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Zoning board approves variances for outdoor display and parking at 4953 West Erie Avenue
Summary
The Zoning Board approved three variances for Palmer Park Properties at 4953 West Erie Ave allowing use of rear area for outdoor display, an exception related to a 169-space parking requirement, and limited exceptions to paving requirements for display areas; staff set conditions and the applicant will also appear before the Planning Commission.
The Lorain Zoning Board of Appeals approved multiple variances Dec. 3 for a commercial property at 4953 West Erie Avenue, permitting expanded outdoor display and storage with conditions intended to preserve parking and ensure access for emergency vehicles.
Staff introduced BA37-2025 as a set of requests by Palmer Park Park Properties (owner) and an applicant name listed in the packet. At the hearing a speaker who identified himself as Jacob Zook (4953 West Erie Avenue) said he had clarified application materials since the last meeting: “we clarified our our letters a little bit better,” he told the board.
City staff listed three variance issues for board consideration: (1) the requirement that a driveway be graded, paved and maintained from the street to the rear of the property to permit emergency access — the applicant asked to utilize the rear area for outdoor display with one-way access; (2) the requirement that outdoor storage/display on parking lots not reduce available parking — the application seeks a variance related to a parking requirement equivalent to 169 spaces for an open-air business; and (3) the code requirement that all outdoor display and sales areas be paved with a permanent, durable, dustless surface and be graded and drained — the application sought relief to allow display on unpaved areas.
Board members questioned the applicant about hours and staffing; Zook said operations would be Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and that someone would generally be present on site. Members also confirmed existing chain-link fencing around the parcel and discussed its extent.
The board considered the three variance requests separately. A motion to approve the driveway/access variance carried by voice vote. The motion to allow outdoor display and storage on parking areas without reducing required parking also carried. The motion regarding paving and surface requirements carried after a voice vote that recorded one nay. The board supplemented approvals with conditions discussed on the record and reminded the applicant that the Planning Commission would also consider related approvals.
The applicant was advised to proceed to the Planning Commission as the next step in the review process.
