Elyria planning panel approves setback and parking variances for South Abbey Road property

Elyria — The Elyria Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a variance permitting South Abbey Road Plaza LLC to keep an existing building five feet from the property line and to recognize 25 on-site parking spaces for several properties on South Abbey Road, despite a zoning code requirement for 48 spaces.

Planning staff described the request as tied to a recently approved lot consolidation and split. "These variances are for two deviations from the zoning code," planning staff said, noting the building currently sits five feet from the property line adjacent to a residential zone and the site has 25 existing parking spaces where 48 are required. Staff said it had "no concerns" and recommended approval.

Proponent Bob Bios, who identified himself as a nearby property owner at 260 South Logan, told the commission the building at the address has housed "Marco's Number 1 Kitchens" since 1988 and described plans to draft a perpetual crossover easement for shared parking after the lot split. "We've had some discussion with Chris, and my son-in-law, Joe, in regards to a crossover easement for parking, which will be prepared after the lots are split," he said.

No opponents spoke during the public hearing. After brief procedural confirmation that the requested deviations fall within the commission's authority, Miss Rivera moved to approve the variance and Derek Tedrow seconded. The commission voted by voice and the motion carried.

The approved variance applies to addresses listed by staff (629, 631, 635, 641 and 645 South Abbey Road). Staff noted the existing building predated current zoning requirements and recommended recognizing the current setbacks and parking as part of the lot adjustments.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally beyond the voice vote and no conditions beyond drafting the crossover easement were specified during the hearing. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026.