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Planning commission grants Ackers family variances for lot split on private drive
Summary
The commission approved variances allowing a lot split on Parcel 053-60037-00, waiving minimum frontage, sidewalk and right-of-way dedication requirements because the parcel is accessed by a long private drive and will not connect to city water or sewer; the Fairfield County Health Department reviewed the property for septic and well.
The Lancaster City Planning Commission unanimously approved Dec. 11 variances requested by the Ackers family that allow a lot split on a property served by a private drive.
Chasilyn Carter of Community Development described Case No. 2025.015 (petitioner Paul Ackers, agent Diane Ackers) and said the parcel (053-60037-00) lacks the required public street frontage and would not be served by the city’s water or sewer systems. Carter said the Fairfield County Health Department had reviewed the site for suitability of an on‑site septic system and well. Staff recommended approval of the variances.
The Ackers application sought relief from Lancaster Codified Ordinance (LCO) 1105.03(A)(4) (frontage/minimum lot width), LCO 1105.03(4)(C) (sidewalk installation for minor subdivisions) and LCO 1105.03(4)(D) (right-of-way dedication under the Thoroughfare Plan) because the parcel sits at the end of a long private driveway and has legal access via an existing easement.
City Engineer Curt Shonk confirmed the owners had demonstrated legal easement access but no public road frontage. Commissioner Bob Lovell asked whether neighboring homes across the drive were inside city limits; Stephanie Hall (Law Director’s Office) said they were not. When Commissioner John Sigafoos asked who would respond to a fire on the property, Carter said she had spoken with Fire Chief Slade Schultz, who indicated the private drive currently serves existing homes and that with fewer than 30 houses an additional access point would not be required.
John Sigafoos moved to approve the requested variances; Jan Coccia seconded. The motion passed unanimously and was carried by Service Safety Director Carrie Woody.
The minutes record staff approval and supporting findings for the variances; the commission did not record further conditions or a requirement to connect to city utilities.
