Beavercreek BZA grants variance for small front‑yard shed at Merwood Court

The Beavercreek Board of Zoning Appeals voted Nov. 12 to grant a variance allowing an accessory shed in the front yard at 2571 Merwood Court.

Staff recommended the variance after describing the parcel as a kite‑shaped, sloped lot whose practical buildable area is the former footprint of a house destroyed by the 2019 tornado. A previous variance granted in November 2023 had expired after one year; the applicants returned seeking permission for a much smaller structure — about 200 square feet, roughly one‑third the size of an earlier proposal.

The staff planner, Matt, said the lot’s topography left no reasonable flat area for an accessory structure without a variance and that, while the request was substantial in terms of encroachment, granting the variance would serve substantial justice because of the lot’s constraints. Staff noted the shed will be visible from the roadway but will sit behind neighboring houses in the cul‑de‑sac.

During deliberation a board member moved to adopt the variance, stating the criteria in section 158.172(h)(5)(a) had been satisfied; the chair seconded. Roll call votes were recorded in the affirmative by Mister Raider, Mister Roach, Miss Vest, Miss Barhorst and Mister Esman. The motion carried and the variance was approved.

The decision allows the applicants to locate the accessory shed in the requested front‑yard area. The approval followed staff recommendations and the board’s assessment of the lot’s unique topography and prior foundation location. No additional appeal or next procedural step was recorded during the meeting.