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Board allows replacement of existing privacy fence that encroaches on setback at Woodlawn Avenue home
Summary
The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance allowing the replacement of a 6-foot privacy fence that maintains an existing 2-foot encroachment into the established nonconforming setback at 3446 Woodlawn Avenue, with a 12-month construction expectation and a 21-day City Council appeal period.
The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals approved an appeal by property owner Zach Janiszewski to replace an existing 6-foot privacy fence that encroaches into the established nonconforming setback at 3446 Woodlawn Avenue.
Janiszewski told the board he and his wife purchased the home in 2021 and that the fence was already in place when they bought it. Their replacement permit had been denied because the existing fence sits in the established nonconforming setback; Janiszewski provided photos and said the Grove City Police Department confirmed there have been no accidents or visibility issues at the corner.
"My wife and I purchased the home in 2021. The fence was already built there, with its current dimensions, and it's currently in need of replacing," Janiszewski said. He testified the replacement would be put back in the same location and that the existing fence material appears to be old cedar and is rotting.
Chair Hellinga proposed approval with a condition that construction begin within 12 months; the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Brandt, Chair Hellinga and Mr. Holland voted in favor.
Board discussion addressed whether the replacement was simply confirming an existing condition. Staff had noted the fence encroaches 12 feet into the setback line such that the total setback along Arbutus Avenue at the alley’s northeast corner would be 2 feet. The board agreed the replacement would restore the existing configuration and would likely improve the neighborhood’s appearance.
Chair Hellinga again reminded the applicant that City Council could reverse the decision during the standard 21-day appeal window. The board recorded the variance as approved and expects construction to begin within the 12-month period noted in the motion.
