Lancaster Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approves variances and special exceptions, including residential treatment center

The Lancaster Board of Zoning Appeals met July 14 and unanimously approved area variances and special exceptions for multiple properties, including permission for a residential treatment center and waivers to allow new construction to match previously built phases.

Chairman Tim Oatney opened the meeting at 2 p.m. in the 1897 Room and read the Notice of Appellate Rights. Members present were Jim Bahnsen, Jim Edwards and Melody Bobbitt; staff included Mayor McDaniel, Assistant Law Director Mitch Harden, Zoning Inspector Andrew Lundell, City Planner Chasilyn Carter and Administrative Assistant Kendra Brown.

Nick Palladino of VPL Architects asked the board to grant two area variances for H&H Prime Holdings at 2563 East Main Street so a second construction phase matches an earlier phase completed under the pre-2023 zoning code. Palladino said the new code’s requirement that non-residential facades contain 80% natural or synthetic-look materials would prevent the new building from matching the existing one and asked for relief from the sidewalk-installation requirement along Main Street and Marietta Road. "There are currently no other properties along Marietta Road that have sidewalks," Palladino said, arguing the requirement would be inconsistent with surrounding properties. Melody Bobbitt moved to approve both variances so the second phase matches the first; the motion passed unanimously.

Gerald Troidl requested two variances for 305 Harrison Avenue: a reduction of the detached-garage rear setback from 20 feet to 5 feet and permission to install a 24-by-40-foot gravel pad at the rear of the lot. Zoning Inspector Andrew Lundell told the board the proposed garage would not interfere with the required sight triangle and said similar garages nearby sit less than 20 feet from the alley. Troidl said moving the garage back to 20 feet would leave "too little yard space for his dogs to run." The board approved the variances with the condition that the gravel area shown in the submitted drawing (Exhibit A) not be used for parking; Troidl agreed to post a "No Parking" sign.

Raising Cane’s sought a Special Exception to add outdoor seating at 1934 North Memorial Drive. Representative Matthew Pisko described a plan for 20 non-accessible seats, two accessible seats and two bike racks and proposed relocating a concrete curb and installing bollards to protect the seating from the adjacent drive-thru. The board granted the Special Exception on the condition that bollards be installed to protect the area.

Paul Snyder requested an area variance to build an 871-square-foot accessory structure at 225 East Fifth Avenue in an RT (Residential Transitional) district, where the maximum allowed is 800 square feet. Snyder said he would remove the existing garage; Chairman Oatney observed the new garage would be an improvement to the back lot. The board approved the variance on the condition the existing garage be removed.

Aaron Underhill of Underhill and Hodge represented Landmark Recovery’s request for a Special Exception to operate a Residential Treatment Center at 800 Beck’s Knob Road. Underhill introduced Aubury Holmes and Jay Scott from Landmark Recovery; Scott described Landmark’s Westerville facility (opened 2023) and said the Lancaster location plans to employ about "65 to 75" staff. Scott described the program as a voluntary 30-day treatment step that transitions participants to sober living and said some participants are referred through the Drug and Alcohol Court. Scott said, "Landmark has already invested approximately $2 million in the Lancaster facility." The board approved the Special Exception conditioned on payment of outstanding Building Department fees before an Occupancy Permit is issued.

One case (BZA Case No. 767) was withdrawn by counsel. The meeting adjourned after a motion by Melody Bobbitt.

Votes at a glance - BZA Case No. 761 (H&H Prime Holdings, 2563 East Main St.): Area variances to waive sidewalks and the 80% natural-materials facade requirement to match existing phase — Motion by Melody Bobbitt, second Jim Bahnsen; outcome: approved unanimously (4–0). - BZA Case No. 762 (Gerald Troidl, 305 Harrison Ave.): Area variances for 5-foot garage setback and 24'x40' gravel pad (gravel pad not to be used for parking per Exhibit A) — Motion by Jim Edwards, second Melody Bobbitt; outcome: approved unanimously (4–0). - BZA Case No. 763 (Raising Cane’s, 1934 N. Memorial Dr.): Special Exception for outdoor seating (20 non-accessible seats, 2 accessible seats, 2 bike racks); bollards required — Motion by Jim Bahnsen, second Jim Edwards; outcome: approved unanimously (4–0). - BZA Case No. 765 (Paul Snyder, 225 E. Fifth Ave.): Area variance for 871 sq ft accessory building (existing garage to be removed) — Motion by Jim Edwards, second Melody Bobbitt; outcome: approved unanimously (4–0). - BZA Case No. 766 (Landmark Recovery, 800 Beck’s Knob Rd.): Special Exception to operate a Residential Treatment Center; approval conditioned on payment of outstanding Building Department fees before Occupancy Permit — Motion by Jim Edwards, second Jim Bahnsen; outcome: approved unanimously (4–0).

What happens next - Approved variances and special exceptions will be effective per the city’s process; the Landmark Recovery approval is conditioned on payment of outstanding fees before occupancy. No appeals or public objections were recorded at the hearing.