Variance approved for third accessory building at 14670 Clark State Road; neighbor voices support

The Pataskala City Board of Zoning Appeals on June 9 approved variance VA-26-011, permitting a third accessory structure on the 7.79-acre property at 14670 Clark State Road. The applicant proposed a new roughly 4,800-square-foot barn to store farm equipment; staff said the building would meet setbacks and other requirements except the local cap limiting most lots to two accessory buildings under section 1221.05A.

Kayla, planning staff, told the board the lot currently has two accessory structures—a gazebo and a hay barn—and that approval would raise the total number of accessory buildings from two to three. Staff recommended conditions including obtaining all necessary permits from the City of Pataskala within one year and removal of a 192-foot storage container that is currently on site.

John Snider, the applicant, was sworn and confirmed the staff report; he said the proposed building is for storage of farm equipment rather than livestock and testified he did not know of the zoning restriction when he purchased the property. Neighbor Steve Ary, who said he lives adjacent to the property, told the board he had “absolutely no objection” to the project and praised the existing gazebo.

The board reviewed the variance criteria and voted to approve VA-26-011 with the recommended conditions. Roll call votes recorded yes from Mr. Luzer, Mr. Vanderan, Miss Pierce and Mr. Cooper. The approval included the requirement that the on-site storage container be removed upon completion of the project and that permits be secured within one year.