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Committee asks zoning commission for recommendation on Sixth Street parking; members stress neighbor agreement for spot variances
Summary
The Finance and Legislation committee discussed parking and zoning concerns on Sixth Street, agreed that the zoning commission should provide recommendations, and reiterated that spot variances typically require neighbor consent and must align with the Ohio Revised Code.
The Struthers City Council Finance and Legislation committee asked the city—s zoning commission to provide a recommendation on how to address an unresolved parking-lot issue on Sixth Street and discussed how spot variances and temporary commercial uses are applied in the city.
Committee members said they expect the zoning commission to elaborate what changes, if any, are needed to bring the lot into compliance and then return recommendations to the council. One councilmember, who chairs the zoning committee, said she would call a meeting of zoning commissioners when the issue is ready to be discussed.
Members discussed how the Ohio Revised Code and local ordinances interact. Several said the state code can limit the city—s options and that staff must ensure any local approach is compatible with state law. The committee also discussed precedent: a recent spot-variance granted to Maple Crest to build a garage was cited as an example of a case where neighbors were consulted and approved the change, and members said any similar action would require neighbor agreement.
Why it matters: the zoning outcome will determine whether the Sixth Street lot remains subject to existing residential rules, can be converted to commercial use, or requires specific mitigation. The committee signaled it will generally follow the zoning commission—s recommendation.
Next steps: the zoning commission will be asked to prepare and deliver its recommendation. The committee did not take formal legislative action and said it will await the zoning commission—s report before moving forward.
Ending: councilmembers emphasized that any future variance or rezoning will follow the established process, including neighbor notification and adherence to state and local rules.
