stated goal of adding housing and redeveloping underused lots, while the Cleveland Avenue decision highlights tensions between newly adopted Title 34 walk‑ability goals and the practical constraints of an interstate‑adjacent, auto‑oriented site.

Key decisions and actions

East Livingston Avenue (BCA24‑152; maneuvering area, side/rear yard variances) Planning staff had recommended denial, arguing the large paved front yard departed from neighborhood character. The owner’s representative said some gravel area had been mistaken for pavement and that the owner would accept limits on the paved maneuvering area. After discussion, the board approved the requested variances with a condition limiting the allowed turnaround/maneuver area to a 9‑by‑18‑foot space (standard single‑car dimensions) and requiring removal or reduction of the larger paved apron shown in photos. Owner Jenny Gandy testified about safety concerns when backing onto the main street; she told the board the extra space was intended to allow a car to exit safely when other cars are parked. The board concluded the condition balanced the owner’s maneuverability concerns with neighborhood character.

106 Coles Street (BZA24‑165; multiple lot‑development variances) Planning staff and the Near East Area Commission recommended approval. The applicant presented revised plans showing alley‑oriented access and other design adjustments; the board approved the requested variances as presented.

473 Jackson Street (BZA24‑169;…