Dublin board grants variance allowing Zobel deck to encroach 10 feet into rear setback

The Dublin Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a nonuse-area variance for the Zobel residence, allowing a deck to encroach 10 feet into a 30-foot rear-yard setback at 6809 Holbein Drive.

Planner Zach Hounsell told the board staff had reviewed the application against the required variance criteria and concluded they were met, noting the lot backs to an open-space reserve and that the home’s main-level egress and lot frontage on two streets limit where improvements can be built. "Planning staff is recommending approval of this variance for the 10 foot encroachment," Hounsell said.

The variance application (Case 25-053V) requests reduction of the rear-yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet to accommodate a deck approximately 13 feet deep and 15 feet wide. Hounsell said the site’s grade change (about a 10-foot drop from Holbein Drive to the rear) and the lot’s corner configuration reduce usable backyard area and constitute the special circumstances evaluated under the code. He also cited a 2014, similar approval (Case 14-055V) involving a 6-foot encroachment as relevant background.

Applicant Mark Zobel said the deck would improve the home’s appearance and usability and that no homes are located directly behind the property, which lessens impacts on neighbors. "This will enable us to better enjoy our residents more personally and improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood as well as the value of our home," Zobel said. He also stated that MI Homes did not disclose any prior setback variance for the property at the time of purchase.

Board members questioned whether the condition is recurrent across the neighborhood and whether the proposal would affect adjacent properties. Staff responded that the circumstance appears limited to a handful of lots and that the adjoining open space will prevent impacts on rear neighbors. Several members said the precedent and lack of adjacent homes support approval.

The presiding member moved to approve the variance to allow a 10-foot encroachment into the 30-foot rear setback; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call with all present members voting yes. The board then closed discussion on the case and continued to other business.

Case number: 25-053V. Address: 6809 Holbein Drive. Requested encroachment: 10 feet (reduce setback to 20 feet). Deck size (approx.): 13 feet deep by 15 feet wide.

The board adjourned afterward with no additional public comment on the case.