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Zoning board approves circular driveway variance at 225 Winfield Drive
Summary
At its May 2026 meeting the Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing an 18‑foot circular driveway and second curb cut at 225 Winfield Drive, citing safety concerns about backing onto a narrow, uncurbed street and support from nearby neighbors.
The Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously at its May 2026 meeting to approve a variance permitting an 18‑foot‑wide circular driveway and a second curb cut at 225 Winfield Drive.
Applicant David Chatfield told the board he and his wife have lived in Bowling Green for 42 years and said the narrow, older driveway forces guests to back out onto a narrow, uncurbed and oft‑used pedestrian street. “Backing out in the dark in a narrow driveway to a dark street with pedestrian traffic is the root concern that we face,” Chatfield said, adding the circular drive would allow safer entry and exit for large gatherings.
City planning staff described the proposal as an 18‑foot circular driveway that, as drawn, creates a second curb cut and allows parking in the front yard — items that conflict with the city’s access management rules and the zoning code’s general limit of one curb cut per parcel. Staff also confirmed notices were posted and three adjacent property owners signed formal support.
A neighbor, Jim Huntington, who lives immediately north of the property, spoke in favor of the plan and described installing his own circular drive in 1982. “I have no problem with the driveway at all,” Huntington said.
Board members balanced the zoning code’s 2023 emphasis on discouraging front‑yard parking with the applicant’s safety argument and the neighborhood context. One member noted the city’s access management committee — made up of the municipal administrator, public works director, planning director, city engineer and utilities director — reviewed the plan and that four of five committee members did not object. Several members expressed concern about tree preservation; Chatfield said only a small oak would be removed and the large sycamore in the yard would be preserved.
A motion to approve the variance as submitted was moved by Jeff Crawford and seconded by Jake Sockman. The secretary called the roll and the members recorded unanimous support: Jerry Anderson, Jeff Crawford, Tim Emmert, Bob McCumber, Brad/ Rod Noble, David Flager and Jay/ Jace Sackman voted yes. The board directed the applicant to see the planning department to secure required permits.
The decision is final for the zoning board; appeals can be filed to the Wood County Court of Common Pleas.
