The Struthers zoning committee voted to advertise and hold a public hearing on Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. to consider a use variance for a property on 6th Street that an applicant says he wants to use for a business garage.

The committee heard that the applicant intends to build “30 by 60 or 30 by 70” structures to store equipment for his company, and that use would likely require a use variance rather than a rezoning, members said. Speaker 9 told the committee, “My intentions are to build, 30 by 60 or 30 by 70 building for us to use it for my business.” Speaker 3 (a zoning board representative) recommended a public hearing so neighbors’ concerns could be gauged.

Why it matters: Struthers’ Residential B standards restrict freestanding garage size and use. Committee members cited the local ordinance language that treats small standalone structures as residential but requires commercial lot designation or a variance for larger, freestanding garages. A committee member summarized the ordinance formula discussed at the meeting: a base lot area (2,500 square feet) supports garage space for two vehicles and, for each additional 1,250 square feet of lot area, more garage space may be allowed. Committee members also noted that freestanding structures are generally limited to one story with no living quarters unless an additional variance is granted.

What was said: Committee members repeatedly emphasized the distinction between (a) allowing a resident to store vehicles inside a garage on their residential lot and (b) allowing a business to use a residential parcel as an extension of commercial operations. Speaker 8 said the applicant “would need a spot variance to utilize for his company,” and Speaker 3 said the zoning board’s recommendation was to hold a public meeting and, if appropriate, recommend a use variance specific to the proposed activity.

Conditions and likely limits: Council members said that if a use variance were granted it would likely carry limits: one story, no living quarters, no external advertising or signage permitted under ordinary residential rules, and restrictions on parking heavy commercial vehicles outside the structure. Members noted that aesthetics and neighborhood impact — not solely the applicant’s business activity — often drive enforcement concerns.

Next steps: The council will hold the advertised public hearing on Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Neighbors within the immediate impact area will be notified and will be able to testify; the committee will then consider whether to recommend the use variance to the full council.