Erie zoning board approves 120‑sq.‑ft. variance for Gloth Avenue garage

ERIE, Pa. — The Erie Zoning Hearing Board on June 9 granted a 120‑square‑foot dimensional variance for a detached garage at 2931 Gloth Avenue, allowing a recently constructed structure that exceeds the 720‑square‑foot local limit to remain.

Attorney Tony Log, representing homeowner Amy Grayson, told the board the structure — which measures about 840 square feet — was built to offer a private, accessible space for Grayson’s son and cited letters from medical providers. "I would like this board to grant the variance for substantial justice to Miss Grayson," Log said during the hearing.

Log introduced photographs and a site layout as exhibits and said Grayson has spent roughly $45,000 on improvements to the property. Designer Britney Zilman, who visited the site and will prepare as‑built drawings for permitting, described the new building as a pole construction that "does not have the doors on it as of this point" and said electrical service and a concrete floor are planned.

Board members questioned when the structure was built and whether required permits had been obtained. The attorney and designer said the new building was constructed two to three months earlier and a plumbing permit had been issued and inspected; the construction lacked prior zoning authorization. The applicant’s counsel argued the board could consider disability‑related hardship under the code and cited relevant zoning provisions during his presentation.

After questions from board members about lot coverage, setbacks and the exact variance amount, the board moved to approve the requested relief limited to the 120 square feet in excess of the 720‑square‑foot maximum. The motion to approve was made by Ed Dawson and seconded by Tom Seabald; Seabald, Dawson and Vice Chair Selena King voted in favor. Amy Francis recorded the action.

The board noted that required permits and inspections must be completed going forward. The file for the case is listed as Appeal 13338.