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Grove City BZA approves variance allowing chain-link fence at 3320 Voller Avenue
Summary
The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 48-inch chain-link fence to encroach the front setback at 3320 Voller Avenue. Neighbors voiced support and the board noted the decision can be appealed to City Council within 21 days.
GROVE CITY — The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals on an unanimous vote approved a variance allowing a 48-inch chain-link fence to encroach the front setback at a property identified as 3320 Voller Avenue.
The board approved the applicant’s request to encroach the 12-foot front setback along Dudley Avenue by 12 feet, resulting in a zero-foot setback, for replacement of a chain-link fence at the property. Chair Hellinga made the motion to approve and Mr. Hunt seconded; members present voted in favor.
The variance application said the property owner, Skye Eckel, is replacing a fence that the applicant said had stood on the parcel since about 1974 or 1975 and had been removed in 2022. Eckel told the board the replacement fence would be chain link, finished in black, and installed in the same location as the historic fence. “It’s mostly to keep our kids safe,” Eckel said, identifying two children ages 1 and 2 as the primary safety concern.
Neighbors contacted by staff expressed support. Staff said Jim Smith, who lives directly across Dudley Avenue, told staff he supports the replacement after receiving clarification about the variance. Jeff Filinger of 3264 Park Street, who identified himself as a former Jackson Township Board of Zoning Appeals member, told staff the lot is irregular, that similar fences exist in the area and that the proposed work largely replaces a longstanding fence.
Board members asked routine questions about property lines and site markings. Eckel said the property was surveyed and that wooden stakes on site mark the property line. No members raised objections during discussion.
The board noted that Grove City Council retains the authority to reverse the BZA decision within 21 days and advised the applicant not to proceed with construction until required permits are obtained and the appeal window has passed.
The meeting record contains variations in how the property address and parcel number were announced in different places in the record; staff listed the parcel as 040-000400 when presenting the application. The application referenced Section 11-37.05 of the municipal code governing setback requirements.
The board completed the item and moved on to scheduling matters for its July meeting.
