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Grove City board grants corner-lot homeowner variance for decorative fence to contain dog and protect medical needs
Summary
The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 5-foot decorative fence to encroach 11 feet into the front setback at 5545 Carlisle Drive, with conditions including a 12-month start, supplemental landscaping and required permits; the decision is subject to a 21-day city council appeal period.
The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals on an unspecified date approved a variance for Nicole Franklin, property owner of 5545 Carlisle Drive (Parcel No. 040016820), allowing a 5-foot decorative fence to encroach 11 feet into the 30-foot front building setback on Silverlawn Drive for a resulting setback of 19 feet.
Franklin told the board she applied for the variance because, without the fence, “we lose a large portion of our yard.” She said the yard is needed to contain a high-energy German shorthaired pointer and that a child in the home “has a trach and is on a vent,” a medical need Franklin said would make it unsafe for her to leave the child unattended to retrieve a loose dog.
The board approved the appeal by motion, with Mr. Brandt, Chair Hellinga and Mr. Hahn voting yes. The approval included three standard stipulations read into the record: construction must begin within 12 months, required building and zoning permits must be obtained before construction, and the applicant must install supplemental landscaping (staff suggested arborvitae at a minimum height of 3 feet) within 30 days after the fence is installed. Staff reported that adjacent homeowners were contacted and that no written responses opposing the request were received.
Laura, the zoning official on the record, explained the requirement for permits and that approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals can be appealed to City Council; the board noted a 21-day waiting period in which City Council may request reversal. Board members clarified that permit approval and a pre-inspection are required before work may commence, and that those permit steps can be pursued while the 21-day appeal period runs.
The board’s motion and the staff conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes. Franklin confirmed she already has a contractor and anticipated meeting the construction timeline and landscaping requirement.
Because City Council can overturn BZA decisions, the approval will become final after the statutory appeal period or unless the council places the item on its agenda and reverses the board.
