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Zoning board grants Heimann variance to build front-yard deck at 2290 Hookstown Grade Road
Summary
The Findlay Township Zoning Hearing Board unanimously approved a variance April 15, 2026 allowing James Heimann to build a 12-foot front-yard deck at 2290 Hookstown Grade Road after staff review and a neighbor voiced no opposition.
The Findlay Township Zoning Hearing Board on April 15, 2026 unanimously granted a variance allowing a front-yard deck at 2290 Hookstown Grade Road in Clinton.
James Heimann, the applicant and property owner at 2290 Hookstown Grade Road, told the board the house is positioned at the rear lot line, the left yard is a hillside and the septic system lies to the right, limiting options for outdoor access. Heimann said the proposed deck will extend 12 feet toward the street, run the width of the house, will not be covered and will include a railing and steps.
Assistant Township Manager and Planning Administrator Brandon J. Stanick summarized his April 15, 2026 staff review, saying the applicant requested relief from Section 117.317.7.1 of the Findlay Township Zoning Ordinance (the transcript notes the section number was corrected from 117.318.7.1). Stanick told the board legal notices were published March 26 and April 2, 2026, neighbor notification letters were mailed April 2, 2026 and a yard sign was posted April 8, 2026. He also noted the zoning ordinance does not permit accessory structures such as decks in the front or side yard and stated that staff found the variance standards addressed and the site plan in compliance with his review.
Kim Henry, a neighbor at 2297 Hookstown Grade Road who said her house is diagonally across from the applicant's, told the board she has no opposition to the proposed deck.
Chair Amy Kovac moved to grant the variance; Vice-Chair Celeste Rosen seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Member Patrick Cunningham was recorded as absent.
The board entered two exhibits into the record: Exhibit 1 (application packet including site location map, survey map and three neighbor letters) and Exhibit 2 (staff review letter dated April 15, 2026). The meeting, which opened at 7:00 p.m. in the Clinton Meeting Room of the Findlay Township Municipal Building, adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
The variance permits a front-yard deck contrary to the township rule that accessory decks are not allowed in front or side yards; the board's action resolves the specific permit request for 2290 Hookstown Grade Road but does not alter the ordinance language.
