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Planning board denies accessory‑structure variance for Jones property on Palmer Road
Summary
The board denied a request from Clara and Thomas Jones to allow an additional accessory structure that would exceed the code’s accessory‑square‑footage limit, finding the claimed hardship was convenience and that approval would set an undesirable precedent.
The Reynoldsburg Planning & Zoning Board voted to deny a variance request from Clara and Thomas Jones at 7890 Palmer Road after staff recommended denial.
Staff told the board that the single‑parcel, SR‑zoned property is approximately 1.8 acres and that code (section 11.005.05 A7.5) limits accessory‑structure square footage to 50% of the principal structure’s finished floor area. The planned second accessory structure would add 192 sq ft (about 180 sq ft over the permitted area), and staff said the applicant’s stated hardship — storage for a golf cart and mower — appeared to be a matter of convenience rather than a qualifying hardship.
Tom Jones testified that, because the family maintains a large, rolling property and requires an oversized mower and golf cart, they need additional covered storage; he also described having classic cars stored in an existing accessory structure and said the new building would be screened from public view. Board members pressed the applicant on whether the parcel’s conditions were unique compared with neighboring lots and whether alternative remedies were considered.
Mr. Benner moved to deny the variance based on staff’s findings (lack of uniqueness, precedent concerns and absence of qualifying hardship). The roll call produced four votes to deny and two no votes; the motion carried and the variance was denied.
